Certify Writers?
Mike Sieber, blogger at Adventures In Copywriting (yes, the same guy I was talking about yesterday) asks Should Writers be Certified? He’s not sure, but he’s wondering if some sort of formal training or certification would bring more predictable fees, at least when writing for larger companies and corporations.
My answer is a loud and resounding “no!” For a bunch of reasons, including:
- My own belief that we don’t have enough trades in this country – clear career paths for those who for whatever reason don’t want to pursue a formal education.
- Certification or licensing doesn’t do anything but teach people to pass tests. Witness the real estate industry, for example. There’s a huge industry out there to teach people who want to sell real estate how to pass the test in their state. I know from personal experience those tests don’t guarantee honesty or good work.
- It’s possible to get a tech writing certificate; have you noticed any improvement in technical writing as a result?
Mike ends with his real concern by saying, “…how can we writers ensure we’re being paid a fair wage for our work when most can’t agree on what a fair wage even is?”
I’m not sure “we” can or even should. Mike also says that writing isn’t driven by the market like beef or gas. I’d point out that both of those industries are highly subsidized… writing isn’t. In fact, freelance writing probably comes closer to reflecting the market than most of the things we’re used to.
Back when I sold real estate (yes, that’s just one of the things I’ve done), the definition of a fair market price for a home or other property was the price paid by a willing buyer and a willing seller.
We freelance writers are the willing seller in this equation and we get to determine what we charge.
Write well and often,
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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Musings From A Freelance Writer
4 opinions for Certify Writers?
Carma Dutra
Mar 26, 2007 at 8:07 pm
A certificate or license looks nice on the wall, can impress clients and it gives you the satisfaction that you completed something. This is not a bad thing but in my opinon, the main factor in determining price is experience in your craft or speciality field and refrences.
Also what is a fair wage for one will not necessarily be fair for the other. One approach to determining fair wages would be to shop around and get prices then decide what you are worth. What does the job cost you? How much an hour do you need to make a reasonable profit and a living? The answers to those questions could be helpful in determining what your price needs to be.
Anne Wayman
Mar 27, 2007 at 8:01 am
yes, there really isn’t a way to determine a fair wage is there… a living wage maybe, but not fair… eye of the beholder.
Lori
Mar 27, 2007 at 2:46 pm
You sold real estate too? My word, woman! We are kindred spirits!
Anne Wayman
Mar 27, 2007 at 4:56 pm
;)
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