Comments on: Marathon Time

By: Paula

Paula — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:45:16 +0000

The catch for me, Lori, is I don't have experience working with corporate clients or with the type of work they do, so why would they hire me? That's a big hurdle.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:00:30 +0000

That's really disheartening. I thought your concept and outline were terrific.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:09:46 +0000

It doesn't help that about 1/4 of the class to whom I made a year-long commitment can't cut it. I have to make up for that lost income along with the lost gigs.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:10:17 +0000

I hear you, Paula! Wouldn't that be the holy grail?

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:57:39 +0000

Sounds like my goal for 2012 is finding other markets for my work. Periodicals set their rates (which almost never go up), and sadly I've yet to find a $5/word market.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:34:51 +0000

Good point, John. There are times when the rate isn't necessarily one they can match. If the industry dictates it, then you're hard-pressed to change it.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:50:31 +0000

I always do what I can to maximize my income, and that definitely includes raising my rates.

In my particular specialty, though, sometimes a client has a fixed budget and can't go higher. If the project meets my minimum hourly rate and I have the time to do it, I'll usually go for it anyway.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:48:01 +0000

Hang in there, Devon. With determination and enough chemicals, you'll win the bug war. :) I've no doubt you'll have a new client this week, either. If anyone can, you can.

Go for it, Damaria. I think given your exceptional background, you're in a sweet position to earn what you want to earn.

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:32:32 +0000

I didn't raise my rates in 2011, so I need to do that for 2012. My oldest clients are aware that they got a break then, so I doubt they'll blink when I notify them. And I'm definitely quoting a higher rate for all new clients. And you're right – when you have a good amount of work in the pipeline, you're in a better position to negotiate than when you're desperate to get the business.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:58:36 +0000

I need to market for January. I lost a gig and need to replace it. So that has to start this week.

The Cape had a really good season, so I think there will be some decent work out there.

I just have to strip off the cleaning gloves I had to use for the past 48 hours to decontaminate the house and get moving.