There are 5 different ways that you may be paid as a freelance writer or editor:
- By retainer; the client guarantees you a certain number of hours within a time period, and an agreed rate is paid by time period. This works well for clients who ask that you be available to them and provide fast turnaround. Generally they will ask for a weekly or monthly invoicing, and they will then pay you the retainer amount at that time.
- By the word; this works for both writing and editorial freelancing in which there are a set number of words in the project.
- By the hour; for projects that are not well defined, or when neither client nor freelancer sees an end.
- Per page; this also works well for editorial work (in addition to writing work), a set amount of work is agreed upon per page. However, be careful to define what a "page" consists of.
- Per project fee; possibly the most common, a set amount is agreed upon in exchange for completion of a set project.
