Okay, let’s calculate Jill’s rate. She has a mix of writing, editing, and research skills, which are in demand. However, her specific skills and experience don’t point to a high-paying role. She’s in St Louis, Missouri, which is a mid-sized city. Journalists and writers with similar skills in larger cities or with more experience might charge higher rates. Let’s look at average rates for writers and editors in the US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for writers and authors is around $62,000. However, this includes a wide range of roles and industries. For freelance writers and editors, rates can vary widely depending on the client, project, and experience. A more realistic estimate for Jill would be lower, considering her location and skill set. Let’s assume a rate of $25-$50 per hour for a writer/editor with her skills and experience. Given that she’s likely working part-time or on a project basis, I’ll estimate her hourly rate to be around $45.