Darlene Said:

How does a freelance writer/researcher pay taxes?

We Answered:

Usually, depending on your income level, you have to file your taxes quarterly and pay them quarterly. The IRS doesn't like waiting on their money from freelancers.

The IRS has publications specific to this. If you're in doubt, you can contact the IRS for assistance or speak to a tax specialist.

Edgar Said:

How much are freelance writers typically paid?

We Answered:

Depends on who buys the work. Publishers vary, a LOT, on what they can afford to pay. If they buy unsolicited work from an unknown freelancer, the rate is usually on a per word basis, that is determined by an average number of words per line. Each publisher determines the exact formula of how this is calculated.

It could be, literally, pennies per word. Some publications with smaller circulations don't even pay money. They pay their writers in copies of the publication.

Established writers may get offered assinments, for which they may be paid a flat rate amount. This work is often done "on spec," which means that the author is given a set of guidlines, or suggested topics, and the writer turns in the assignment, still subject to approval by the editors. Risky way to make a living, since there is no guarantee the publisher will buy the work, even after it is done.

For you, I suggest you write to the editors of each publication of interest to you. Send a self addressed, stamped envelope, along with your request for their guidlines for submissions. They will see this as a courtesy, by you, because they do not want to spend time slogging through the dozens, if not hundreds of inappropriate submissions they receive each week. By adhereing to their guidlines, you work has a better chance of being read, and, possibly, published.

Gertrude Said:

Which are the (reputed) sites that pay freelance content writers?

We Answered:

Hi there....try The Readers Retreat at www.thereadersretreat.com. They allow new authors to submit work, share ideas and even get paid for short stories and serialized novels. Check it out. And good luck with your writing!

Jon F. Baxley (Author, Editor, Ghostwriter and Proofreader)
THE SCYTHIAN STONE
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY

(For a FREE copy of The Scythian Stone or a full color, four chapter illustrated demo of The Blackgloom Bounty, email me at FiveStarAuthor@aol.com).

Lauren Said:

Do Freelance Writers have to pay Medicare and Social Security?

We Answered:

Yes. Being self-employed doesn't make you exempt from taxes...you have to pay more. Because you ARE the employee and the employer, you have to pay both halves of the taxes.

You have to file your taxes quarterly. Plan on putting 1/3 of your income into a seperate savings account specifically for your taxes. However, being an independent contractor you also get to deduct things other people don.t.

You can deduct a business percentage of your home if you work from home, expenses such as a business phone line, a new computer, etc. As long as you use it exclusively for business, it's fully deductible. Things like rent, mortgage, utilities, food, etc are partially deductible.

But ya, you have to pay medicare, social security, and FICA...the whole percentage, rather than just the employee percentage.

The good new though...you can deduct the employer half of the taxes.

Marshall Said:

Is it standard practice for a newspaper to pay its freelance writers through the mail?

We Answered:

I would imagine. A freelance writer may not necessarily live in the same city, state or even country that the newspaper is printed in.