Yes, I don't know how many times I have to remind people that I write, not distribute. Same goes for editing books. If I'm editing your book, I'm fixing the copy. I'm not finding a publisher, agent, or waiting until that time to get paid.

I'm with Devon on the press releases thing. Several years ago, after quoting a rate of $250/page, a potential client assumed that included compiling a mailing list, printing out hard copies, and mailing (not e-mailing) them out. Postage, too. Um, dude, that amount wouldn't cover the paper, ink and postage let alone my expertise.

I think you hit on something when you mention in the comments about spending money on flashy websites and business cards — Those are things that they can't negotiate price. I think many people feel that a writer's price is more flexible than the price of a tangible product.

Wendy, I've not been bullied yet. I figure no one has that much clout that the entire WORLD would stop hiring us! But it's nice that these bullies have such low opinions of themselves, huh? LOL

Diane, that's when I say "Fine. You get what you pay for." I never look back at those. Crazies!

Devon, you've certainly hit on plenty I've come across, too! I don't do startups because they're so interested in wasting money on Flash websites and uber-cool business cards that they fail to have enough to pay their contractors.

Good for you, Carole! I'd have tossed that one back myself. Ridiculous parameters – there's no way any writer can do a fantastic job in two hours. You have to have enough time to visualize and build the ideas.

Funny, when I quoted a consulting fee, they all went away…hmmm…

"Why should I pay your extortionate rates when I have hundreds of enthusiastic amateurs willing to do it for free?"

Nuff said.

"If you were a professional, you'd know how to budget our time to fit into our budget." (the typical do a 10 hour project in 2 hours thing).

The ones who want me to use MY contacts to market THEIR products, instead of me just doing the writing job for which I was hired.

People who hire you to write a press release and then expect you to submit it. No, hon. I WRITE it. That's all I do. Getting it out there is YOUR job.

"We're starting up, but when we get on our feet . . ."
If I can't pass it on to the landlord, the plumber, etc., you can't pull it on me.

"It'll be really good for you to get the exposure."
Uh, no, actually, it will be rally good to be PAID for my work.

"Anyone could write this." Go ahead then. Write it yourself, save the money, and see where it gets you.

I once had a client say that s/he could complete a specific project (new web site content of a medical nature)in less than an hour and a half and expected me to do the same. I told this person to go ahead and do it then because I could not in good conscience do an adequate job in that timeframe. S/he seemed surprised that I tossed it back.