Earlier this year, I surveyed fulltime freelance writers about what they're making this year, what kinds of work they're doing, and whether they're making more this year than in 2009. Since then, I've been collecting more survey responses.
The latest results? With 127 fulltime freelancers responding (admittedly a small sample), 51 percent plan to gross $40,000 or less this year. However, that means that 49 percent plan to make more than $40,000 this year. Nine percent plan to make $60,000-80,000; another 6 percent plan to make $80,001-100,000; and 10 percent plan to break the six-figure mark in 2010, a year that's been tough for just about every self-employed businessperson.
The fact that 25 percent, or one in four, of those surveyed plan to make $60,000+ this year should help defeat the myth that freelancers work for peanuts. Sure, some do, but many aren't just surviving but in fact are thriving in a turbulent economy. And if other writers are doing it, you can too.
Writing Is Hard Work
5 years ago
Kelly:
ReplyDelete"The fact that 25 percent, or one in four, of those surveyed plan to make $60,000+ this year should help defeat the myth that freelancers work for peanuts. Sure, some do, but many aren't just surviving but in fact are thriving in a turbulent economy. And if other writers are doing it, you can too."
Excellent point! I took part in the survey, and I'm in the initial 51% in this, my first year of full-time freelancing. This being said, my being in this realm is on me. not the ecomony.
I never blame externals, but instead peer at positives and KNOW that I can do this.
Steve
It's great to hear that you don't have to subsist on instant noodles and live in a cardboard box to be a freelance writer.
ReplyDeleteThe words "plan to make" unsettled me a little though. I'd be interested to see the example same writers surveyed again next year about how they actually fared.
Steve, and Blake, thank you both for your posts.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Blake, that's a good point. I'll set up another survey for next year, to check on 2010 *actual* income.
Just a note that plenty of employees "plan to make" a certain salary in a year, and then lose their job and don't.
ReplyDeleteAs a freelancer (I'm a designer), I might lose work from some clients but gain work from others. Good and bad, I have more control over my income than most employees.