Pay rates for freelance writers?

[SenoraPostrophe]

I'm thinking of christening the new "jobs" section.

Before I do though I would like to know what standard pay rates are for freelance writers, and whether or not it's OK to pay slightly lower than that for someone without experience / don't-bother-with-a-second-draft writing?

[Arabica]

Hmm. It really depends what it's for. I do magazine journalism, and the titles I work for tend to have a set rate per feature, depending on length. One magazine pays a little less for the first feature. If they like what they get, they then bump it up to the standard rate. But then again, magazines don't tend to commission people without a proven track record, unless the idea is so good they have to buy it and take a risk of having to re-do the whole thing (standard practice at some women's mags). Hope that helps!

[aloha]

Depends who you are writing for. From about £200 to £1000 a feature in general, depending on length and complexity with an average of about £400-£500 for a feature of up to 1,500 words, esp for newcomers and magazines - but that's magazine/supplement/newspaper features. Copywriting you might charge a day rate for - about £100+ or price up a job. It really depends what you are writing and who for.