Ghost Writer Toolkit

Why You Should Publish Your Freelance Writing Rates

You know how it is when you're in the gym, consistently putting in the work? Sooner or later, someone's going to ask, "So, how much do you bench?" or "What are you squatting these days?"

It's a quick way for people to get a feel for your level, your seriousness, your strength. Some folks are happy to share their numbers, maybe even write them on the public whiteboard.

Others? They might mumble something about "it depends on the day" or keep it to themselves.

Deciding whether to publish your freelance writing rates is kind of like that. It's a strategic choice.

Do you put your "personal records" out there for potential clients to see, or do you wait for them to ask and then give a custom answer? In my experience, just like confidently racking up your weights, publishing your rates can be a powerful way to show your strength.

This is especially true for your starting rates or clear packages. It helps attract the clients who are ready for your "weight class," and save everyone a lot of wasted reps.

This piece is about why putting those numbers on the board is often a smart lift for your freelance business.

Be Upfront: Build Trust and Save Your Valuable Time

Think about it: when you're straight with someone, they're more likely to trust you, right? It's like looking them in the eye.

Publishing your freelance writing rates does just that. It tells potential clients right from the get-go that you're open and honest.

No games, no guessing what number you might pull out of a hat based on how big you think their budget is. Clients appreciate this.

In my years as a provider, I've learned that clarity upfront prevents a lot of headaches later. It sets a professional tone and shows you respect their time – and yours.

Now, let’s talk about filtering. This is huge.

Your time is your most valuable asset, especially when you’re juggling writing projects and, like me, have a family to support. When your rates are public, they act like a bouncer for your time.

If a potential client’s budget doesn’t match your numbers, they’ll often just move on. Good!

That means fewer hours you spend on emails, calls, and proposals for people who can't actually afford you. You get fewer inquiries, sure, but the ones you do get are much more likely to be serious and a good fit.

It’s about quality of leads, not just quantity. As I see it, why spend energy on a "maybe" when you can focus on a "yes"?

And let's be honest, most of us writers aren't natural-born salespeople. The whole song-and-dance of negotiating price can be uncomfortable.

When your rates are out there, a lot of that initial "selling" is already done. The conversation can shift much faster to what you can do for them and the specifics of their project, rather than getting stuck on "how much?" from the very first word.

Your published rates do some of that heavy lifting for you.

Show Your Worth: Let Your Rates and Portfolio Do the Talking

Publishing your rates isn't just about putting a price tag on your work; it's about showing what you're worth. Imagine you're looking to hire a specialist for something important.

You see one person who’s a bit vague about costs and another who clearly states their price alongside a showcase of excellent results. Which one feels more confident and professional?

When a potential client sees your rates next to a strong portfolio – one filled with high-quality samples, maybe some case studies, or glowing testimonials – they get the full picture. They can connect the dots between the price you're asking and the quality you deliver.

This is crucial, especially now with so much talk about AI churning out cheap content. You’re not offering cheap; you’re offering value.

Your portfolio is your proof, and your rate is the investment required for that level of skill. I’ve actually found that some clients are more attracted to writers with clearly stated, professional rates.

It can signal that you’re an expert, you know your stuff, and you have a track record of success. I remember one client telling me, "Your rates told me you were serious, and your portfolio proved it."

You're not trying to be the cheapest option; you're aiming to be the best value for clients who understand what quality writing can do for their business. This helps you attract people who respect your work and are ready to pay fairly for it.

That means better projects and, frankly, more respectful working relationships. It’s a way to stand tall and say, "This is what I bring to the table."

The "It Varies" Clause: Always Include Your Caveats

Now, just like in the gym where your max lift might depend on how you're feeling or the specific exercise, your project rates aren't always one-size-fits-all. This is important.

While I strongly believe in publishing "starting at" rates or general package prices, you must be clear that the final price can change. Think of it as your base lift, but some lifts require more setup, more spotters, or more recovery time.

No two writing projects are identical. A quick 500-word blog post from notes you're given is a different beast than a 2,000-word white paper that needs deep research, interviews, and a ton of original thought.

So, when you publish your rates, you need to include clear caveats. Explain that your "starting at $X" is for a specific scope, and other factors can adjust that price up.

What kind of factors? Here are some common ones I’ve seen influence the final quote:

By clearly stating these variables, you’re still being transparent. You're educating your clients and setting the stage for a productive conversation if they need a custom quote. It's about managing expectations from the start.

Back It Up: Your Portfolio is Your Proof

Let's be crystal clear: stating your rates means nothing if you can't back them up with the quality of your work. Your portfolio isn't just a nice-to-have; it's the evidence that justifies your pricing.

It’s what convinces clients that you're worth the investment. If your rates are the "how much you can lift," your portfolio shows your form, your consistency, and the results of your training.

Whether you're newer and using spec samples or you have a list of credited work, your portfolio is your number one sales tool. It needs to scream "professional."

This is true even for detailed case studies from past ghostwritten projects (always get permission!). When a potential client sees your rates, then clicks over to your portfolio and finds compelling content, the price suddenly makes sense.

They can see the connection between what they'll pay and what they'll get – more engagement, better rankings, a stronger brand voice. As a ghostwriter, where your name might not be on the final product, your portfolio is absolutely critical.

