How Much Should a Writer Charge?

Oh, my goodness, how writing income has changed in only a few years.

- BY C. HOPE CLARK, FOUNDER FUNDSFORWRITERS.COM

Once upon a time, a writer simply found the masthead of a magazine and emailed the editor, or sent letters of introduction to a company with a few clips.

Today, there are job boards galore, and quite reputable ones. What's even better is that gig managers and employers know how to use these sites now. A recent difference is sites incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their job-seeking equation. AI initially reviews many writing résumés to match need to talent, and the dynamic seems to work. Many of those jobs expect a writer to understand AI as well.

And social media? Between LinkedIn and X, Reddit and Facebook, one can't not find writing jobs. And freelance job announcement newsletters are everywhere, distributed by successful freelance writers who have walked the walk.

All of this change makes for serious growing pains for those accustomed to old ways. With AI “writing” the shallower, lightweight material, freelancers must dig deeper and write stronger, more often with a niche. The work is there. It’s just different. It requires more of a writing candidate than before, but the good thing is, there is a lot of work out there to be had.

Same goes for creative writing. The means to publish and earn money has evolved such that anyone who has an inkling of an idea for a book can make one, and depending on their drive, can make a living at it. Times have changed, but they can be profitable, especially to those diligent, dedicated, and driven.

But to someone brand-spanking new to this career path, this wealth of opportunity can be intimidating. Too much noise, too many options, and the lingo of new sites are enough to shut someone down. Some part-timers throw up their hands, while others drool over the prospects.