Contrary to Hollywood’s version, most writers are not wealthy
with pricey eccentricities; few writers manage to pay all of their bills
without assistance or a second job. We work hard at what we do. It would be
nice to know that others recognize our value.
Unfortunately it isn’t enough just to know our worth – most of
the free-lance writing jobs a writer can get nowadays isn’t as interested in
the average editorial rates as they are in their own meager budgets. If you are
asked for your fee and they tell you they can’t pay that much, it isn’t about
you. Many publications are experiencing serious money issues, but cutting
quality because of price often leads to loss of more revenue and the vicious
cycle merely continues.
It is easy to “become” a writer with personal blogs and sites
that are willing to pay just pennies for every so-many hits and there always
seems to be enough freelancers ready to accept an assignment. There are also
publications and causes that might be dear to your heart and you are not
concerned with any (reasonable) payment. If you want to work and earn a living
as a writer, you have to treat it like the business it is – and that is not an
easy task for the free-spirit that drives us to write.
There are some things you can do to increase your worth and
improve your income. Build a reputation and a portfolio even if it means
working for (nearly) free IN THE BEGINNING. After you gain experience and have
made a name for yourself, limit the freebies to publications that give back in
return (a personal cause, solid connections, a worthy resume credit, etc). Investigate
the publication and the topic before meeting with your potential editor. Let
the editor know your concern is for the well-being of the project, let them
know that you are in it together. If possible familiarize yourself with the
style guide they use.
Know what the standard industry rates are and be willing to
start high and then negotiate; when you are negotiating be sure to prove your
value by stating what your effort will be to the finished project. Remember
that the goal of negotiation is to make all parties happy or at least somewhat
pleased. If you can come to terms, set realistic terms such as deadline, word
count, research and then be honest with the editor IF you have any problems
coming through and by all means, do your darnedest to meet those expectations
or you will ruin your future chances. When you’ve agreed on terms, get it in
writing; one way to do this is to send a follow up email describing what your
agreed terms are and ask for confirmation of your understanding.
Make sure your work is well edited before you turn your final
copy in. Follow the formatting rules exactly. Submit your work according to the editor’s
preference, this can include hard copy, fax (rare), email (in the body or
attached). Keep a record, for your own purposes, of the hours, expenses and
effort you put in to finishing the project so that if you are asked back
(hopefully), you will have a good idea if the agreed upon fee is worth your
time or if you should ask for more. If you do ask for more, have the reasons to
back it up.
Most publications require invoices, keep an accurate ledger
and copies of your invoices, submit them timely and to the proper department. Ask
what the expected turnover is for payment and follow up (nicely) if there is
any delay in receiving payment – however if payment is not forthcoming, get a
little sterner with future follow-ups (spaced out appropriately. Understand
that occasional mishaps occur that might cause delays, but don’t be afraid of
losing a client where you have to consistently fight to get your money – you deserve
to be paid.
Always remain professional even if your liaison ends on a
poor note, you never know when some of these players may come back into your
life at another venue.
Writing Exercise: What is the one thing that most keeps
you from writing? Is it housework, checking your e-mail, family, another job?
Use 2 to 3 paragraphs to describe that obstacle and what you are doing when you
allow that thing/action to take you away from your writing.
Writing Prompt: Make a list of ten
articles/essays/stories you would like to write. Describe the specific audience
that would be interested in each of those articles.
Challenge Assignment: Choose two other people and
yourself – you EACH have a sudden financial windfall (independent of each
other). For each of the three, make a detailed list, a plan of action, what
that person would with the money – include frivolous purchases, family
responsibilities, investments, charities, etc. Does EACH individual’s plan
reflect the true character of that person?
