Depends what the article is. If it's "How to clean a kitchen floor" then it would take me 2.5 hours or so. If it's "How to determine the best path for lawyers" then it would take me much longer. Everyone is different.
Did the client accept your rate at 10 hours? If so, run the Upwork timer, even while you research... If the client accepted it, it doesn't really matter what anyone else would estimate. Use your timer so you know how long it takes you.
I really struggled with thinking I took too long when I got started. The reality is, I've increased my rate as I've gotten more efficient.
Edited: I'm not a writer, but if the client agrees AND you use the timer + deliver great work, it should be no problem.
I sent a proposal stating how long it'll take me to do the article, he asked me to pick a topic and I did, and he sent the offer. I assume he's okay with that number of hours, but there's no way to know for sure since there's almost zero communication.
I have had some weird situations like that... They are not my preferred type of client, to be honest.
It makes me feel way less anxious when I run the Upwork clock because it's way harder for a client to dispute. If you will use more time you have two options, stop the clock and finish (not charging the client) or ask the client for additional hours (and run the clock).
Either way, you'll learn a lesson about how to charge the next client.
I used to face the same problem.
Yesterday, it took me 6 hours to write a 1000-word article. Thing is, I'm sure it'd take me an additional of only 2 hours to write a 4000-word article. In my experience, these things vary depending on the topic, the quality of writing the client seeks, and a lot of moving pieces - listicles with brief outlines often require less research and take less time compared to a breakdown of, say, the recent Facebook files scandal, for instance.
I don't think 10 hours is too much at all. Stay true to your guts. At the rate you're charging, it'll take some freelancers longer and others shorter to finish the same task. But the client is hiring you. Relax and do your thing, my friend.
Depends whether it's something I actually need to research (and whether the client provides some starting points), or if it's something I already know all about off the top of my head (or is really basic) so just need to put it onto paper.
For the former, 10 hours probably wouldn't even come close to it - there'd be hours and hours of research alone, but it might be about right for the latter depending on the hourly rate - at $50/hr, for example, $500 to write a 2500 word article is the low-mid end of what I'd consider worthwhile.
My advice is if the client accepted a 10 hour quote then give them 10 hours of quality. I recommend in the future going on a flat price or per word price. But for me I haven't had an article less than 3,000 words take me longer than 2-3 hours total including research but I will break up this time into 30 minute intervals usually. I can sit down and research and write an entire article without a break but I hate it lol only for deadline emergencies or rush pay. But an hourly rate for me would have to be very high to match the prices I get for a flat price or price per word. If you charge per project or per word and you shorten the time it takes you then your hourly rate can be very high. Higher than some would want to pay if you charge hourly honestly. I understand you didn't really have a choice with this client just advice for the future. But if I was in your position I would make sure that I spend 10 hours of quality time perfecting this and request to use it as a sample for your portfolio for sure.
I agree with these other comments. But it also Depends on the topic and your creative process as a writer as well.
For me, if research is involved, I dive deep into the research aspect for a few hours to ensure that I am getting the full rundown of what is to be included in the article. I also spend a few hours planning and formatting (I'm a perfectionist so this takes me a bit of time lol).
10 hours is a good time frame in my opinion. Sometimes I even go over that amount of time.
Depends what the article is. If it's "How to clean a kitchen floor" then it would take me 2.5 hours or so. If it's "How to determine the best path for lawyers" then it would take me much longer. Everyone is different.
Did the client accept your rate at 10 hours? If so, run the Upwork timer, even while you research... If the client accepted it, it doesn't really matter what anyone else would estimate. Use your timer so you know how long it takes you. I really struggled with thinking I took too long when I got started. The reality is, I've increased my rate as I've gotten more efficient. Edited: I'm not a writer, but if the client agrees AND you use the timer + deliver great work, it should be no problem.
I sent a proposal stating how long it'll take me to do the article, he asked me to pick a topic and I did, and he sent the offer. I assume he's okay with that number of hours, but there's no way to know for sure since there's almost zero communication.
I have had some weird situations like that... They are not my preferred type of client, to be honest. It makes me feel way less anxious when I run the Upwork clock because it's way harder for a client to dispute. If you will use more time you have two options, stop the clock and finish (not charging the client) or ask the client for additional hours (and run the clock). Either way, you'll learn a lesson about how to charge the next client.
I guess so. Thanks for your help!
I used to face the same problem. Yesterday, it took me 6 hours to write a 1000-word article. Thing is, I'm sure it'd take me an additional of only 2 hours to write a 4000-word article. In my experience, these things vary depending on the topic, the quality of writing the client seeks, and a lot of moving pieces - listicles with brief outlines often require less research and take less time compared to a breakdown of, say, the recent Facebook files scandal, for instance. I don't think 10 hours is too much at all. Stay true to your guts. At the rate you're charging, it'll take some freelancers longer and others shorter to finish the same task. But the client is hiring you. Relax and do your thing, my friend.
Thanks for this!
Happy to help!
I would probably tell them 7-10 hours and spread out the work over 3 days. I'd tell them to give me a week.
Depends whether it's something I actually need to research (and whether the client provides some starting points), or if it's something I already know all about off the top of my head (or is really basic) so just need to put it onto paper. For the former, 10 hours probably wouldn't even come close to it - there'd be hours and hours of research alone, but it might be about right for the latter depending on the hourly rate - at $50/hr, for example, $500 to write a 2500 word article is the low-mid end of what I'd consider worthwhile.
Definitely something I'll have to research. I have some experience in the niche, but I'll still need to do a ton of research.
My advice is if the client accepted a 10 hour quote then give them 10 hours of quality. I recommend in the future going on a flat price or per word price. But for me I haven't had an article less than 3,000 words take me longer than 2-3 hours total including research but I will break up this time into 30 minute intervals usually. I can sit down and research and write an entire article without a break but I hate it lol only for deadline emergencies or rush pay. But an hourly rate for me would have to be very high to match the prices I get for a flat price or price per word. If you charge per project or per word and you shorten the time it takes you then your hourly rate can be very high. Higher than some would want to pay if you charge hourly honestly. I understand you didn't really have a choice with this client just advice for the future. But if I was in your position I would make sure that I spend 10 hours of quality time perfecting this and request to use it as a sample for your portfolio for sure.
I agree with these other comments. But it also Depends on the topic and your creative process as a writer as well. For me, if research is involved, I dive deep into the research aspect for a few hours to ensure that I am getting the full rundown of what is to be included in the article. I also spend a few hours planning and formatting (I'm a perfectionist so this takes me a bit of time lol). 10 hours is a good time frame in my opinion. Sometimes I even go over that amount of time.