Expert: Amanda J Evans - 1/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I have a few questions about doing freelance writing.  First, is it really possible for a person to spend their entire career, even if it's 30-35 years, just doing freelance writing?  Or, at some point do writers usually get a permanent writing position with a publication?  Also, I've looked online at job ads for freelance writers and the pay is usually $10-$20 per article.  Is that really the going rate?  Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Danielle,

Yes it is possible to spend your entire life being a freelance writer.  You may indeed get a permanent writing position but this is not essential.  When it comes to freelance writing online the rates are extremely low at the moment but if you are writing for magazines etc the pay can be considerably more.

Hope this answers your question.

Kind regards,

Amanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you give me an idea of how much a freelance writer can make writing for magazines?  What is the typical pay range?  Also, do freelance writers ever get to work for the same set of magazines regularly(each week or month), or do they have to constantly send letters to magazines each week or month in order to get work?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Danielle,

Many thanks for your questions. When writing for magazines the rates of pay will vary and you will need to check with the magazine's guidelines to see what this is.  I cannot give you a rate as all magazines vary.  I do know that if you write for greeting card companies such as Blue Mountain Art they pay $300 if they use one of your verses in their cards.  

Yes freelance writers can get a regular gig with a magazine and editors will contact you to write more articles if they like your style and have something that suits you.  Most freelance writers do send out query letters on a regular basis to magazines of interest to them.

Hope this answers you questions.

Kind regards,

Amanda