My Most Popular Blog Post Ever--For Good Reason

Years ago I met another freelancer at ASJA and we got to talking about the markets we were writing for. She was surprised to learn that I wrote for markets that paid relatively low rates, and told me that she only wrote for markets that paid at least $1/word. "Otherwise, it's not worth my while," she said.

I couldn't disagree more. The question is not what you make per-word; it's what you make per-hour that's critical to your success. So as I reviewed my blog's stats recently, I was happy to see that this blog's most popular post of all time was one I wrote more than three years ago about why I don't care what I make per-word. 

Here it is, updated somewhat: 

So, what are you making per word for your articles for print and online markets? $1/word? $1.50/word? Only $0.40/word?

Who cares? I only care about what I make per-hour.

While blogs typically pay a set rate per-post, Websites, magazines, and e-zines pay per-word. This per-word figure, multiplied by word count, tells you how much you’ll make for writing a particular story. But it may not tell you whether it’s worth it to take it on. The real question is how much time the story will take—the assignment amount divided by the number of hours you put into it gives you your hourly rate for the piece.

Knowing how much time an article (or any other project, for that matter) will take gives you a concrete idea of the return on your time. And those $1/word and up assignments can be mighty misleading. Sure, it’s a bigger check than writing for a market that pays a lower per-word rate. But are you really making more money?

For example, let’s say I do a 1,000-word story for a national magazine that pays $1.50/word. Fair enough—I’m getting paid $1,500 for my work. But what happens if between researching and writing the query, writing an outline (per my editor), researching the article, finding sources, doing interviews, transcribing interviews, writing the piece, turning in the piece, revising the piece (per my editor’s request), finding new sources (per my editor), interviewing those sources, turning in the final revision, submitting my backup material, answering additional questions from the editor (say, nine months later…it happens), I’ve put 25 hours into my story? That means I’ve made $60/hour on that story.

Not bad, but here’s the thing—compare that to a 1,000-word piece on the same topic for a smaller magazine that pays only $0.35/word. Yet I know the editor and my query is just a short paragraph. The story requires some background research and several interviews, and takes me a total of five hours to write. (No revisions requested! Yay!) That a total of $350, for five hours’ worth of work—or $70/hour. Plus it's a lot less of a hassle for me. 

At first glance, the $1,500 piece looks like a better assignment—and it is a bigger check. But my experience has been that national markets (and I’ve written for more than 60 of them) expect a lot more work from you to earn that higher rate. In many cases, I’ve found that regional magazines, trade publications, and online markets actually pay better per-hour than their national counterparts. And that makes them worthwhile markets for me.

**Knowing what you make per-hour is only one aspect of successful freelancing. To learn more about how to set yourself apart from other writers, nab more assignments, create long-lasting relationships with editors and clients,Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets or Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition. For a limited time, you'll get half off both titles when you order directly through ImprovisePress.com and use the discount code CHICKENS.

Market the Right Way: Six Types of Markets and How to Approach Them

I'm baaaaack! It was great to have a month's blogging break, and I've got great ideas for what I'll be covering the rest of the year. I'll be blogging about marketing; managing your freelance business;  building relationships with editors, clients, sources, and other people; working more efficiently; and creating (at least occasional) balance in your life as a freelancer. 

I chose these five broad areas for a reason--they're also the five areas I cover in Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success. Thanks to all of you who have bought the book and emailed me, especially those who have posted reviews on Amazon! I truly appreciate it. 

Market Like a Pro

I write a lot about marketing and for a good reason. If you can't sell yourself, you'll fail as a freelancer. So make sure you match your pitch to the market type (Secret 6 from Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success):  

The type of pitch you use will depend on the market. For national consumer magazines and newspapers, I suggest new freelancers pitch the FOB section with a query to get your foot in the door. Make that query as compelling as you can. You’re facing more competition here than with any other market, so make sure you have a strong ISG and that your query captures the magazine’s voice. Suggest the section of the magazine your piece belongs in so the editor knows you’re familiar with her publication, and plan on following up with another idea if you’re first one doesn’t get assigned. 

If you're targeting a regional or local magazine or newspaper, pitch a trend story, a profile of a local person (or a roundup, e.g., four local celebs or five up-and-coming chefs), or find a local perspective on a national trend for a regional parenting magazine (e.g., how area families are cutting back on expenses and saving money).

For online markets, query but remember that the articles tend to be shorter than print publications and often include an interactive element, like an online quiz for readers. Make your query tight and focused, and match the tone of your target publication with your e-mailed pitch.

If you want to pitch a blog, check its guidelines to see what type of approach its editor/owner prefers. Some people want you to submit the entire blog post; others like you to query a possible post topic the same way you would with an online magazine.


To pitch a trade market, use a query or LOI. Use industry lingo to show you know the business, and pitch an idea that will benefit readers. Whether you use an LOI or a query, play up your knowledge of/experience with the relevant industry. (To locate trades, check your local library for a directory like Bacon's Magazine Directory, Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media, or The Standard Periodical Directory. 

To pitch custom magazines, send an LOI that highlights your experience with the subject(s) the magazine covers, or pitch with a query. Ask your friends and family to collect custom magazines for you, and check out the Custom Content Council's website for possible markets. 

Different types of markets require different approaches. Matching your pitch to the market will ensure higher success rates. (For more about these types of markets and how to work for them, read Secret 6: Match your pitch to the market type from Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success): 

And don't forget about my recent line of ebooks aimed at new freelancers; I'm keeping them priced at $2.99 for a limited time.