Skip to content

Words on the Page

a freelance writing resource.

Menu
  • Blogs Worth Reading
  • Courses
  • Ebooks
  • Free Writers Worth eBook
  • Guest Posting Guidelines
  • Home
  • Marketing 365
  • Monthly Assessment
Menu

4 Reasons Why You Suck at Freelance Writing (and How to Fix Them All)

Posted on by lwidmer

It’s funny how random conversations get you thinking. I reconnected with a friend on Facebook, and it brought back a conversation we’d had years ago. It’s when I knew if her fortunes were going to change, it would have to be accidental. She is one who is always about to start the diet, about to…

Read more

What I Learned About Freelance Writing from a Possum in My Trunk

Posted on by lwidmer

There’s still time to sign up for Peter Bowerman’s Well-Fed Craft Marketing Course – don’t miss out on learning from one of the best in the business. We spent the July 4th holiday weekend in West Virginia visiting the newest member of the family (and his family, of course). Because descending on parents of a newborn…

Read more

The Well-Fed Craft: An Interview with Peter Bowerman

Posted on by lwidmer

If you’ve been around my blog any length of time, you know I rarely promote anything. But once in a while, something comes along that is just so good, I feel if I don’t promote it, I’m doing you guys a disservice. Such is the case with anything Peter Bowerman puts out. His latest offering…

Read more

The $100-a-Day Freelance Shell Game

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Laminated Cat by Jeff Tweedy There’s a bit of a disturbing trend in freelance writing, and it’s pointed at new writers and those who are struggling. It’s the lowering-of-the-bar promise. In one week, I saw four different blog posts tweeted out, full of can-you-believe-it exclamations about how much money you, freelance…

Read more

Free Advice Friday: This Job Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

I spent this week stewing about not being able to head to Ontario. It’s my own fault. I said yes to too many projects and didn’t turn down appointments when I should have. So I have to wait a few more weeks to get the hell out of here and get a much-needed break. Meantime,…

Read more

Coaching on Purpose: Interview with Anne Wayman

Posted on by lwidmer

Happy Solstice! This is one of my favorite days of the year — the longest day. If it’s not pouring down rain like it has been all spring, I’ll be spending the first day of summer outside until the sun goes down –which takes it longer today than any other day of the year. Today…

Read more

The Freelance Writing Location Myth

Posted on by lwidmer

I was on Twitter last week when I noticed a study by HubStaff that talked about freelancers and earnings. Some interesting things in there, and not all of them I agree with. Here’s one that stood out: The rates that freelancers charge are highly dependent on location, discipline, and experience, so it’s impossible to provide average…

Read more

Free Advice Friday: This Job Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

  Time once again for Free Advice Friday, so named because I just like the alliteration. This time, we had competition for the world’s worst lousy offer of the week, but Sharon Hurley Hall sent what is possibly the worst job of the year. I give you the job you should avoid at all costs:…

Read more

Technology Tuesday: Microsoft Tools You Didn’t Know You Had

Posted on by lwidmer

A little off-topic today, and a little late. But useful! Always useful. Apple fans, don’t run away. If you use Word, some of this could apply to you. I’m a huge fan of Microsoft products. Yes, they have their problems, such as my recent issues with what I assume is my new wireless keyboard opening twenty…

Read more

The Freelance Money Flow

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m listening to: Show Me The Way by Peter Frampton I was reading a conversation recently among newer writers talking about waiting for that next check to show up. Boy, do I remember those days. And on rare occasion, I still have that same feeling. It’s uncommon though, amen. It’s also one of the…

Read more
  • Previous
  • 1
  • …
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • …
  • 267
  • Next
  1. Mary Schneider Avatar
    Mary Schneider

    Setting reasonable rates is the hardest for me…

    A question- which is more professional, an hourly rate or a set rate per project?
    I’ve had an hourly rate for a while now but am considering a shift to a set rate, to make marketing easier. What do you think? What are some of the pros and cons in your experience?

    Reply
    1. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      Mary, I typically quote per-project rates only because it’s easier for me to calculate my time. Clients like to know the full price upfront, and giving per-project rates avoids a client watching the clock.

      The disadvantage would be underestimating your time commitment. I get around that by offering my per-project rate based on XX hours, with additional work costing $150/hr. Or I give the option to renegotiate once the hours are expended.

  2. Paula Hendrickson Avatar
    Paula Hendrickson

    Are you intercepting my email, Lori? Right now I’m in one of those spots where I’ve kicked myself in the head by focusing almost exclusively on multiple projects for a client that I know has a slow payment process. It works like clockwork, so at least I know I’ll be paid for all of these things by August 20. And it will be a significant amount, too. Thank goodness.

    Luckily, I stashed my last big check from the same client allowed me to sock a couple more months’ worth of living expenses in my savings account.
    Yes, I’ll have to transfer funds out of savings to pay my July bills, but that’s because I spent nearly $2,000 on home repairs and the first installment of my property taxes this month. Bad timing, but such is life.

    Reply
    1. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      I swear I wasn’t reading over your shoulder, Paula! As long as they remain predictable in their payments, I wouldn’t drop them. Unless there are other factors, of course. And if anyone can protect themselves in these situations, it’s you!

    2. Paula Hendrickson Avatar
      Paula Hendrickson

      They’re an efficiently run machine, and one of the top markets in my field. Knowing when the funds will arrive makes it possible to budget. Unlike my former client, Late Payer, who could take six months to pay—the guy used every excuse in the book and usually only paid up when threatened with “alternate means of collection.” (And one of the two execs there had the audacity to try to connect with me on LinkedIn. NO WAY!)

  3. Joy Drohan Avatar
    Joy Drohan

    I heartily endorse the accountability method Lori suggests here. Since I started using it I’ve typically made quite a bit more than my monthly goal. I should probably raise my goal, but there’s the occasional month when I might not invoice anything if I’m working on several large projects. I’ve also learned to invoice more frequently as I go, and to value continuing projects for the monthly invoice. And of course regular marketing, not just when work is slow…

    Reply
    1. lwidmer Avatar
      lwidmer

      You’re living proof it works, Joy! It’s amazing how you’ve blasted through those goals.

© 2026 Words on the Page | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme