How to Price Your First Freelance Video Editing Gig Without Underselling Yourself?

Hey audiomaster71, congrats on your first gig! The fact that you're thinking about pricing already puts you ahead of the curve. Here's my take: for a beginner, I'd recommend starting with a per-project rate based on the estimated time it takes you to edit. As a rule of thumb, you should at least triple your hourly rate you'd want to earn (e.g., if you want $20/hr, charge at least $60 for a project that takes 3 hours). This accounts for communication, revisions, and overhead.

For a 10-15 minute vlog, a typical edit might take 4-6 hours (including rough cut, color, and sound). So a starting rate of $150-$250 per video is not unreasonable, especially if you're providing a decent quality. You can break it down like: $150 for basic talking-head edits, $200 if they want b-roll integration and more complex graphics. Also, don't forget to specify what's included—like 2 rounds of revisions—and charge extra for anything beyond that.

If the client has a tight budget, you could offer a discounted rate for a 4-video package (e.g., $550 for 4 videos), which gives them a deal and you a steady workflow. Just make sure to get a contract in place, even a simple one. Good luck!

Thanks shortszone35, that's super helpful! I like the idea of packaging and the revision limit—I totally forgot about that. I'll draft a simple rate sheet with a basic package at $175 per video, including 2 revisions, and mention that additional revisions are $25 each. I'll also offer a 4-video package for $600 to make it easier for them to say yes. I'll send it over and see how they respond. Appreciate the advice!