True. All but two of my worst clients were low-payers. The other two were disorganized messes (no amount of money is worth taking the blame for someone else’s lack of planning).

It’s often the little changes that make the biggest differences.

Rethink rates: AMEN. Too often, I hear writers lamenting that their clients want to pay them half of their $50 rate. Uh, why is your rate that low? Because you’ve not done the math to realize how little you’re actually earning after taxes.

Target a different kind of client: Halleluia! If you get referrals from bottom feeders, you’re going to get more of the same. Target a client that’s bigger, more expensive, and better equipped to pay your new rate without complaint. This becomes easy once you raise the rate.

Get advice elsewhere: right there. That’s what’s holding back so many new writers. They put all their faith in one person — the same person charging them for info that they have to pay a little more to get in its entirety. In one session, you should be able to take something actionable away from it that will transform your business. That shouldn’t come sixteen sessions and two to three courses and ebooks in.

Add a new service: Yes! It’s not hard to suggest case studies if you’re already doing their brochures or web copy. The writing is similar, and it’s not hard at all to research how it’s done.

Promote yourself in new ways: Absolutely! My business took off when I mixed social media in with my emailed letters of introduction. Social media is more personal, and there’s a connection, not just a pitch.