After nearly two decades working for a large media company, I began flying solo. Having deep experience in writing, editing, page layout, ad design, and copywriting (you wear many hats at a small newspaper!), I felt well-positioned to offer all of the above to other businesses.
The main challenge – no surprise – was finding customers. Close behind was deciding what to charge them.
Google offers no shortage of writer’s rates for everything from press releases to blogs to magazine articles. And they differ wildly. One industry association suggests numbers that reflect the education and skills of a professional writer and editor. Some individuals, however, seem prepared to give it away.
Sure, I understand the “allure” of getting published, and that some newbies will to work for free (or nearly free), just for a byline. I get it. As a seasoned professional, I’ll do a little hand-picked “pro bono” work for the exposure it brings.
But this should be done sparingly. I don’t see many plumbers or electricians giving away their services, and neither should you.
"Writing and editing are hard work, and cutting fees to where you’re making minimum wage (or less), is a shabby business model."
Sure, you can work at light speed and take on more volume. But churning out crap won’t build a body of work you’ll want to show clients.
And don’t get me started on “auditioning” for a paid gig. Perhaps I’ll write a blog on this topic, once I finish auditioning my mechanic for the next oil change.
So decide what your time and expertise are worth. I get tremendous satisfaction from crafting well-written pieces that could stand proudly in my portfolio. Be they blogs or magazine articles – each gets my full attention. I refuse to do “fast food,” production-line content.
Becoming an exceptional writer takes time – the 10,000-hour rule still applies. Find those customers who appreciate, and are willing to pay for, what you offer.
The rest may learn the hard way that “good work ain’t cheap, and cheap work ain’t good.”
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