tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post3643408712230225410..comments2024-03-22T06:00:11.313-07:00Comments on Pen & Pro$per : The Ultimate Guide to How Much You Should Charge for Your Writing!Jennifer Brown Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-92166668267975863312013-05-27T11:36:39.236-07:002013-05-27T11:36:39.236-07:00Julie,
You make some good points here. But, in al...Julie,<br /><br />You make some good points here. But, in all fairness, we must also look at the fact that lawyers spend a good deal of money and time on training and education to enter their field, whereas a "writer" is so broadly defined, that the field can actually have folks with very little education, experience, or "expertise" that identify themselves as writers. :-) Personally, I can honestly say that some of my "freebies" have been as beneficial as paid gigs (down the line). It all depends on one's goals. Much thanks for connecting today!Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-57425627632687699862013-05-27T11:19:41.656-07:002013-05-27T11:19:41.656-07:00Lawyers do pro bono work because they can afford i...Lawyers do pro bono work because they can afford it! :) This is just on my mind because I was talking with one of my client's lawyers about a past project and he was aghast at my hourly rate. My rate is pretty decent for a writer, but not compared to a lawyer's!<br /><br />That said though, something like the short story you mentioned is a different thing entirely. If it will get you in the door somewhere, or give you a credit that's important for your resume, then writing for free can be worth it. But any time I've written purely for "exposure," it's resulted in nada, so I don't do it for the corporate world anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-50597264660829374082013-05-27T11:19:22.106-07:002013-05-27T11:19:22.106-07:00Lawyers do pro bono work because they can afford i...Lawyers do pro bono work because they can afford it! :) This is just on my mind because I was talking with one of my client's lawyers about a past project and he was aghast at my hourly rate. My rate is pretty decent for a writer, but not compared to a lawyer's!<br /><br />That said though, something like the short story you mentioned is a different thing entirely. If it will get you in the door somewhere, or give you a credit that's important for your resume, then writing for free can be worth it. But any time I've written purely for "exposure," it's resulted in nada, so I don't do it for the corporate world anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-28646890639834375232013-05-26T15:12:20.205-07:002013-05-26T15:12:20.205-07:00Anjali,
Very eloquently stated and summed up. Ver...Anjali,<br /><br />Very eloquently stated and summed up. Very lovely having you here as a repeat visit. :-) Let's do this again soon, shall we? :-)Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-85627650075151281062013-05-26T14:14:54.533-07:002013-05-26T14:14:54.533-07:00When I read the words "tough love" I exp...When I read the words "tough love" I expected a 'shape up or ship out' essay. Thankfully this article is tougher on the expectations of the world than on the writer. To the writer it shows the reasoned path: do not worry about query letters (you can't begin to imagine what a huge relief that is), write pro bono if it helps your goals, and adjust your rates based on your needs and the client's ability to pay.<br /><br />Thank you for laying it out so simply and clearly.<br />AnjaliAnjali Amithttp://thefabletable.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-372945503934145922013-05-25T19:11:33.780-07:002013-05-25T19:11:33.780-07:00Much appreciation, Karen. Glad you found the info ...Much appreciation, Karen. Glad you found the info useful.Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-62758396047562919392013-05-25T18:46:39.609-07:002013-05-25T18:46:39.609-07:00I like that - our Blue Book Value. :) For the reco...I like that - our Blue Book Value. :) For the record, queries have never been my thing either.<br /><br />I agree, there are a lot of factors to what we charge. Great guidelines, thank you, Jen!Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-42315100025490474412013-05-25T14:10:32.882-07:002013-05-25T14:10:32.882-07:00Hi Janette,
Thanks for connecting. I have indeed ...Hi Janette,<br /><br />Thanks for connecting. I have indeed done a post on my perspective on query letters. And you will see my answer to this question (and more) in an anniversary post come June. Stay tuned for details...!<br /><br />I so appreciate the receptive spirit in which you take my advice. Your attitude will take you far...Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-37002875955572979512013-05-25T10:33:22.750-07:002013-05-25T10:33:22.750-07:00Jen:
