The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource

Freelance Writers’ Manifesto

by Anne Wayman on November 15th, 2006

Comments, general gnashing of teeth, and what-have-you continue on the subject of Freelance Writing Pay - hence the Freelance Writer’s Manifesto, found on CraigsList San Francisco this morning. Apparently written by Patricia Skinner who blogs at SEO Blogosphere, it’s an obviously heart felt expression of frustration and an attempt to get writers enrolled in the idea that they (we) deserve to be paid well for our work.

Obviously, I agree – I’m just not sure admonishing writers to charge decent rates accomplishes much. Sure, if every writer or almost every writer stopped writing for $4 an article, the prices would go up… but it isn’t going to happen that way.

Instead, I think it’s a matter of writers learning to value themselves more – honest self-worth comes first, then an equally honest personal evaluation of skills. Out of this comes the willingness to raise fees and get the hire rates.

Of course, the Manifesto could inspire writers to look more closely at what they do and how they feel about themselves and their work. I guess it’s a matter of emphasis or what comes first.

She’s putting together a newsletter and I’ve subscribed… I’d like to see how this develops, if it does.

What do you think?

Write well and often,

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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Freelance Writing Jobs