Definitely keep track of everything, and get it all in writing. Contracts protect you and your client so use them.

Just wanted to say congratulations on landing your first paying gig!

Lora,

1. Copy writers rates can very tremendously. It is impossible to give an exact range, but maybe a better question is what would you think is a fair rate that you would to be paid if you worked at a corporation for these services. Start there and then probably almost double the price.

2. You definitely want some type of paperwork to track what you are doing.

3. A short contract would not be bad just laying out what you are doing and what is expected, so both sides know what to expect ahead of time.

I hope that helps.

Andy

Congrats!

I would highly recommend Freshbooks software for time tracking and invoicing. It's free to start and I think up to 5 clients. I have been using it since early this year and could not live without it.

I keep track of the time I spend on each client so I know I'm doing not too much and not too little work, since most of my clients charge a flat fee per month. You can also charge per project, per hour or other methods and it can be different for each client. Then it's easy to do invoices and email them.

Good luck!

I'm glad you landed your first client.

I highly recommend you read Steve Slaunwhite's How To Start and Run A Copywriting Business. You find it at amazon.com. This book will answer many of your questions on how to run your copywriting business.

Best,

Thomas O'Malley

First off, never work by the hour -- reasons are too numerous to mention. Charge by the project.

Second, since you wrote for FREE the last time out with this now paying client -- you can't shock him with a big price tag.

So now you're at a bit of a disadvantage.

My recommendation, ask him what he's willing to pay -- it probably won't be much, but it'll be more than you got the last time. And then just say thank you.

You'll then have a baseline, and as you move forward -- keep raising your prices (not with the same client -- unless you do it once a year) until you hit substantial resistance -- and then you'll know where your "temporary" sweet spot lies.

As for invoicing -- just create a simple invoice using MS Word. And ask for 50% up front and 50% at completion -- until you get a solid rep, then ask for everything up front, especially with new clients.

--Barry

Wow what great responses! I definitely have a lot to look into and consider, don't I? Each of you has given me such great insight and I really value it every bit of it.
Also want to say thanks so very much for all the congrats!

Content writing and editing services are not copywriting.

Copywriting compels a reader to take an action. Examples: buy a product, opt-in to a lead capture page, call a phone number.

The best way for a copywriter to set fees is by the value YOU bring to the table.

How much will your copy help a client make? Once you and your client have made that determination, you're in the catbird seat and can charge a decent fee.

Alex

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Jesus - It's copy not content.

Writing content involves researching a subject and writing about it.

Writing copy involves researching a subject, then researching it some more, then researching it some more then researching it some more. Then writing the headline, rewriting the headline, then rewriting the headline, then rewriting the headline. Rinse and repeat for almost every aspect of the copy.

You can't charge $7 for 500 words of copy. You shouldn't even be charging by words for copy.

IMO Copy should be billed either on a straight fee basis or a straight fee + commission basis, not dependent on words. Calculate how much you need to earn per hour, multiply it by how long you think it'll take and quote that price.

Plenty of recommendations, don't really fancy deciphering them all and then trying to connect the dots / fill in the blanks... (with respect to those kind enough to respond with some excellent advice :p) so I'll just tell you what I do / did.

As a former content writer / article writer...

Offered my service at $0.05 per word... $25 for 500 words.

Politely demanded the fee up front.

I explained that unfortunately too many people don't come through on their obligations, they don't pay... so now I am forced to charge up front. Obviously I'm not suspecting you of that ... I hope you can understand.

If they can't see the need to pay upfront, they're unreasonable. Thus more likely to stiff you.

Too many content writers are scared of losing clients if they don't give in to every demand. It's not the case. They NEED what you're providing (assuming your copy's good)... you can find other clients.

Take the power back.

I had a folder on my desktop with each month inside e.g. 'October 2011' and the client's name inside that... that's where I'd store their content.

I also had a spreadsheet, which I've attached.

It tracks clients, order details, helps you manage your time and your finances.

If you can use it, great, if not, no worries

As a Copywriter...It varies.

But that's for writing copy... sales copy... persuasive, compelling prose that forces action in a compassionate, subconscious way... nice like

Articles can be used to pre-sell, review, or to act as general plugs for offers.

But they aren't copy.

Copy... is much, much more than saying how great a product is and how great a value it is and all the cool things that'll happen if you bought it, and how it's enhanced your life... well... bad copy isn't.

But Good Copy is a study of human psychology and buyer behaviour... it takes months to get good and years to master.

Copywriters charge anywhere from $500 to $10,000 and more.

You charge for your expertise, not your time.

Just make sure your client knows the difference between content and copy.

And make sure you know the difference too... and present your services appropriately.



... and congratulations

I'd say just get the information... send them an email.

The more you know beforehand, the more likely you are to get the job.

If you specialise (which you should) you'll gain more knowledge with experience faster.

There are certain things you NEED to know about the client, the product and the market to write good copy.

Just ask 'em... if they're gonna make $10,000 off of what you write, I don't think they'll mind sitting down with you for half an hour.

There should always be an open discourse between client and writer I feel...

Just wanted to add my congratulations! Well done!

Congratulations on landing your first paying copy writing client..you definitely must charge by the project.

Congratulations! It is exciting.

I offered to write some articles for a health newspaper. The owner of the company wanted 20 articles so I gave him a discount for the bulk order. My rate was ridiculously low but I wanted to get my foot in the door.

We have since talked on the phone a few times and established a good working relationship.

I offered him some IM ideas and he liked them. I gave him some consulting advice and he liked it. We then discussed the future possibility of me providing business and IM consulting services in addition to writing. And we both agreed my fee for that type of service would well exceed any article writing fee.

I do not have a contract with this gentleman. I get paid before I write.

If you are editing blog posts, the price you charge might fall under an article writer's category as opposed to copywriting.

There are many great copywriters here and article writers too who can post and give you some more information to help you.

Remember, you never know how much business one client can bring.

I'm very happy for you. Good luck!

Congratulations, and good luck is all I can offer you! Rock on!

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Congratulations for landing your first client. It feels nice to reach a level people are willing to pay for your expertise.


Whatever you finally decide to charge, here is something you should never forget…
Never show DESPERATION to any client.

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