Even with anonymized examples or spec work, it builds that trust and credibility. Make sure your portfolio:

Without a portfolio that lines up with your pricing, clients might just see a number and think it's too high. A strong portfolio turns that number into a clear sign of the top-tier service you're offering.

Know Your Worth: Price with Confidence

This one's personal for me, because I see too many talented writers selling themselves short. You need to price your services with confidence.

Your rates should reflect your skills, your experience, and the real, tangible value you bring to your clients. Don't fall into the trap of looking at what the cheapest content mills are charging and thinking you need to compete there.

That’s a race to the bottom. Remember, you're not just selling words on a page.

You're selling your expertise in research, your creativity, your strategic thinking, and your ability to help your clients achieve their business goals. As ghostwriters, especially those who can nail a client's voice or dive into complex business topics, we have specialized skills.

Don't undervalue that. If you’ve put in the work to create strong samples or have a portfolio that demonstrates what you can do, your pricing needs to match.

You're a professional running a business. When you're setting or reviewing your rates, think about several key factors.

Consider:

Publishing your rates, even if it’s a "starting from" figure, is an act of confidence. It says, "I know what I’m worth, and I'm upfront about it."

This can be especially powerful if you want to position yourself as a premium provider, not just another writer in the crowd. Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth.

Stay Sharp: Adjust Your Rates as Your Business Evolves

Your freelance writing rates shouldn't be carved in stone. Just like you aim to lift heavier weights in the gym as you get stronger, your rates should evolve.

As your experience and business grow, the market changes, and your skills get sharper. What was a good rate when you started out might not reflect your value a few years later.

Treating your writing like a business means you have to be dynamic with your pricing. Here’s what I mean.

As you rack up successful projects, gather great testimonials, and build an even more impressive portfolio, your value goes up. Your rates should reflect that.

I make it a practice to review my rates at least once a year for new clients. If you specialize in a hot niche where good writers are hard to find, you can often command higher rates.

Keep an eye on what others in your niche are charging, not to copy them, but to understand the ballpark. Let's be practical: inflation is real.

Your rates need to keep pace so your income doesn't effectively shrink. If you're consistently taking on projects that need deep expertise, your baseline rates might need to rise.

This reflects that higher level of service. This is a big one: if a client needs something super fast, that’s a priority service.

You should absolutely charge a "rush fee" or priority cost for that. It’s not just about your extra effort; it's about the cost of disrupting your other work.

Make this clear in your terms. Being a business owner means you’re the one in charge of these decisions.

Don't be shy about raising your rates when it's justified. It’s a sign of growth and a key part of keeping your freelance career healthy.

What's in the "Basic Lift"? Define Your Starting Package

So, you're going to publish a "starting at $X" rate. Great.

But what does that "$X" actually get someone? If you're vague here, you're opening the door to misunderstandings.

To make this work, you need to be really clear about what's included in that base rate or your standard package. Think of it like defining what exercises are included in a basic workout plan.

For instance, if your "starting rate for a blog post" is, say, $250, you might specify that this includes things like word count and research level. It could also detail SEO integration and revision rounds, plus the delivery format.

Why is this so important? It manages expectations, so clients know exactly what they get for that entry price.

It also justifies higher quotes. If a client needs more words, deeper research, or more revisions, it's easy to explain the price difference.

This simplifies discussions because it gives you a clear baseline. It can even help you upsell if you have tiered packages.

A clearly defined basic tier makes the extra value in your higher-priced packages stand out. Clearly defining what’s included, as I’ve learned, is just good business.

It reinforces your professionalism and helps clients make informed choices, which ultimately leads to smoother projects.

Take Control: Write Your Own Pricing Story

Alright, let's bring it home. Deciding to publish your starting freelance writing rates is a strategic move.

It's a way to take control of your business and how clients see you. It’s about showing them the value you place on your own work.

This value should align with the quality you deliver – the quality they can see in your portfolio. But remember those crucial caveats we talked about.

The final price often will depend on how tough the piece is. It also depends on the research involved, any specialized knowledge you need, and how quickly they need it.

As a ghostwriter, or any kind of freelance writer, your portfolio is your foundation. It’s non-negotiable; it’s got to be strong enough to support the rates you’re asking.

And please, don’t sell yourself short. If your work shows you’ve got serious skills, price yourself accordingly.

Understand the difference between writing about general topics and diving into highly specialized information. The latter often justifies a higher rate.

You're not just a writer; you're a business owner. That means keeping an eye on the market and your own growing expertise.

It also means knowing when it's time to adjust your rates. And if a client needs something done at lightning speed?

That’s a premium service, and you should charge for that priority. Your published rate is a starting point.

By clearly defining what that starter package includes, you give potential clients a solid footing. From there, the caveats you provide allow for honest, transparent adjustments.

This is based on their specific project needs. This way, you ensure you're fairly paid for your skill, your effort, and your expertise.

In my book, taking this kind of thoughtful, transparent approach to your rates doesn't just make good business sense. It empowers you and it respects your clients.

It lays the groundwork for stronger, more successful, and more rewarding work. You're not just waiting for someone to guess your strength; you're showing them what you're capable of.

Now go out there and make those smart lifts.

#Portfolio