Weekend Quick Tip: Do you Work for Free?
No matter how much experience you have as a freelance writer, there is going to come a time when you are asked to work for free. I have found that new freelance writers are more prone to falling into this trap. But of course, some experienced vets also do the same. If you want to earn a real income as a freelance writer, you need to get paid for your work. Remember, the client is going to profit from the work that you give them for free. Why should you be the only one who misses out?
Some clients will straight-out ask you to work free of charge upfront. They make no bones about it, and tell you that they do not want to pay. If you run into this, explain your side of the story and see where it gets you. If a client is bold enough to ask for free work there is a good chance that your career is better off without them.
Other clients will tell you they will pay, but quickly begin to bargain for freebies as you move through the project. One of my favorite lines is “But I thought that was included.†If a client tells you this, they are usually looking for a way to get what they are paying for plus a little bit extra. How should you respond? In a professional way, tell the client that what they are asking for was not included in the original quote. From there, explain that you would be more than happy to add the work to the overall price.
You should avoid working for free. The best way to earn a solid freelance writing income is to get paid what you are worth. And even if you are new to the industry, you are worth more than nothing!Â
