Don't blame you on the aspiring novelists. It's usually that segment of the population that most needs a strong edit. I've slowed down my editing in that area because I got a bit weary of having people argue my edits and get offended because I changed their words. I take serious clients, and if they're not serious about getting a professional opinion and help, then they're throwing away their money and my time.

But I no longer give aspiring novelists a discount. What most of them really want is someone to tell them they're brilliant and clean up their messy, lazy structure for free. They don't appreciate the time, skill, and work it takes to do a good edit, and aren't interesting in learning the craft well enough to self-edit.

I'd rather spend that time on my own work, or on clients who actually understand my skills.

Jenn, I like how you blazed trails. It does make sense in those types of situations to give discounts.

My pro bono stuff these days is directly related to family. You can't charge your mother. Well, you could, but she might not pay. 🙂

When I was starting out I did offer occasional discounts, but it was for a combination of consulting and writing at the time. I was one of the earlier folks specializing in my area, and clients were used to the $5 article crowd. They had a lot to learn about PR writing. I taught them what I could. I earned their trust. But budgets were often a touchy subject. So I'd offer discounts on first projects to pull them in. And most of those clients kept coming back (at my normal rates) once they saw what hiring a pro could actually do for them. In that sense, it depends heavily on your market. I wouldn't suggest the same these days for most writers simply because clients are more aware of the low vs pro issues.

I almost never take on pro bono projects for nonprofits. I worked with a major international nonprofit before starting my business. And I saw how much waste there was first-hand. Knowing what these folks can throw money away on, they can pay me if they want my services. Any exception would have to be something very small and something my heart is in 100% — such as helping a local animal shelter or lending a hand with an organization that supports writers and other artists (which is why I'm happy to volunteer to help out with a writer's organization I'm a member of). Beyond that, it's a no-go.

Oh Paula, I know what you mean about what resume companies pay! I gave that up ages ago because the really good rate was suddenly cut in half with some flimsy excuses being repackaged as "opportunities" for us to get more work. Right. Next!

…not that I do very many resumes anymore. (The skills I developed by writing resumes sure come in handy sometimes, though!)

Long story short, the organization is now subcontracting the editor to produce the magazine, and she had to trim the budget to get the contract. Luckily, the rates were already good, so I was willing to help out my friend and took a 15% haircut along with her as she launches her business. It's steady work and cool topics, and she's hoping to increase the budgets over time.

Regrets? I've had a few, mostly early on, and situations that really I just chalk up as part of the Freelance MBA curriculum!