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Knowledge & Experience = job security.
Yada, Yada, Yada.
But how many times in life are we REALLY paid our worth?
Better yet, how often do we charge what we're worth?
As a freelance writer/editor/promotions person I'm often faced with the issue of knowing what to charge. I know what the industry standards are, I also know how it is to need these services and yet not have the budget for them.
Add to that I love what I'm doing and I love helping people and well....there's a fine line that often gets blurred or crossed out altogether when it comes to getting paid for my work, my knowledge and my experience.
We've also heard..."Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
That's bull LOL! Most of us who do what we love work harder and longer than in a "normal" 9 to 5 job.
Just ask any self-employed/freelance/contract labor professional. Ask any teacher for that matter.
Here's the deal....as much as I love helping people and sharing what I've learned, my knowledge and experience ARE valuable and I deserve to be paid for doing what I love most!
Yes, like many people I too take advantage of free stuff....like royalty free photos which can be found at Dreamstime, videos and tutorials on YouTube, etc., but I always try to pay something....whether that's a simple acknowledgement and link back to the origin, a byline, or a gift/donation to the provider.
So when I offer my knowledge and experience to you like I have by putting these articles on my website, if you can pay then please do. And, if you ask for my services and I don't know what to charge or you can't pay what I would normally charge, at least offer something, pay what you can, and/or set up a payment arrangement and honor it.
After all, Knowledge+ Experience + Time are valuable.
Something to think about!!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" (tm)
PS: Speaking of FREE things...don't forget you still have multiple chances to win a copy of Circles of Fate! Details HERE.
15 comments:
A good reminder, Pam.
Hi, Pam,
I totally agree with you! I believe writers should be paid. Too many people consider writing a hobby and don't feel writers need to be paid for their efforts. Those of us who put our hearts, souls, time and effort into our work should be rewarded financially.
Thanks Ladies!
Your time and opinions are greatly appreciated!
PamT
Well said, Pam. I think most writers, at one time or another have been approached by someone who says, "Can you tell me how to get published?" I would love to respond, "Sure. My fee is $100 an hour." (Of course, I've never said that, but it would be fun to see how they would respond.)
Pam, I do agree with most of your points, esp. about the amount of work that goes into freelancing, despite being something people love! So true. Unfortunately, Knowledge + Experience doesn't always equal Job Security, at least not in the nine-to-five world!
Good post.
Thanks for the terrific post, Pam. I really liked the reminder to "pay" for the things we use in some way ... "whether that's a simple acknowledgement and link back to the origin, a byline, or a gift/donation to the provider."
I'm happy to pay for the big stuff, but sometimes I forget to acknowledge the little things.
Appreciate your help with PG authors. Did enter Goodreads. Hope I win!
I hear you Maris! It's tough though because I LOVE helping people!
True Linda, I've been out of the nine-to-five world for a while and I've seen people close to me taken advantage of...the more they do the more is expected and the less they get in return or when they're in need. Just plain wrong....
Me too, Jan...I sometimes tend to forget the little things.
Thanks Linda R! Good luck in winning the contest!
Thank you ALL for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
PamT
I tweeted! :)
Excellent post and I agree that we more often than not get short-changed when it comes to payment for our time and expertise. Those of us who freelance as editors always struggle with what to charge as we know that so many writers are on a limited budget. I have done a bit of bartering, and that has worked well in a few cases. I think the whole idea of realizing that we owe something, whether it is money or not, for the services of another professional is what matters.
So true Maryann!
Thanks for stopping by.
PamT
So true -- I was too reluctant to charge for my efforts when I first started proofreading/critiquing, and still don't have any idea what to charge for my efforts. As a result, I just don't take the jobs. I guess if I had to depend on that type of work to put food on the table, I'd be very hungry. :D
Great post, Pam! Wonderful insights. Blessings to you!
As an author who's living on a single income retirement, every penny helps. Cheers
Your post truly touches a chord in me. For years I was a freelance editor and ghost writer, and every few months a client would stall about payment, try to reduce the price in the middle of the project, or claim to have no money at the end. I always got paid, but I only trusted one person with a payment plan. It's depressing to think how few people truly value what writers and editors do, and yet they are quick to judge the books that are published without professional support (editing, proofing, design work). Thanks for bringing to light once more one of ongoing problems for writers.
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