Prevailing Rates for Writers
We almost always have some sort of a thread on setting rates, raising rates and getting paid over in our forum. Recently, someone who is pretty well established asked how and when to increase rates for existing clients. There were, as usual, several good suggestions – each quite different, reflecting a variety of successful approaches.
Matthew C. Keegan who has a successful freelance writing career made this statement about prevailing rates:
I tell them what I want and I either prevail or they move on.
I love the humor, but even more, I love the confidence and attitude.
First of all, “prevailing rates” is one of those terms that people who hire writers often bandy about that generally has no real basis in fact. Rates for writing are all over the map. When someone says they will pay prevailing rates, it most likely means they have a specific amount in mind and may have found a way to justify it.
Secondly, like others, I’ve found that what I get paid is more a function of my own belief in my worth than anything else. When I started in the writing business I was under the horribly mistaken impression that most people could write well. I don’t know where I got that idea, but it meant I didn’t value my skill. My prices reflected that.
Gradually, I came to realize that very few people can write well. As I gained confidence and began to recognize my own gifts, my rates went up. When I approach a potential customer with the internal knowledge that I can do the job well and that my time is worth quite a bit, I usually get the gig.
You might want to read: Maybe It’s Time to Increase Your Writing Fees
By the way, Matthew has several websites. At The Article Writer he offers his services – it’s a nifty approach. He’s got a blog called the Auto Writer and another called, not surprisingly, The Article Writer Blog. Take a look.
Write well and often,
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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing
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