Every time a freelance writer posts anything relating to salary, they also post many qualifiers. I do it, too-- always noting that I work about 60% of full time, or some other such thing. That's because it's hard to talk about what you make. I get that.
So, today, for the sake of new, young freelancers, I'm just going to put it out there: I make about 40K a year.
Other than wanting to give "full disclosure," what inspired this post was the salary survey at Freelance Writing Gigs. I like when bloggers run these things (Freelance Switch did one a year or two ago), as they are a valuable snapshot of the career. I hope you will consider taking that survey!
About 40K a year is not bad at all!
Is that your net profit or your gross profit? Budding freelancers need to understand the difference. Gross profit is calculated by adding up all the payments received on writing assignments; net profit is the amount remaining after subtracting the writing-related expenses. Most freelance writers report their income and expenses on a Schedule C and pay income taxes on their net profit. There are Social Security taxes, too, if the net profit is over $400.
A huge amount depends on where you live and whether you’re just supporting yourself or a family, or have good or bad health (and therefore medical bills). Thus 40K can be pretty amazing in some parts of the country especially if you’re single (maybe even living with parents), and impossible to live on in others, unless it’s secondary to a partner’s income.
But in this economy, congratulations on being able to earn anything!
Hi
Although I do derive a portion of my income from my freelance writing, I have yet to make that jump from part-time to full-time writer. I can never seem to rake up enough work for any length of time to keep me going financially. Any tips? What kind of writing do you write?
For newbies (and those who really love the craft), 40k is amazing. Now, granted it’s not a fortune, but let’s face it folks, very few of us entertain dreams of becoming millionaires from writing after actually doing it for a little while. Personally, I think it was hugely brave of you to put that out there and I think that you are fortunate enough to have a pretty great job, so keep up the good work!
Well, I didn’t want to put in too many “buts” or qualifiers, but I will answer, for the sake of newbs. That’s gross, but freelance writing doesn’t have too much overhead- I work out of a home office and so my expenses rarely add up past… I don’t know, 2-3K?
I’ve written “full time” (as in this is my only job, yet I don’t work more than 25-30 hours per week) for … 3-4 years. Before that I wrote and edited on top of a salaried job.
I write for the web here at About.com, and then the rest is all magazines (I have two that use me regularly) and editing/proofreading.
Oh, and yes, I am the second wage earner in the family. I admit that my husband makes much more than I and works much more than I do…. I am not the main supporter of the family is what I am trying to say.
40K is pretty good. I’m assuming most of that comes from the magazine gigs? I work PT for a newspaper and don’t even come close to what you are making. But the newspaper industry is struggling and right now I’m just happy to have a writing gig that pays real money.
After working for many high-tech firms over the past 25 years as a technical writer, trainer, and usability specialist, I turned to free-lance writing 3 years ago as my sole source of income. I concentrate on marketing, technical, and educational writing.
As a free-lancer, it took me awhile to get used to the fact that:
1) Some weeks I worked 50 hours and other weeks I worked 0 hours because I had no projects and no clients.
2) I no longer received regular paychecks.
3) My monthly income varied wildly.
However, once I got used to those things, I realized that my time was indeed my own. I could work as much or as little as I wanted. And I could pick my own clients.
One fact became abundantly clear … my workload was like a sine wave – it went up and it went down. Sometimes I managed to find a number of clients who all had projects at the same time. During those times I worked a lot of hours, juggled multiple projects, and made a lot of money.
However, at other times, when projects were completed or clients dried up, I had little or no work. That’s when I lived frugally, concentrated on networking, and volunteered my writing and editing skills to social justice groups. I often got contacts through those groups, which led to new paying projects, just when I needed them!
I suppose I’ve averaged 15-30 billable hours a week over time. Because of that wide range of hours, my income has varied greatly over the past three years — anywhere from $50K to $75K gross. And when you deduct quarterly taxes, as well as self-funded health insurance, life insurance, and IRA accounts, my net income has probably been more like $30K.
