Comments on: 4 Untruths About Your Freelance Writing Business

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:53:37 +0000

Pitiful rate story: A family friend recommended me as a ghostwriter to one of his friends. He promised that she had a “real” budget to write this book. I asked her what her budget was, and she said she was still putting together numbers, so we had discussions about research time and sources needed, structure, time frame, etc. She’d read some of my work in her field and really liked it.

She then asked me for a quote based on our discussions. When I gave her one, she came back with 1/11th of that quote, then questioned the necessity of ANY research or fact-checking.

Needless to say, I refused.

I have also refused all “referrals” from this individual, because he doesn’t understand “real money” when it comes to writing. It’s not like he charges so little for what he does.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 11:14:08 +0000

In reply to Sharon Hurley Hall.

They were at first, weren’t they? The difficulty is that you start to think “Well, that seems low.” That’s when you know it’s time to move on. 😉

Doesn’t it save time? It’s the question people dance around. Why not just bring it up? Straightforward is a good business trait, too!

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:32:59 +0000

Another good one, Lori. I admit I’ve found rate sheets useful when trying to price something new, although I soon moved on to seeing what my peers charge, which is a much better guide. And of course, I always need to keep in mind what I consider compensation that values my experience.

As for leading with the rates, yes, yes, YES! It saves a lot of wasted time on both sides.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:30:51 +0000

In reply to Gabriella. Love those last few lines, Gabriella!

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:41:39 +0000

There’s been a minor kafuffle over it, Gabriella. I think it’s energy wasted, personally. But I’m all for anyone calling themselves whatever they think is necessary to attract clients. I’ve never had any issues with calling myself a freelance writer. Bring the goods and there isn’t a problem, right?

Yep, I’ve learned myself to lead with that conversation on rates. It’s just better for everyone involved. I had an email from a company about two months ago asking if I worked on this or that kind of project, and what were my rates, and would I like to have a phone conversation? I told them yes to the projects and here’s my rate. If the rate is amenable, we can set up a call. Crickets. But again, it’s a corporation, and things do go on the back burner.

Either way, no time was wasted on either side. They got a quick answer, and they’ll come back if it’s within their budget.

By: Gabriella

Gabriella — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:20:46 +0000

Great post, Lori!

Interesting. I didn’t know there was a furor over freelance. I do think it sounds sort of like the person who doesn’t really work much but wants to appear productive and creative. Still, when people say, “Are you still freelancing,” I don’t get offended. Personally, I call myself a professional writer.

On the rates up front, yep, I now do that all the time. Every. Single. Time. I can’t tell you how many times people contact me and say we should work together, and then I find out their pay is pitiful. So when I’m approached, I always say something along the lines of, “I’d love to talk to you. I charge __ per hour and __ per word. If that’s something that fits your budget, let’s arrange a time.”

Nearly every time, the conversation ends.

But I’ve had people say, “If you charge that much, I can’t find you work!”

Dopes. If I can charge that much, it means I don’t need you to find me work. You contacted me, remember?

Have a great day!