Comments on: Freelance Writer Rates: A Client's Opinion

By: Freelance Writing Jobs for October 23, 2009 : Freelance Writing Jobs for Web and Print| Part of the Freelance Writing Jobs Blog Network

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:10:10 +0000

[...] Freelance Writers Rates: A Client’s Opinion [...]

By: Tania Mara

Tania Mara — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:02:41 +0000

Thanks for posting this interview. It’s a powerful eye-opener, especially the part about trying to negotiate even when the freelancer offers a fair rate right from the start.

The part where he says that “freelancers, at least the majority of them, are not worth that kind of money” was a bit painful to read. Oh, well … I can live with that.

By: Lisa Jo

Lisa Jo — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:34:03 +0000

It’d help to know what kinds of writing this guy is looking for; how much experience; etc. If he’s hiring young people with lots of enthusiasm and little experience, it’d be easier to negotiate down with the expectation that a relatively low rate would finally be accepted. For old pros, though, especially in a technical field (eg, technical writing, direct mail, ad copy, etc.) $100 is not out of sight.

Lisa

By: Jodee

Jodee — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:06:50 +0000

I’d like to remind our site visitors of our comment policy. You can find it at the top of the page. While respectful disagreement is always welcome, nastiness and personal attacks will be deleted.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:04:04 +0000

@ Laura: I found that comment interesting as well, and I think I’ll be quoting with a view to expecting to negotiate rates more from now on.

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:09:12 +0000

Typically, firms need a decent markup to contract with anyone, as Mr. Roberts points out. I work for a lot of firms on the coasts because they will bill more than those in the Midwest or South, and therefore can pay contractors more.

However, Mr. Roberts’ rates (the ones he charges) may be too low. I know a PR professional (slightly different focus, but I think close enough for my stance on this) who was charging $125 an hour 20 years ago.

By: Freelance Writing for Beginners: Step 2: Setting Your Freelance Writing Rates : Freelance Writing Jobs

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:04:50 +0000

[...] Freelance Writer’s Rates: A Client’s Opinion [...]

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:33:56 +0000

Thanks for this Jodee!

The eye-opening part of this interview (at least to me) was that this particular client would try to negotiate with even a freelancer who quoted reasonable rates from the onset.

As someone who does try to quote reasonable rates and who does not pad my quotes, this post makes me realize that I should probably be asking for more that I really expect to get up front. (Something that I confess I really haven’t been doing.)

On the other hand, I have had good experiences with quite a few clients who accept my rates as I quote them (probably I’ve been lucky). Typically if a prospective client won’t accept a quote my practice has been to refer them elsewhere.

Thanks for sharing this interview, and actually, I’d like to see more interviews like it. I always find learning from others experiences fascinating.