RATES FOR FREELANCE WRITERS

One of the most common questions I'm asked by readers of this blog is about the kind of rates that freelance journalists pitching to Thailand-based publications can expect to earn.

The answer really depends on the content you're able to provide. If you're able to write with authority and knowledge on a specific topic and have no competition, and can convince a publication to commission you, then you stand a chance of being able to earn around 5 baht per word. For a 1,000-word article that equates to around US$160. 

That's not much on a global scale but you have to consider that publishers are recruiting degree-holding Thai journalists with reasonable English language skills for as little as US$400 per month.

In the five years I've been in Thailand I've yet to see any freelance assignments paying more than 7 baht per word - and more recently I've seen several that are paying just 1 baht and 2 baht per word. One business publication is currently asking for free submissions in return for a photo and credit via Craigslist.

From a publishers perspective it's true that you get what you pay for.