I remember when I was first starting my freelance writing business. I don’t always remember fondly, though. It was rough. Finding clients seemed like this secret step that only insiders who’d found clients could manage. Sort of like those job listings for entry-level positions, but you have to have a year or two of experience…
Tag: setting rates
The Great Freelance Rate Debate
There was another discussion on yesterday’s Twitter #FreelanceChat about rates. Ironic since the chat was about negotiation, but rates are indeed part of that. And not saying the rate discussion isn’t warranted — far too many writers don’t know what to charge for their services. What I am saying is the discussion isn’t needed. I…
Freelance Files: Why We Fear Pricing
There’s a custom kitchen installer in our area that we’d been considering. The work they do is absolutely beautiful. More to the point, it’s timeless. We were at a party, and we were admiring the hostess’s kitchen. She’d used this particular company. I commented on how great it looked and asked how long ago it…
The #1 Way to Earn More at Freelance Writing
I’m in the middle of a long run of constant work. I’ve met my March earnings goal with the projects I have on hand already, and it’s only the 4th of the month. You want that too, right? Look, there are precious few “secrets” to making a living freelance writing. Most of what you’ll do…
What’s Your Best Freelance Writing Rate?
That title alone probably causes more than a little agita for freelance writers. It still does for me. In fact, I’d say most freelancers struggle on occasion with what to charge a client. That’s normal. What isn’t normal is what I’ve seen online when writers ask each other the “What should I charge?” question. Some…
Why Freelance Pricing Guides Aren’t Helping You
What I’m listening to: Wrong by The Airborne Toxic Event We’ve all done it. We’ve asked the question: “How much should I charge for …?” While there’s nothing inherently wrong with asking other writers “How much do you charge for…?”, by asking how much we should be charging, we are, once again, putting control of our businesses…
Free Advice Friday: Setting Freelance Rates Sensibly
Has it really been a week since I’ve been here? This is what happens when your life has a hiccup. I had a good excuse — the day before Thanksgiving in the early hours (1 am), my daughter gave birth to a gorgeous little creature named Jaxon. We were so excited and in love that…
The Freelance Writing Location Myth
I was on Twitter last week when I noticed a study by HubStaff that talked about freelancers and earnings. Some interesting things in there, and not all of them I agree with. Here’s one that stood out: The rates that freelancers charge are highly dependent on location, discipline, and experience, so it’s impossible to provide average…
The Importance of a Serious Freelance Rate
What I’m listening to: Get On Your Boots by U2 Here it comes. A snow day for my region. The state of emergency for my town was put out early yesterday when the sun was blazing and the skies were a gorgeous blue. Not today. The latest forecast: 18 to 24 inches. That minimum number kept…
Your Freelance Writing Rate: One Fact You Need to Know
What I’m listening to: Incomplete by James Bay It happened again. Another forum discussion on rates, another person asking about rates. This time, the writer was reviewing the various pricing guides and thinking it was either time to raise rates or use those extremely general price ranges to show clients the bargain they’re getting. I get…