Stacy, that's a super idea! Yes, I think that's a good way to set a precedent. Thanks for the idea!

Jenn, you'll love it. 🙂

Hi Allena! Good seeing you here. I have a similar minimum – a three-hour minimum for small projects. The exceptions – blog posts and press releases. But you're right. Anything under $150 costs us more to touch the keyboard than to move on.

Stacy – Putting a bare minimum is another good option for cutting down on the tightwads. I've already decided the next time I decide to open things up to a new client I'll only be taking on blogging projects, and there will be a minimum order required (probably 10 posts per month) — another way to cut out those with limited budgets where you'll have to put in a lot of time getting to know the market and company only to do minimal work.

What I'm thinking of doing on my next web page update is posting a minimum amount for a project on my FAQ page. Something like:

My minimum to begin any project is $300.

Think that will scare away the cheapo tire kickers?

Both on my site and when I'm talking to a client I say something like "I base my charges on $125 an hour, but I like to work out a flat fee – that way you don't get billed for a mistake I made and I don't get shorted for the inspiration I have in the shower.

I'm not too concerned about what you or other writers charge… we all have to find what works for us.

btw, posting what I charge only lessens, but does not eliminate those who hope I'll write for free or for way less than I say I will… lots of optimists out there.

So glad you're feeling better my dear.

Yep, $100/hr for writing. That doesn't include magazine articles, obviously.

Eileen, good seeing you again! Feeling pretty decent beyond too dizzy after taking an allergy pill, but that's something else entirely, isn't it? 🙂

LOVE the idea of a price range because it establishes a base price that's within reason.

Cathy, great reminder. Thank you!

Jenn, did I mention the hour counter when we had lunch? I'll fill you in later, but it's happened a few times. That's why your suggestion would work beautifully.

Jake, you've inspired me to put a rate chart together. Hey, if you're willing to leap into that area, so am I. 🙂

Jill, exactly the reasons I've not posted rates, too. The only way around it I can see is to poll other writers for their price ranges on particular projects. Gives a better idea of what you should be charging maybe.

Kathy, that's a super idea. I normally get to the price first, but sometimes it's tough, especially when it takes two or three emails to get the project fleshed out. But yes, it's a great idea to have standard price ranges handy. Great idea.

It weeds out the client pack. – Agreed and I'm sick of wasting time on communications that go nowhere.

It establishes a market value. — True, but for editors, the value has a broad spectrum. Rates are all over the place!

It is positions you as a serious professional. — True, but that sentence needs a serious editing. Or a serious editor. I'm available!

Although I usually bill by the hour, I seldom tell clients how many hours a job actually took.

When I had rates posted, few if any jobs resulted. Saying nothing brings a deluge of mostly cheapskates.

Perhaps the tactic of posting a range of rates would weed out all those who want "freebies" (yes! I am still getting those!) and attract what I call potential clients who are "serious writers."

Really, you're writing for $100 an hour? I'd better boost my rates again, cause editing is sooo much more difficult.

Your turn — find all my typos.

First, I don't want to lowball myself. New clients may pay more than what I consider my going rate.

Second, the projects I do vary wildly in their level of difficulty (I'm a book editor and proofreader). Quoting a per-page rate or even a ballpark project fee before I've seen the manuscript or a sample of it would be foolish.

Finally, I don't want to scare off new clients who may be willing to pay more once I've proven myself. One client paid me a decent per-page rate for proofreading, then upped it after I'd been working for the client for some time.