Comments on: Upping Your Game

By: Carlton Ford

Carlton Ford — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:13:50 +0000

You have a very very very informative write up keep it up!Do You want to make money online?

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:49:45 +0000

Lori, in the past, some editors would give a higher rate if you asked, but these days even some big publishers are cutting rates. It still doesn't hurt to ask, but don't expect a positive result until the economy improves.

One major entertainment trade I write for a lot avoids the who's-paid-more issue by having flat rates. It had been 75-cents/word and is now 50-cents/word, but they promise it will go backup as soon as their ad rates pick back up.

Another editor who is usually very good about negotiating rates (usually around $1/word for the shorter pieces I tend to do for her, but the longer features have flat rates - so I can earn more doing two or three short articles than one long one) is now saying, "this is the max we can pay" because their editorial budget was slashed.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:08:24 +0000

I confused someone today, Hugh, when I said I had a writing emergency. "My client's having a comma." He didn't get it. I had no idea it was Punctuation Day! LOL

I've learned that the hard way, Paula. One-and-done writing now. I stuck it out too long with one publication out of some odd sense of loyalty, and in the end I resented it. My own fault. Better still, don't take low-paying jobs in ANY case. I'm in a position where my experience is pretty thick. I shouldn't have to prove I can cross over into another industry when I've done it about six times.

That's true, Katharine. Magazines often do have set rates. But I've found you can often get a higher rate just by asking. Not always, but it's been known to happen!

By: Katharine Swan

Katharine Swan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:03:39 +0000

I was thinking that it's not always possible to set your own rates, so Paula's comment was perfect. Thanks, Paula!

By: hugh.c.mcbride

hugh.c.mcbride — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:33:41 +0000

I realize that this is a bit (OK, a lot) off-topic, but I just wanted to wish y'all a Happy Punctuation Day.

[And yes, this *is* a homemade semicolon-shaped party hat I'm wearing -- thanks for noticing!]

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:34:11 +0000

And a tip for magazine writers: Since we don't set the rates publications pay, once you have a clip from a place paying 10- or 15-cents a word, aim your next queries to higher paying markets instead of getting stuck in rut.

That said, I do maybe 3 articles per year for a regional glossy that only pays 15-cents per word, but they add $25 per interview and are very easy to work with. The editor there understands that I have to prioritize my workload, and can only fit their $200-$250 articles around my better paying assignments. The distinction here is I'm choosing to take those assignments, when able, because an extra $200 here or there for minimal work is gravy. And sometimes it's fun to write about local issues. But never stop seeking out better paying markets.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:11:28 +0000

Good point, Wendy. Help from our peers keeps us from making the same mistakes they made. I know I'd have been lost without some of their advice.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:23:48 +0000

There's something you could add to your wonderful list here. Under being a detective, it could also say that you should your research and check out other writer's blogs.

When I first started, I bought a couple of writing eBooks that basically said it was easy as pie to start a writing business. I wasted my money on them. I learned a lot more on writer's blogs (and even through some of my clients) than I ever did in those particular eBooks.

It was because of advice like this that I realized working for pennies wasn't doing me or any other writer any good. I also learned some other valuable tips as well.