Yeah. It’s a family-owned business. Originally it was a vendor for events, but the pandemic forced them to totally revised their business plan. It’s really impressive how they did that. One of them likes to write and understands SEO better than most business owners, so it’s something they might opt to try themselves, too.

I was afraid that first one would fall through, Paula. I agree — why make you go through the paperwork if they weren’t going to give you assignments? Strange.

I think your best shot will be the second one, though the Upwork connection is concerning. If they’re used to bargain-basement rates, they may not be ready to pay what real writers charge.

That’s insanity, Devon! Only words written, not research? Without the research, there is no balance. There is opinion only. I’d bet it was something that wasn’t even considered thought leadership, was it?

Technically, two even sent contracts covering everything they might assign throughout the year, saying they’d be in touch when they found the “right fit” for me. I followed up periodically, but never got an assignment from either one. Why? My minimum rate exceeded their maximum rates. What I don’t understand is why they bothered to send me contracts to fill out and sign when they knew they weren’t going to accept my rates.

Another didn’t balk at the per-post rate I quoted; I explained it was negotiable, because I was basing it on the posts I do for a similar client, but their needs may differ. She said she needed to run it by her partner who handles financial details. Crickets. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I’m pretty sure they went in another direction since she mentioned they found their previous writer on Upwork (they liked his work, but he was based overseas and wasn’t always available when they needed him, so they wanted someone local).

Earlier today I decided to peek at a few of the more reputable job sites, and saw pay rates from freelance writers and editors at $15-32 per hour. You guessed it. These “clients” determine how long each assignment “should” take, and pay only for that amount of time regardless of how long it takes you to complete the job. One said 1,000-word articles typically take three hours. Sure, I can crank out 1,000 words in three hours, but the interviews, research, and final polish probably take another three hours. Too many would-be clients seem to think writers can spin articles out of thin air.

Please don’t even consider applying to jobs that so grossly undervalue your skills and time.

I should have left the part-time onsite client on Cape after six months, but I was too exhausted. But I learned from that mistake.