Comments on: Covering the Freelance Tush

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:08:58 +0000

Thank you a bunch! I've been wanting to add something like that in the contract, but haven't figured out how to word it so I'm covered on all the bases. Now I've got an idea! You Rock, Lori!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:27:55 +0000

That's an easy fix, Wendy. You just put it in your contract that the persons stated on the contract are entering into the agreement. Anyone who enters into the work later must be approved by both parties and a new price must be negotiated. I put something like "Any input from a third party not stated in this contract must be approved in writing by both parties or this contract will be void and full payment due immediately." I've had too many people expect me to work with people who jump in last minute. No way.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:07:53 +0000

The "posse of editors" worry me, sometimes. Especially if you don't know of anyone else involved in the project. Are they really connected to the client? And, if they are and if you follow their specifications and the project fails, who gets the blame?

As Freelance Business owners, we still need to keep an air of professionalism, so I say everyone should avoid responding to the unknown editing team and only deal with the client who hired you in the first place. Can you imagine forking over sensitive information to people that turn out to be not affiliated with the client at all?

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Rebecca, that's a decent approach. I guess the issue is finding someone working in the same areas and industries. Well, an issue for me. :)

Good seeing you here!

By: Rebecca Fernandez

Rebecca Fernandez — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:19:27 +0000

I think this is a really common problem. One thing that helps me is having a local friend who contracts for a few of the same companies. Then we can compare bids (for similar projects) and see if we're undercharging.

I often double or triple my bid, too, as someone mentioned earlier.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:33:31 +0000

Lisa, I not only have a nose for bad deals, but I seem to have a magnet that draws them in. ;)

Good point to look at corporate counterparts - Marketing Directors, VPs, even high-end consultants - to get a good price fix. You're right. Valuing ourselves against each other when we tend to undervalue and over-deliver is a mistake. We need to really understand our worth and what it's going to require for us to turn a profit and meet our obligations. Notice I didn't say "need." We have to think in terms of our price being a requirement.

Is that the "She Negotiates" course? Very cool!

By: Lisa Gates

Lisa Gates — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Lori, thanks for talking about when I'm not paying attention. You are always such a great champion for your tribe...this is a great piece. You have a good nose for a potentially foul smelling deal. :)

I think a very practical thing that could help those who are shy about asking is to research comparables.

In this case, I wouldn't be asking other writers because they notoriously undervalue themselves. Rather, what job titles and functions might your work be most like? What are they making per hour? Per year? If you are writing copy and marketing material most of the time, what are in-house communication directors and marketing managers making?

When you have a good idea of your value in the marketplace it can really boost your confidence in seeking more $$.

I have another writer friend who routinely triples the amount she *wants* to quote. So she anchors a $500 writing gig as $1,500. It leaves room for negotiating and elevates her *status* at the same time.

You know we're teaching this stuff again starting Monday, doncha?