The Third Annual Writer’s Worth Day

It’s that time of year again – time to celebrate the value and skills you bring to your clients and the writing world. The Third Annual Writer’s Worth Day is next week – May 14th. All next week we’ll be celebrating by encouraging each other through worth-inducing tips, advice, and sharing of experiences. Please make sure to come by every day to get your dose of appreciation and acknowledgement!

I started this day out of sheer frustration. Too many people were posting too many jobs that were mere dollars – not per hour, either. Worse, writers were taking them. And they still are. So as long as I have breath in these lungs, I’ll pound the drum for writers to stand up for themselves and say no to any job that is beneath them. (A hint – if it pays less than minimum wage, honey, it’s beneath you.)

I’ll have a new widget for you this week. Please put it on your website, your blog, on Facebook, wherever writers hang out. Help spread the word and raise awareness. If one more writer says no to unacceptable wages, it will have been worth it.

In the meantime, here are some ways you can help educate our peers. These are tips I suggested last year. Feel free to add your own:

Post to your blog. You can link here if you like, but it’s not necessary. The idea is to spread the word about the cause in your own way, to become an advocate for the industry.

Speak out on forums. Too often we see writers taking horrifically low amounts of money (or worse – no money) for their talents. If you see it happening, speak out. Educate these writers where they cluster. Be kind, but be convincing.

Comment. Many of this blog’s more interesting posts have resided in the activity in the comments section. If you see someone taking less than they should be, say so. Be bold!

Twitter. Tweet your opinions about writers who devalue their worth. Tell the Twitter-sphere how we’re no longer sitting still for the erosion of the industry.

Email clients and writing colleagues. Those who have valued you in the past are strong supporters who could help change mindsets in the business world. You don’t have to evangelize – simply send a notice to clients on May 15th stating the purpose of Writers Worth Day (to come here soon) and thank them for valuing your industry and your training. Might want to offer a discount along with your thank-you message.

Hold teleclasses, online classes, email classes to educate writers. Newbie writers are lining up behind any number of writers in an attempt to cull information and learn how to start a business. Why not make one of those classes a lesson in rates, crap jobs, and how to set rates and hold firm to them?

I’ll be holding a drawing in celebration of the day. Prize and details to be announced.

How do you hope to celebrate Writer’s Worth Day?