Freelance Writer Pricing 101: What You’re Really Paying For

If you're hiring a freelance writer, you're probably wondering: How much will it cost? And what exactly am I paying for?

Pricing shouldn’t be mysterious or awkward. A seasoned writer will offer pricing that reflects the scope of work, with clear expectations for what’s included and what happens if things change. Whether it’s a one-off project or a longer-term retainer, transparency is key—and totally doable.

Here’s what to expect.

Project-Based Pricing

Experienced freelancers usually price by the deliverable, not by the hour. For example, a case study, blog post, or ebook might each have a fixed price based on the estimated complexity and effort involved.

Freelancers might also offer bulk discounts (for example, 3 blog posts per month) or package rates if you're bundling deliverables.

Retainers for Ongoing Work

If things go well and you want to keep working together, you might want to set up a monthly retainer. This is a set number of deliverables or strategy sessions per month, often at a preferred rate. It’s a great way to secure the freelancer’s time and keep momentum going. In return, you have guaranteed support from someone who knows your business well.

What’s Included (And What Isn’t)

Before any work starts, your writer should provide a statement of work (SOW) or project proposal that covers:

• What’s included (number of meetings, drafts, and reviews).

• What’s not (design, publishing).

• What the extras will cost you (additional meetings or rounds of review/revisions).

This protects both sides and ensures the project runs smoothly, even if the situation shifts.

Next Steps

Looking for a content writer who’s as clear about scope as they are about copy?

Let’s connect and chat about your next project. I’d love to hear what you’re planning.