Types of Writing Projects and Rate Guidelines | How Beginners Choose Projects
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Category: Side Jobs, Work Styles
Authors: Shusaku Yosa
Have you wondered, "What kinds of writing projects are there?" or "What's the going rate, and which projects should beginners choose?" Writing projects range widely, from article creation to sales copy, and the rate guidelines differ for each. This article organizes the types of writing projects and their rate guidelines in a list, and clearly explains how beginners should choose projects. It's compiled so that those just starting out can choose projects that suit them.
Even within writing projects, the content and required skills vary widely. First, get familiar with the representative types.
Writing columns and how-to articles for websites and blogs—the type with the most available work. It's easy to start with no experience and is a classic entry point for writing projects.
Projects writing articles aimed at ranking high in search engines. Because knowledge of keyword selection and structure is required, the rate is higher than ordinary article creation.
Projects writing LPs and ad copy to sell products and services. They require specialization directly tied to results, and are a type where high rates are easy to aim for.
Projects writing articles based on interviews. The ability to draw out and organize information is needed, but the rate is correspondingly higher.
Projects writing short pieces based on your own experiences and impressions. The rate is on the lower side, but they're easy to take on with no experience and suit building a track record.
Projects writing specialized text, such as video scripts and catchphrases. Imagination and structural ability come into play, and a feature is that pay structures vary widely by project.
Rates for writing projects are generally set by "rate per character" or "a fixed amount per item." We organize rough rate guidelines by type as estimates (actual rates vary by project and skill).
While inexperienced, starting from around 1 yen per character is common, but if you build skills and a track record, you can start aiming for high-rate projects at 2 to 5 yen per character or more, or per-article rates.
Even within the same type of project, rates differ. Understanding the main factors that affect pay helps with choosing projects and negotiating rates.
Precisely because there are many projects, how beginners choose is important. Keeping the following points in mind lets you start without strain and makes failure less likely.
First, choose projects clearly marked "no experience OK" or "beginners welcome." The application barrier is low, making it easy to build your first track record.
Projects in genres you know well or are interested in make research and writing smooth. You can write quality articles more easily, which also leads to good reviews.
While inexperienced, prioritize building a track record and reviews over a high rate. As good reviews accumulate, they lead to the next project and higher rates.
Projects that come with work manuals and feedback let you proceed while learning how to write. It's an environment where beginners can grow easily.
First, article creation (web writing), which has a lot of available work and is no-experience-OK, is recommended. Building a track record from even lower-barrier projects, such as testimonial and review creation, is also a good approach.
Even starting from around 1 yen per character with no experience, if you acquire SEO and structure skills you can aim for 2 to 5 yen per character or more. In interview and sales types, there are also projects in the tens of thousands of yen per project.
Taking on high-rate projects from the start is difficult, but if you build a track record and show your skills, it's fully possible. First build a track record even at low rates, then expand step by step to higher-rate projects.
Writing projects range widely, from article creation to sales copywriting, and the rate guidelines differ by type. For beginners, the tip for success is choosing no-experience-OK projects in genres you're good at or interested in, and prioritizing track record over rate at first. Once you understand the types and rates, take a step to apply to one project that suits you.

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