How to Negotiate a Freelance Writing Project Fee

You may want to charge less for a good opportunity.

You're in the running for a freelance writing assignment. Then you get an email from the editor asking what your rates are. While you may be asked to quote an hourly rate or a rate for the entire project, either way, your quote will be based on what hourly rate you expect for the project.

Instructions

1. Estimate how long, in hours, the project will take to complete. This includes researching and setting up and conducting interviews in addition to the actual writing time. Especially if you are new to the publication or new to writing, you may have to spend time on revisions as well.

2. Research the going rates for the assignment you're up for. Contact other writers or post in forums to find out what they charge for similar projects. Most will be more than happy to help you. While you are at it, also ask for their estimates of what will go into the project.

3. Compare your experience with that of the writers you contacted for input. Beginning writers generally charge on the low end of the scale, hoping to build up a list of published credits. Seasoned writers generally charge more and have the contacts and published articles to back up their price.

4. Consider how badly you need the assignment. Ideally, every assignment should be negotiated as though you didn't need the job. In reality, however, sometimes paying the rent and eating supersede negotiation. In this case, purposefully set the lowest possible rate you can afford and still meet your income needs.

5. Weigh other factors like prestige or opportunity. If this is your first crack at a publication that will greatly enhance your writing resume, or it will allow you to break into a new, more lucrative area, you may consider taking less.

6. Phrase your response to indicate flexibility. Say something like, "I think I could complete the project for $$, if that's in line with your rates." This allows a little room for the editor to maneuver and make a counter-offer. Understand that it could also lose you the project, but that's a gamble you have to take.

7. Weigh the counter-offer carefully, if you receive one. If it is too low, say so. The editor might come back to you, or she might not. However, it doesn't make sense to spend time you could be spending looking for other projects on a job that won't pay the bills.

8. Keep a careful record of negotiated prices for assignments. This will not only help you determine future rates but back up your argument when the next editor starts shouting about over-pricing.

Tips & Warnings

• While over quoting your price might lose you the job, low-balling screams amateur. Try to fairly assess your skill level.

• You may have to submit your first few articles "on spec." This means, after doing all the work, the completed article may or may not be accepted. While it is frustrating, it is also a good way to earn published clips.

• In the beginning you may find yourself underestimating the time a project will take. Keep records to help you estimate better for future projects.

References

• Writing-World.com: How Much Should a Freelancer Charge?