How much to charge for freelance copywriting

[spewgloriousspew]

Hello,

I've been asked to do some freelance copywriting for an old employer. Basically, doing my old job but on a freelance basis.

Now, I don't have any formal copywriting qualifications but I was previously employed as their editorial assistant.

I have no idea how much to charge them. My old boss is waiting for an answer, but I don't want to come across as greedy. But then I also don't want to be shortchanged.

I also do a bit of translation work, where I charge per word. However, I have been asked for an hourly rate.

Aidez-moi!

I do copy-editing and charge £20 an hour. Some charge much more, others less, but it's a good starting point for negotiation if nothing else.

Thanks, dogrilla.

In the past I've charged £15 an hour, although that was a good few years ago now and, I suspect, I priced myself cheaply.

Thanks to you too, Rubberduck. I'm starting out really, so don't feel I can charge big bucks. But I want to make sure I'm not being taken for a fool either!

Hi

Have you worked out what you were earning before per hour?

Remember that any hourly rate needs to take into account tax, expenses and all the time you won't be working. The employer also has less hassle/liability. So an uplift on what you were earning before should be acceptable.

I always find it difficult to charge/charge enough...but 3 days of not earning last week due to the lurgy has made me think about things!

Good luck with the work.
WS

Can I ask anyone that does freelance copywriting? I'm looking at possible career changes. In my current job I assist with copywriting (foreign marketing team trying to write English leaflets/websites which I usually end up rewording from scratch) but it's not my main role. i.e. I don't have any formal experience. I also don't have any contacts in advertising or other industries where they might be looking to send work out.

How would someone like me, totally new to the business, get started? Where would you advertise your services? Would I have to do some work for free to get a portfolio together? And, if I did it full-time, what could I expect to earn, realistically? I've got about 12 months before my current job comes to an end and I'm weighing up various options.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated. Thanks