Yes, it is a bit weird to have that reaction after the price was already put out there, but I suppose there's some disconnect between what I'd said and what the client thought he would see.

I think Cathy's response is perfect.

I generally take the approach of pointing out that these are professional rates, and they won't get the same experience on the cheap.

I thank them for their interest and invite them to contact me again if their situation or budget changes.

And I give them a referral (usually to a newer writer who might be open to the lower rates; I don't send the obvious price "negotiators" to other colleagues I know charging similar rates).

They usually take the referral, the newer writer lands a gig they're happy with, and the client very often comes back to me later.

The referrals cinch the deal. They appreciate that I care enough to point them to someone who can help rather than just blowing them off, telling them they can't afford a pro.

Susan, that's what has me scratching my head. Not sure exactly why it came as a shock. Oh well — it wasn't a match.

I hear crickets occasionally, too. That's actually a bit easier to take because you know then that the price didn't fit them. 🙂

In your case, Lori, I'd be frustrated that he asked for a proposal after you gave your rate. Why ask you to spend the time on a proposal if he thinks the rate is outrageous? That's what baffles me, but that does happen sometimes. More often, though, I send a proposal and just hear crickets, even when I follow up. That's freelancing for you!

I agree that a detached, fair assessment is a good response. Just a "Thank you and I wish you well" works for the nasty ones, but sometimes you really do wish you and the potential client could come to terms because they're just so darned nice.

I get a lot of ire by "aspiring" writers who claim they want an editor, and really want an editor for free. Um, no. My price is my price, and if you need an editor before you submit to a publisher, then you need to pay a fair price. This is my business, not my hobby, and every minute spent on your work is a minute less spent on my own.

I've had some nice responses saying I'm out of the budget, and then we keep in touch. But the nasty ones — they'd be a nightmare to work with anyway.

I've had a few would-be clients try to get me to jump through ridiculous hoops to "earn" the right to be their editor. Um, no. Here are my credentials, this is my page, this is the sample page of editing style, this is the quote.

Either it works for you or it doesn't.

You get what you pay for. If you're going to pay rates that are content-mill level rates, that the quality you get.

I'm worth the money, and my rates are my rates. There's some room, in some instances, for negotiation, but the courtesy of the response has a lot to do with telling me what the client will be like to work with.

Thank you for letting me know. I would be happy to discuss future opportunities with you should your conditions change. I wish you continued success.

Of course, that's assuming I want to do business with them in the future. ;-)If not, I would simply leave out the 2nd sentence.

Oh sure, some I'll negotiate a bit with maybe. But basically my price is my price –