Comments on: Writers Worth: 9 Reasons You’re Worth a Lot as a Writer

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 09 May 2014 10:55:59 +0000

Yes, we are worth a lot. When a client starts to nickel-and-dime you, walk away.

They're not doing you a favor by hiring you -- they're lucky to get you.

I'm lucky right now in that I"m booked fully until the end of June. I'm not going to even start pitching until the beginning of June, and have turned down several projects this past week that simply weren't worth my time, especially in the time/money/annoyance ratio.

Raise your standards on the type of client you want, and the positive experiences and fair pay come into play.

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Thu, 08 May 2014 14:37:07 +0000

Excellent advice, Anne – the longer you freelance, the more all of those reasons apply. And I love Cathy's line too – every client understands the concept of affordability.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Thu, 08 May 2014 14:14:30 +0000

Samar, I've found the same thing -- higher rates net clients who understand they're paying for skills.

Paula, that's when I'd switch providers and let the old provider know why. No one should talk like that to any customer!

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 07 May 2014 20:10:53 +0000

Hey, if the cable company's snotty customer service rep can defend a massive rate hike by saying, "No one's forcing you to have cable. It's a LUXURY," surely we can say no to lower rates.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Wed, 07 May 2014 20:08:44 +0000

Steal away, Ashley 😉

By: Samar Owais

Samar Owais — Wed, 07 May 2014 19:39:59 +0000

Great post Anne!

This is one of the scariest things to do in freelancing but when you raise your rates, you start attracting the clients that can pay those rates.

They won't come to you immediately. But slowly and gradually, you'll find them.

I feel every time I raise my rates, I have to up my marketing game because past marketing activities were attracting clients at my old rates. New rates require some new marketing activity.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Wed, 07 May 2014 18:55:39 +0000

Actually, Cathy has hit on the perfect reason to give to clients: I can't afford to lower my rates. How can they argue that? ANd frankly, no client should argue your rate. Negotiate, yes. Argue? No.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:11:56 +0000

I can't afford to lower my rates! I'm stealing that for sure :)

Just tweeted this post for #writerWednesday and Writers Worth!

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:00:35 +0000

Cathy… "I can't afford to lower my rates…" excellent way to say it.

Jenn… yes, even a couple of potential clients doesn't determine the value of our worth, and certainly says nothing about us.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Wed, 07 May 2014 12:44:45 +0000

Great point Anne (and Cathy). It's always nice to see a reminder that one prospect doesn't determine the value of our work.