In closing, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to being an employee. I like the freedom to take breaks throughout the day, work with clients I like, and operate from my home. Sure, the pay may be irregular and less than what I was used to as an employee … but then, the freedom to make my own hours and be my own boss has a price, which I don’t mind paying!
Martha Roden
For the benefit of newbies, I will add that some freelancers incur substantially more expense than you do, Allena. For example, travel writers have to pay for transportation, meals and lodging because many publications will not accept research done on sponsored trips. There’s also the cost of internet service, cell phone service, computer equipment and software, memberships in various writers’ organizations and much more.
Thanks for sharing your earnings, Martha. I do realize that I am fortunate in that I’m not paying for health insurance and life insurance, which I happily have through my husb’s work (although, it comes out of his salary, huh, so I guess in a sense we are).
Valerie, I’ve found that I’ve been able to “get along” with the same cell phone & internet service as is already in my home, ie we haven’t needed “extra” costs or “extra” features– yet I write the work portions off! Yay! But yes, newbies should be aware of the wide variety in expenses. Ah, yes, I have traveled twice for business this year, so perhaps, net, I’ll be looking at 4K instead of 3k! We’ll have to see where it all works out.
Lastly, I did come back to leave another “but” on my 40K: I also teach freelance writing classes, and those payments are run through my business records, and I also offer translation services through my freelance writing busines front. So, not ALL of it is through writing per se– but those things are what I always encourage as far as “diversifying” your freelance income.
oops- and I am in Michigan– cheap cheap!
I mad nearly $80K last year…and I mentor new writers and experienced writers who want to learn how to make more from their writing. I can’t believe the need that is out there for writing-career help…I’m hearing from so many writers who have been at it for years and make $10,000 a year. Makes me feel sad! It doesn’t have to be that way…
Carol Tice
http://www.caroltice.com
http://Twitter.com/TiceWrites
I’m an aspiring author (newb) and just wanted to say thanks for everyone’s great information.
Wow! Thank you all for such great information – even with qualifiers. It’s incredible helpful to those of us in the planning stages.
This was a wonderful thread. Thank you for writing the column and to all of you who responded. Great info. I, too, left a job, hoping to do full-time writing/editing. I ended up finding a part-time position, but it’s flexible hours so it really allows me to have a steady paycheck for those leaner times mentioned and yet still work on growing my business. I view it as a temporary stop-gap for right now but I’m much happier being a freelancer than when I was working at a full-time job where I felt I was being very productive, yet not appreciated for my strengths.
Thanks for running the link to the FWJ poll. On the first few days, the poll indicated the average freelance writer earned between $30,000 and $40,000. Now, the poll indicates (out of 140 writers)most writers earn $10,000 or under.
The poll will be running for a while and there’s more analysis required as to the types of jobs and amount of hours each writer works, but the amount earned by most freelancers (thus far) is pretty low.
@Deb, I would guess that your audience is newish writers too? That might average out your results? @Clifton: we like newbs here! Come back, and bring lots of questions with you!
@carol sorry, your comment got stuck in spam, but 80K is great!
As usual Allena, this is another great thread. And now, I must admit, I’m going to tally up what I’ve earned thus far this year (gross and net).
I know, I know — it’s something I should know off the top of my head, but I don’t. I’ve been a freelancer since 9/11 and I’ve had great years and I’ve had lean years. This one’s a lean one, but, it’s been one of landing new clients and working on some wonderful projects.
One of the tricks, I’d say, is to be productive when you’re sitting around twiddling your thumbs (so to speak). New business opportunities just don’t happen every day — but they can be cultivated.
As many others have shared, we’re all in different situations. Some of us have financial help in the household, others don’t. Some of us pay dearly (and through the nose I might add) for health insurance, others don’t.
Thanks for sharing. (Money is always a tough subject!)
