How much to charge for freelance writing

The ability to price your work confidently can often separate struggling writers from successful ones. But how do you do it effectively?

This guide explains the key ingredients that go into achieving the right balance between valuing your work and providing value to your clients.

And once you’ve got your prices perfected, we share how you can use Wise Business to get paid in 40+ currencies for your written work, without losing money to high withdrawal fees.

Hourly rate vs. per-word rate: Which should you use?

The decision to charge an hourly vs per-word rate depends on the type of project, the client, and the scope.

Hourly rates are better suited for copywriting projects like website copy, sales pages, or product descriptions. These require more creativity, strategy, and time, so charging hourly ensures you’re fairly compensated.

Example scenario for charging an hourly rate:
You’re hired to create web copy for a cryptocurrency company. The project involves deep audience research, as the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is not given. The copy must grab attention and drive conversion.

Since it is difficult to estimate the required time commitment, you agree to charge an hourly rate in your contract and create an invoice that states your total charge (the number of hours worked multiplied by your hourly rate).

Per-word rates work best for one-off blog posts, articles, and whitepapers. Clients like them because they feel more transparent and measurable.

Example scenario for charging a per-word rate:
You’re an ecommerce writer tasked with writing a 1,000-word blog article to go on an existing website. You only have to write this specific blog article.

Since you know the exact word count but do not know how many hours it would take to produce the article, you agree to charge £0.45/word to write it, which covers writing and two rounds of edits.

Hourly rate vs. per-word rate: Pros and cons for freelance writing

What's the average going rate for freelance writers?

According to Payscale, the hourly rate for freelance writing is £14.81/hour as of 25 July 2024¹.

Meanwhile, data from Indeed, as of 21 August 2025, reported an average base salary of²:

• £14.32/hour for hourly pay
• £147/day for daily pay
• £492/weekly for weekly pay
• £2,035/monthly for monthly pay
• £26,886/yearly for yearly pay

On platforms like Upwork³, freelance writers earn an average of £29.66/hour when converted from USD rate (learn more about this in our Upwork review for UK freelancers).

Charging according to your experience as a freelance writer

Whether you’re new or experienced, setting your freelance writing rates means making informed decisions, not just based on the project or client expectations, but also on industry standards.

Per-word rates can vary dramatically based on your niche and experience. Here’s a more detailed look at what you might charge:

• Beginner (0-1 years): £0.05 - £0.10 per word. At this stage, you’re likely writing general blog posts and articles to build your portfolio.
• Intermediate (2-4 years): £0.11 - £0.25 per word. You have a solid portfolio and some specialisation, perhaps in SaaS, finance, or e-commerce content.
• Expert (5+ years): £0.26+ per word. You are a specialist in a high-demand niche like tech, legal, or medical writing, and your work delivers measurable results like traffic and conversions. For projects like whitepapers or in-depth reports, this can easily climb to £0.50 per word or higher.

For a freelance writer in the UK, these figures provide a starting point, though actual rates vary by niche, project type, and expertise, and in some cases, are higher than what statistics show.

How to calculate your freelance writing rate

1. Pick your pricing model: No pricing model is perfect. You just have to choose one that is suitable for your freelance writing services, whether it is an hourly rate or a rate per word.

2. Research your niche: Start by looking beyond the general averages. For example, writers in specialised fields (e.g., medical, Web3, legal) usually earn more than generalist writers. You can check platforms like Upwork, Indeed, or Glassdoor for benchmarks.

3. Factor in expenses: Make sure to account for business costs like internet, software, electricity, and personal costs like rent, feeding, and taxes. When you consider all of these costs, take them into account when setting your rates. This ensures your rate is sustainable and covers your expenses. To make this easier, you can use a freelance writing rate calculator, like the one on Upwork⁴..

4. Weigh experience and expertise: Beginners may charge modestly, while experienced writers can bill higher fees. A newbie ecommerce copywriter cannot charge the same rates that an intermediate or senior ecommerce copywriter would charge. Consider your level of expertise and realistically set your rates according to your level.

5. Price based on value: If your work drives traffic, increases conversions, or boosts sales, your rates should reflect that impact. This tells clients that you are not just charging arbitrarily, but based on the value you bring to them.

6. Adjust as you grow: Start with a baseline rate, then raise it gradually as you gain more experience, clients, skills, and results. Additionally, always set a minimum you won’t go below.

Note: Make your rates flexible for each client but maintain a benchmark that you won’t go below.

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Finalising your freelance writing rate card

Your final rate card should contain the following:

• Your services: List the types of writing you offer (blog posts, copywriting, whitepapers, etc.).
• Pricing model: Show how you charge. Is it per word, per project, or hourly?
• Special packages: You can include special pricing offers in it. For example, a package for 2 blog posts per month for £600.
• Payment terms: Such as 50% upfront, late payment fees, or milestone-based payments. Make it clear how clients can pay you, whether by bank transfer using your Wise account details or through a customisable payment link.
• Extra information: Rush job fees, revisions, or anything else important for clients to know about your rates.

Always keep your rate card professional, consistent, and ready to share. It’s one of the best tools to make negotiations smoother and position yourself as a serious freelance writer.

Manage your freelance writing earnings effectively with Wise Business

Wise Business makes earning from freelance writing a breeze by giving you the option to receive payments from clients worldwide without hidden fees, using local bank details in 40+ currencies.

You can also send invoices, share payment links, or withdraw directly from platforms like Upwork and Fiverr into your Wise account. From there, simply transfer your funds to your local bank without extra charges and you’re set.

Discover why countless freelance writers prefer Wise Business for their money management needs.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

FAQS

Should I charge per word, per hour, or per project?

It depends on the type of work. Content writing (blogs, articles) and academic writing often work best with per-word or project rates, while copywriting (sales pages, product descriptions) is better suited to hourly or even project-based pricing.

What’s the average freelance writing rate in the UK?

According to industry data from Indeed, freelance writers earn around £14–15 per hour, with variations depending on experience, niche, and project type.

Is it better to charge freelance clients upfront?

Yes. Many writers request 30–50% upfront to secure the project, especially if they are charging per project, so as to reduce payment risks. State your terms clearly on your rate card.

What should I include in my freelance writing rate card?

List your services, pricing models, packages (if any), payment terms, and any additional fees (e.g. rush delivery). Keep it clear and professional.

How do I handle clients who ask for discounts?

Set a minimum rate you won’t go below. If you must adjust, consider reducing the scope of work instead of lowering your value.

Do freelance writers need contracts?

Absolutely. Freelance writing contracts outline scope, rates, timelines, and payment terms, protecting both you and your client.

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