When I first started freelancing, I had no idea where to begin with pricing, and I didn't know how valuable my work was. My first bylined piece for "Business Insider" paid me about $0.30 per word, which is quite low for the industry. I wish I had known my work was that valuable when I started! I still don't publicize a per-word price (I charge by project or package). But knowing what I know now, I'm more confident in my rates and better understand what my work is worth. If I were starting again today, I would look into what major publications pay for pieces like personal essays that are largely based on experience and require minimal research, and let that be my starting point.
It's a big challenge to put a fair price on your skill and expertise, but valuing your work correctly is the first step to building a strong business. My process for setting a fee is a lot like wiring a large custom home. The "radical approach" was a simple, human one. The process I had to completely reimagine was how I calculated my hourly rate. I used to look at what the other guys were charging and try to undercut them. I realized that a good tradesman solves a problem and makes a business run smoother, but cutting corners on price forces you to cut corners on materials or time. The one lesson I learned about valuing my work that I wish I'd known earlier is to Price for the Quality You Deliver, Not the Price the Market Expects. My pricing structure now is Cost-Plus-Integrity Quoting. I detail all the materials and labor, and I include a fair profit that allows me to guarantee the job. This ensures that every job is profitable and that I am not forced to do sloppy work. The impact has been fantastic. My reputation is stronger because clients know they are paying for reliable quality, not a quick fix. My business is healthier because my quotes are profitable. My advice for others is to trust your skill. A job done right is a job you don't have to go back to. Know your worth and charge for the quality you deliver. That's the most effective way to "determine your pricing structure" and build a business that will last.