“The six-figure freelancer” seems to be the Holy Grail for many self-employed writers. If the survey is any indication, the vast majority of writers fall far below that mark. Does anyone have any insights into how freelancers actually achieve that level of income? Is it a pipe dream sold by the authors of books on freelancing? How do-able is it to really make that kind of money?
@John when I started freelancing, I devoured all kinds of freelance how-to books, including The Six-Figure Freelancer. What the authors of those books allude to, but downplay, is the role of talent.
If your writing is bad, you aren’t going to make millions. If your writing is good, the sky’s the limit. The trick — and all the writing gurus say the same thing — is to be cruelly critical to yourself. Look at your own writing as a consumer. If you compare yourself to your favorite author or your favorite blogger and you think you come up short, readers and editors are likely thinking the same thing.
If you think your writing is good, ask others. Ask writing groups — especially writing groups that are brutally honest. Thanks to the internet, writing groups are easy to find, and thanks to the anonymous nature of the internet the brutally honest part is also easier to find.
You must be willing to edit yourself. You must be willing to cut your own writing until you draw blood. You must be willing to part with that wonderfully witty part that made you laugh as you wrote it because no matter how clever it was, it just doesn’t add enough substance.
Once you can do that, you’ll land jobs that don’t require you to burn out five 500-word articles every hour just to make ends meet. Or, you’ll develop that devilishly popular blog that earns you 200k in advertising before you sell it as a book and option it to a movie starring Meryl Streep.
Most freelancers(me included) could not get by as freelance writers unless our spouse was bringing home most of the bacon…take it from one who knows…I’ve been freelancing for the past 15 years and am forunate to exceed 20K a year…unless most of your assignments pay at least $1 per word there is no way to make it on your own. Most publications and web sites continue to pay as little as possible (50 cents a word or less) because they know they can always get writers…so good luck with your freelance career..!!
I’d also be interested in how many hours you worked. I know it’s tough to estimate, but still curious if you have a number.
In the past I’ve made over $100K while writing. Sure I was writing programming code – but still. Does it count? ;P
Now that I’m doing little coding and lots of other writing, I’m making somewhere about poverty level. Living in Thailand – that’s doable!
It’s been a 3 year ramp up as I build the nerve to completely drop website development and go full time writing ebooks or a published book if I happen to get the formula right.
I have a helpful tip for those that are interested in digital publishing on their own. Amazon is working for me on some level – I checked today and I’ve sold 22 books in the past 65 days. I’d not checked in months. I hadn’t optimized my description, covers, keys, categories, or anything.
Smashwords.com is another site to check out – they just today announced they will be selling their premium content books in the iPad bookstore. Does that include on the iPhone? Not sure. Let’s hope.
I have profound ADD/ADHD, so for me it’s a real chore to pull together enough sustained attention to complete a whole novel. I’ve done it once, for my fiction book set in Patong Beach, Thailand called, Cleansed. I much prefer the shorter ebook format of 80-100 pages.
I’m looking forward to checking out the salary survey. Great site you have here. I wrote for About.com for a few months at gothailand.about.com – but it wasn’t for me.
Good luck to you!
I’m currently an English/Business senior, and am completely enjoying indie publishing (I too use Smashwords and Kindle). If you like writing novels, indie publishing is definitely an avenue to check out nowadays. It’s ten times speedier and more efficient than the traditional/mainstream agent/publisher route–you get to keep more royalties too. Starting out may be tough (as with most other endeavors), but I suppose practice makes perfect.
Best to everyone with their writing!
Hello there,
I was just wondering how you went about getting started in publishing ebooks. This is something I am very interested in pursuing but just need the time and resources to do so. Any advice you can give would be great!
Hi guys, great discussion. Thank you for posting this, Allena. I am wet-behind-my-ears newbie, and I admire anybody who makes 10K a year freelancing – I think that’s awesome.
