How to Price Your Writing Services Without Undervaluing Yourself

Hourly rates? Project fees? Here’s how to charge what you’re worth—and make sure it’s profitable.

Pricing your writing services isn’t just about picking a number that “feels right.” Charge too little, and you’ll burn out fast. Charge too much (without justification), and clients will move on.

I’ve made all the mistakes—setting my rates too low, underestimating project scope, and forgetting to factor in non-billable hours. You end up with a lot of stress and not enough money to show for the work.

If you’re struggling to set (and stick to) profitable rates, let’s fix that.

Quick Tip: Stop thinking like an employee

Freelancers don’t get paid for every hour they work. You’re running a business, which means your rates need to cover:

• Admin time (emails, invoicing, marketing, revisions)

• Taxes (self-employment tax, state, and federal taxes)

• Business expenses (website hosting, professional memberships, subscriptions)

• Software and tools (Grammarly, Canva, invoicing software, research tools)

• Health insurance and retirement savings

• Paid time off (vacations, sick days, personal days)

• Client acquisition (networking, outreach, pitching)

• Professional development (courses, books, conferences)

If you’re only charging for direct writing time, you’re underpricing yourself.

Full Subscribers: Keep reading to learn whether you should charge hourly, per word, or per project, how to estimate fees, and why retainers can give your income more stability.

Plus, you’ll find my formula for setting your rates.