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04/17/2006: "Do Copywriters Charge Enough? If Not, What Should Copywriters Charge?"

"What should I charge?" That's perhaps the most frequently asked question by not only new copywriters but many who have been at it for a long time.

Copywriters charge all over the board. For example, there are a few copywriters who charge $1000 per page of copy. And if the copywriter is experienced and good, it's well worth it. There are yet others who charge between $400 and $500 per page, which is around the middle. Others charge around $750. They're usually senior copywriters with lots of experience but no books published and they don't use "Dr." in front of their name, etc. Yet others will let you hire them for $50 to $250 per page.

So what's the right fee?

Nearly 300 freelance copywriters answer 62 probing questions about their fees, finances, and marketing secrets in this incredible one-of-a-kind look into what copywriters charge in real life.

You'll discover the answer to these pricing questions in the 67-page 2005 Freelance Copywriter Fee & Compensation Survey, where nearly 300 freelance copywriters reveal what they charge for 20 common copywriting jobs.

You'll be amazed to see what some copywriters charge --- and get! And who they are. I was frankly distressed to see how many copywriters actually undercharge. I can understand new copywriters with little experience charging on the low side. They should. But what I can't understand is how a really experienced copywriter can charge --- much less live on --- some of the low fees.

For example, the median fee for writing a Home Page is about $400-$450. That's way too low. Look, the client will make a ton of money from what a good copywriter provides him with. Copywriters --- charge what you deserve! But I was glad to see that those who specialize do charge more in their areas of expertise.

For example, I specialize in radio copywriting and direct mail copywriting. So I naturally charge more than some people in these areas because I specialize and I know more tricks.

So, bottom line --- buy the book.

Oh, and thank all of you for donating to my magazine. I appreciate it. I'm going to wait until I get enough to buy a new Palm and use the proceeds for that.