But I was wondering, what’s up with those freelance sites that look for (and find!!) writers to write 500 word articles for 1$ or some such thing. How can this be sustainable for a writer, mentally and financially? I don’t get it. Has anyone here ever done this?
Hi Miou,
At sites like Freelancer.com the avergae pay for an article of 5oo words is 1$.The majority of the writers on this site are from countries like India,Pakistan ,Bangaladesh and other Asian contries.
I am from India and I write part-time.I have written 500 word articles for only a dollar each.Though no sustainable mentally one can earn a decent amount of money each month by writing 5 to 6 articles everyday.
I am a newbee and just started writing online articles. I am a member of about 8 sites which have different pay models. The most difficult thing for me is to figure out which sites are the best to write for when you’re just starting out and how many articles should be sent to each one. I have some money saved and have no mortgage so I have some time to ramp up but I am very confused about the above. Any advice?
Hi all! Here is a 2010 update for you: as of May 2010 I’ve profited 30K so far. I am hoping, then, for a 60K year in 2010. Again, I work 6 hours per day while my kids are in school, and not much in the summer. Want to know how- stick around, read up, and feel free to email me.
There’s a potential for better earnings if you freelance for CROs and pharmaceutical companies. I cleared 125K last year after expenses — I work long hours much of the year and take off summers (it’s harder to find jobs then, and I like to spend the time with my kids when they’re out of school).
I am amazed that writers earn so little. I try to instill the importance of writing in my students, and I was hoping to prove to them that those who write well can make good money, and here you are telling the world that you do not. I was hoping to get into writing myself, but after seeing the comments made here, I don’t think it’s worth all the effort. To write one has to have something to write about, which means a great deal of reading as well. What does all that come out per hour?
I have a communication/mrkg background and work with several web design and other artists, handling copy and blog content for their projects. I am considering subscribing to one of the ‘bid for jobs’ sites but don’t want to get scammed. Which one is legit? Any advice? Thanks in advance–i am impressed with everyone’s great comments.
I think it’s important to put much of this salary info in perspective. People can use the term “writer” to describe anything from content site jobs paying $.01 a word to legitimate journalists writing feature stories at major news outlets for thousands. Part time or full time, seasoned or newbie…all factors that play heavily into income. People who make under $10,000 a year writing are not writing full time AND probably writing for pennies. I made that amount (while keeping a day job) and writing lower paying gigs working 15 hours/wk.
I think a lot of this has to do with mindset. Sadly, many writers convince themselves low paying (often sweatshop rate) jobs are all they can get. It may take awhile, but I know several freelance writers making well over $60k a year.
I just found this site this morning and read all of your posts. I must say up front that I am a stay at home mom with the passion of writing. It wasn’t until recently that I came to the conclusion that freelance is right up my alley. Although my husband brings in bacon, the income would be a nice perk. I have a few questions. First, I cannot figure out where to begin or how to begin. I thought about going and taking classes or reading books, or maybe just start writing to see where I am and what exactly I need to develop to become a better writer. I am curious as to where some of you started, and if anyone has any advice as to where I should start. Thanks.
Liz, I have two suggestions for you. First- check out our forum (click on the link under my photo that says “my forum.” Second, keep reading. I actually have an article that is called How To Start- The First Step. Good luck!
Thank you for this great information! This is the job for me, and I’m so thankful to find valuable advice that I can really use.
If I could make 40k a year being a freelance writer I would be well satisfied.
wonderful!! Thanks to all the helpful people here, i have my mind ticking…
….Really!! Wish u all have a great day ahead , forever.
I’m surprised you people are all earning so little money.
I earn well in excess of 100k a year, and have done for many years. I’m not meaning to sound boastful. Just want people to know what’s possible.
If you are a talented, flexible writer who gives a good service, you can make a very nice living at this game.
It’s like any business, really. Provide something of value that people want and are prepared to pay for, and you’ll be fine.
Hi Neil,
I just read your comments and appreciate the value you are getting for your services.
