Thanks for the advice. I should focus on that "survival rate" so I know what my pay would be.
Patio11, whose judgement I will defer to in all things regarding freelancing, just tweeted this, earlier today:
>Far too many freelancers have an internal script where you have to start your biz in poverty and claw your way out of it. Eff that.
And:
>Professional work commands a professional rate, on day one. That's what professional means.
Also his general remark regarding rates: Charge more.
That gives you loads of capacity to try increasing your rate (ie, you won't be desperate for work) as well as holidays etc.
So if you need $40,000/yr to survive, your hourly rate is ($40,000/50 weeks /16 hours) = $50/hour.
Reading the other answers, it sounds like $100/hour is the US market rate. So you have plenty of opportunity to grow from $50 to $100/hour, as quickly as you can. Good luck!
I've been working on the assumption that I'd get 20 hours a week here in the UK and set my hourly rate at £26 accordingly.
In the UK I'd also not be liable to make National Insurance contributions which would save £2,200 per year.
Then comes another common question - self employed or limited liability company?
So perhaps plan 35-40 hours over 35 weeks. Then set your rate at or above the market rate for your speciality. Don't set it on your cost of living.
If the market rate is too low to live, you'll need a plan on how to upgrade your stature or find a more in-demand speciality.