Freelance Writing Blog

The Résumé Debate

Posted on January 26, 2012 by lwidmer

Yet another busy day yesterday. I tweaked an article, interviewed for another one, organized a few more details for another client, and started a template for an ongoing project. And I marketed. Always that. I did have time to hit the forums and the blogs. I’m seeing this prevailing theme among writers – “You don’t…

Your Unknown Compromises

Posted on January 25, 2012 by lwidmer

Yesterday was full-tilt writing and coordinating for eight hours (with an hour off for lunch). What I accomplished -well, it seems minor for the amount of time I spent on everything, but let’s just say I have many ducks in a neatly ordered row right now. It’s a good place to be in if you’re…

Double-Duty Marketing

Posted on January 24, 2012 by lwidmer

Good enough day yesterday. For some reason, I couldn’t focus until sometime after lunch, but I did manage to get some client work done and some marketing completed. Today, reviewing the article and out the door with it. I’m pleased with it on first blush, so we’ll see. I’ve been reading about the blogosphere various…

Snow, Fog, and Kilts

Posted on January 23, 2012 by lwidmer

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the newsletter! Those who registered before midnight on January 21 have been listed in order of their signup time, and I’ve used a random number generator to choose the winner. And the winner of the $20 Amazon card is….. Suzan Kelley! Congrats, Suzan! Drop me a note on…

Worthy Advice: Show Your Stuff

Posted on January 20, 2012 by lwidmer

Just two more days to score your chance at some free Amazon swag: Sign up to receive my occasional newsletter and you’re entered to win a $20 Amazon card! Make sure you’re all signed up by Saturday, January 21st (that’s tomorrow) before midnight. If you sign up January 22nd, you still get the newsletter, but…

Worthy Stuff: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on January 19, 2012 by lwidmer

Two things – first, don’t forget to sign up for my occasional newsletter. One of you who signs up before January 21st at midnight will win a $20 Amazon gift card! And I don’t spam, so there’s that.Also, I have an informal poll on the left side of this blog. Just for fun, I thought…

Superbly Idiotic Marketing

Posted on January 18, 2012 by lwidmer

Win something already! Sign up for my occasional newsletter (usually once or twice a month), you’re entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Just click right on over there at the left where it says Want More? Everyone registered by Saturday, January 21 before midnight is entered for the drawing. The newsletter gives you…

When Nuts Fall From Their Trees

Posted on January 17, 2012 by lwidmer

Want some free swag? Sign up for my occasional newsletter (usually once or twice a month), you’re entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Just click right on over there at the left where it says Want More? Everyone registered by Saturday, January 21 before midnight is entered for the drawing. The newsletter gives…

Slower, Steadier…

Posted on January 16, 2012 by lwidmer

My guest post is still up over at Peter Bowerman’s Well-Fed Writer blog. Give Peter some comment love, please. FYI – For those interested in a fantastic group coaching experience – Peter Bowerman has just a few spaces left in his February group, starting February 8. It’s a great way for you to get Peter’s…

What’s Your Price?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by lwidmer

It’s been a good week. Coming off a really rough re-entry (lots of work the two days after I got back), I was able to step back this week, rearrange the schedule, and buy myself a little wiggle room to readjust. I begged off the project offer I mentioned yesterday. Yes, I could have taken…

Wade Finnegan

January 13, 2012

I like doing it the estimate way. I pencil out how long I believe it will take me and then quote a price. I also learned to "pad" the time a little, because most of the time clients will add to the workload not lessen. If I over estimate then I could offer more service or maybe an incentive for further work. I have written a couple articles that paid per word, but they were on the low end.

Paula

January 13, 2012

Another writer friend of mine just told me a former editor asked if she could write a lengthy article due in about a month. She did the math, and they were offering roughly 17-18¢ per word. Probably less than they paid her 10 years ago.

She asked me if I thought she'd done the right thing by saying she'd need more. Of course I said she did the right thing. Now she's waiting to hear if they can find it in their budget to come closer to her rock-bottom prices.

To me it boils down to: They approached her. They know she's good. They must remember what they paid her for previous articles. So why offer a lower rate than they know she deserves?

Paula

January 13, 2012

BTW – I also sent her a link to Lori's blog, noting this post in particular.

Wade Finnegan

January 13, 2012

That is borderline insulting. I understand the economy is bad, but undervaluing an individual's worth taints the relationship. I'm not starving, so I could turn that down, but it might be difficult if you need to put food on the table.

allena

January 14, 2012

I learned to pad my estimate in the first year of freelancing. Back then it was needed because I grossly underestimated. But now I just do it to shake the tree a bit.

I go straight to my hourly because I think it's most helpful for people to position me on the grand scheme of things.

Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa

January 16, 2012

I recieved an email from someone looking for an article writer. They were referred by a previous client, which made me feel great. However I had worked for him using an introductory price. I actually felt bad writing what price I normally charge because I was worried about losing the gig. But just like you said, if a person doesn't want to pay the price, then they were never going to be your client anyway.

I didn't get the gig but I am glad that I didn't feel pressurised to work for less that I am worth. I have to keep reminding myself of this point.

Lori

January 16, 2012

Good idea on padding it a bit, Wade. I've found my estimates aren't always right on, either. About 20 percent more for a new client is usually closer to the reality.

Paula, she did the right thing from this chair, too.

Wade, I agree. It's insulting to offer substantially lower without explanation or even an apology. I did have an editor come to me with a lower rate and explain why, as well as apologize for it. I accepted because it wasn't all that much lower and it still made financial sense to me. But significantly lower? And they came to her? They need to revisit their practices.

Good practice, Allena. Your hourly is a great foundation to use since you've clearly done your homework on the price you need.

Victoria, that gig wasn't for you. It was for someone who didn't mind compromising too much for too little in return. Good for you for passing on it. I had a similar experience, and it taught me to price at or close to my usual rate every time.

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