I wish to start up my career in writing for health magazines. Can u pls guide.
Thanks
Monika
I’m also posting because –$10000 or $20000 a year?
First, question the data. If this was obtained from surveying a blog, are the readers of that blog writing for content mills or something? Also, other posters here make very valid points – Is this part-time work? Full-time?
I am also posting to say that it doesn’t need to be like this or to provide another data point.
I’ve been freelancing for close to 2 years.
Last year was my first year and I made $68000 (after deducting for other expenses). I’m on track to make the same amount this year but it is still to early to predict.
I am also not saying this to brag (what do I care, no one knows my name), but just that there are other options. As a FYI, people can approach companies rather than bidding sites or whatever options are paying a couple dollars for 500 words.
I do think that I am still struggling and have a lot to learn (boy did I have a few slow months this year), but over time I should learn to market and acquire more skills and the amt/month should go up eventually.
I just wanted to say thank you for that direct answer to my question ( how much do writers make) when i was looking for an answer. Me and my wife are putting a book together and we was jus wondering.
Thank you so much for posting this. I have learned so much from you and the feedback! I would like to start freelance writing, and I needed some advice as to where to start. It’s always nice to hear from others who have been in the freelance world for a while.
In 2010 I billed what would be 775 hours. I work mostly by the project, but, I do keep an eye on the number of hours I work on projects. I billed $87,382. Also, because I combine photography with writing that added another 65 days at $1050 per day. I also charge for certain expenses adding $18755 to the total of $174,387. I am sure I am far from the norm, but, I have found a nitch. I spent 122 days on the road last year (a little deceiving as I added on some vacation days at the end of business trips.). I took November and December off, as I always do. But, those days are spent setting up the next year – the places and events I will go and cover. Chase’s comes out in October and I need the two months to arrange my schedule for the next year. I spend 12-15 hours each week on the phone doing research and arranging in person interviews. On the road my days are long as after shooting or covering a story there are photos to edit and stories to write and present, and follow-up to do to assure my facts are correct. Based on a 40 hour week, 52 weeks a year I make $84hr. But, I work way more than 40 hours (all that time on the road) bringing the REAL number down to 35-40 hr. And have taxes in all states making tax time oh so much fun, health care and other expenses. Luckily I have many, many, frequent flier miles and hotels points built up so travel is not that expensive and I really do enjoy the upgrades and first class lounges at airports.
It may sound great but so many other things I have given up to do this. Point is, you can make lots of $$$ but, what effort do you want to put in and what are YOU will to pay to do it? And, are you will to do what not many other are will to do or want to do? I have lots of fun, but there are lots of tedious days where I just shoot, write, have a beer, and go to bed. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
I want to become a freelance writer and become self-employed. I don’t like the idea of working for somebody. I rather be my own boss and do things the way it works for me.
I’ve been struggling for almost two years writing for websites. I’m given the subject, keyword(s), number of words required, and turned loose. I pretty much have creative freedom, and I’ve really enjoyed the work because I’ve done a lot of research and learned a lot about things I knew nothing about. I know my material is used because I’ve gone to the websites and it’s my material, verbatim.
BUT, here’s the rub! I currently charge by the word; at the end of the first year I did double my rate, but it is still pennies per word. I also track my hours spent on research and when you add all of that in, the amount per hour is ridiculous! I live in the Dallas area, have been writing for 30 years, and free lancing for 2. Can anyone out there give me a reasonable suggestion on rates?
Hmm. I grossed about $6000 in 2009, and more than $20,000 in 2010, but now my income has seriously fallen off again. [e.t.a: actually, now that I sit down and work it out, I'm around $15,000 already this year so far, & I guess I'm on track to beat last year's income-- why does it NOT feel like such a good year?]
Discouragement is the biggest enemy of my writing career. Loneliness feeds it.
How do the rest of you deal with those enemies? Or are the high earning freelance writers just innately geared so that those are not really issues?
Angela- I went from 20K, up a little, up a little more, and then got up above 100K in 2010. However, 2011 has been much more of a struggle. THe economy, etc. Hand in there.
oops HANG in there
it dosen’t feel like a good year because price of everything went UP. so this year’s 15K buys you less or same as last year’s 20K
I tried making it as a writer for awhile… But quickly learned the profits involved. Sorry but 30-40k in most major metros is diddly unless you are fresh out of college. Also, most of the content I ended up writing on, was things I wasn’t all too interested in either…which was my initial point in wanting to write. Fortunately, writing isn’t my only skill, and I can make over double working in IT, and write what I want to on the side including paying out for my own marketing.
Just thought I would throw my two cents in there…
It of course depends entirely on what you are writing, does it not?
I’m a thirtysomething Lit graduate with prior lifetime experience limited to the hospitality sector, which qualifies me to write about a) books and b) booze. Neither of which require much expertise, and are therefore everywhere.
However, if you are a freelancer with 15 years experience in engineering or HR, then you can write on diverse, specialised topics, or even do Technical Writing or Annual Reports. Therein lies the money.
My degree has allowed me to sound knowledgeable on topics that I have researched, and indeed improved my research skills; but to be honest I feel like I have little more expert insight to apply than an alcoholic who is a member of various bookclubs.
If you can’t tell, January is being a harsh mistress!
G.
G- if it’s any help, I’ve had a rough January. And I’ve had 120K years, 60 K years and 25K years… and NOT in that order!
Great thread! Since we’re dishing, I have been supporting myself solely with freelancing since 2004. Rates have come down due to the economy, but I still made 40k last year and am on track to make over 60k this year (knock on wood!) It *is* possible, but not easy. I worked at a start-up Internet company right out of college in 1996 and the connections I made during those years are still paying off to this day! The biggest key to making it work, for me anyway, is that I have several “steady” clients I do monthly work for (enewsletters and so on.) So while it isn’t the most interesting writing I do, it’s what makes it possible for me to live the freelance life! If I was relying on one time assignments I don’t think I could do it. So look for a “steady” client or two, that would be my advice to new freelancers. And get and keep a Rolodex (or whatever) — you never know when one contact will lead to another assignment and another and another…
I’ve been a technical writer and editor for over 20 years, as an employee, and my last job paid over $70,000/year. I want to get into freelance editing and writing, especially now that day jobs are so scarce. I’ve worked for content mills, but you don’t get much respect or money. You can’t pay the bills that way. I also have a science degree, so that’s in my favor, but in all the research I’ve done on getting into freelance editing, both print and online, there’s a dearth of info on how to get the actual editing jobs. What’s the right way to approach a publisher, company, or Web site about freelance editing jobs? A cover letter and resume, same as with a regular job? I live in a major metro area, and I need to earn a livable wage. Anyone have any good suggestions? How did you guys start getting freelance gigs?
I’m going to turn your question into an FAQ rebecca. watch the newsletter.
I live in Great Britain and write most days. Having spent a weekend staying in a Yurt and learning to make a Clay oven I decided to write about it and approached 14 magazines re an article. Most were interested but absolutely none wanted to pay for it. So how do I and other newbs get started? Is it acceptable to approach US magazine publishers or do you only earn money over the web?
Christine- the following MIGHT account for your 14 rejections: 1) Perhaps you didn’t approach the RIGHT magazines- ones that would INDEED be interested in this type of article. 2) Perhaps HOW you approached them garnered you a rejection. Bad grammar? Didn’t follow the accepted industry standard for a pitch/query letter? Explore around this site a little, I have a LOT of advice about pitching magazines. And yes, it is ok to approach US publishers too. Check out the Writers Market.
i’m a young student from South Africa, still in high school doin Grade12, i wana be a writer… i actualy would lyk writing christian books and fictions but i do not know which course i shoud take. anyone 2 help me out??