I agree with what you say here. As far as th...Jen:<br /><br />I agree with what you say here. As far as the "pro bono" work, you and I have discussed this before and you know I'm with you on that one. Of course writers should write for free at times for a plethora of reasons: to get your foot in the door with a publication, for the sake of securing a byline at that publication, to make a particular contact, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to everyone's writing career, as you astutely point out. <br /><br />I'd be interested in hearing more about your take on query letters. I think I read an older post of yours discussing your take on query letters, but this may have been two or three years ago so I don't recall exactly what it said. ? Not sure if memory serves me on that one. I'll search through your older blog posts now, but look forward to any future blog posts on the subject!<br /><br />Thanks for the tough love info for your readers. You know I appreciate that about you. ;-)JDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05234966786590125696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-90564571551716932252013-05-24T22:21:44.617-07:002013-05-24T22:21:44.617-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-72041606058807433442013-05-24T19:34:36.105-07:002013-05-24T19:34:36.105-07:00Appreciate your feedback here, Marcie.Appreciate your feedback here, Marcie.Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-59931905125312086822013-05-24T19:33:48.023-07:002013-05-24T19:33:48.023-07:00Sounds like a plan! Thanks for sharing it, Marcie....Sounds like a plan! Thanks for sharing it, Marcie.Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-63914851526712547602013-05-24T17:46:26.528-07:002013-05-24T17:46:26.528-07:00As you stated, rates are determined by various fac...As you stated, rates are determined by various factors. My corporate projects are priced by project. Magazine projects are determined by the publication. And other projects are determined by who the individual is, the project and the budget.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-39533112893090117112013-05-24T17:36:59.232-07:002013-05-24T17:36:59.232-07:00For corporate freelance copywriting assignments, I...For corporate freelance copywriting assignments, I charge per hour. However, I have been listening to people who advise to charge by the value of your services. I'm going to reach out to them to learn more.<br /><br />For magazine writing, I accept what the magazine offers. And all other assignments depend on the client's budget, expenses and interest in the project.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-38760813599263964422013-05-24T13:50:23.398-07:002013-05-24T13:50:23.398-07:00Sue,
I so adore you. Had a long day today. Your c...Sue,<br /><br />I so adore you. Had a long day today. Your comment gave me a giggle and a "verbal hug". :-) Much thanks, dearest.Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-63223589474233925112013-05-24T13:47:15.246-07:002013-05-24T13:47:15.246-07:00Linda,
As the kids say: "tru' dat!"...Linda,<br /><br />As the kids say: "tru' dat!" Did you ever sell the piece to AARP? Just curious. Always lovely to connect with you. :-)Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-11700192913434593572013-05-24T05:28:19.485-07:002013-05-24T05:28:19.485-07:00Jennifer, I agree with everything you have said he...Jennifer, I agree with everything you have said here. Early on, I wrote a query letter and received a nasty rejection. That was my one and only. In fifteen years I received only one reprimand...from AARP for sending an artilce without querying first. You are onto something. Great minds think alike :)Linda O'Connellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15982895073903619018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-65983559946123964872013-05-24T05:07:55.822-07:002013-05-24T05:07:55.822-07:00Standing on principle while sitting in the dark. L...Standing on principle while sitting in the dark. LOVE IT. LOL And I couldn't agree with you more. If that $15 check is going to put gas in the car for your trip to the doc, go for it. You're the best, Jen. Don't let anybody tell you different. Fantastic post.Susan Sundwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17747706680849311882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-39655985431101170672013-05-23T15:46:01.503-07:002013-05-23T15:46:01.503-07:00Hey there, Sioux,
The query thing surprises and a...Hey there, Sioux,<br /><br />The query thing surprises and amazes a lot of folks. LOL :-)<br />Last year, I think I tried one because there was an online place that paid a nice penny "upon acceptance". It sold! But, I still wasn't "sold" on doing them a lot in the future. I hate the wait.<br /><br />As for the book? Please send it to the address under the contact tab at top-- same as below:<br /><br /><br />P.O. BOX 436967<br />CHICAGO, IL 60643-6967Jennifer Brown Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15525705931988259779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632640970016916029.post-21712236924171039082013-05-23T15:28:31.461-07:002013-05-23T15:28:31.461-07:00Jennifer--I was impressed that you've had that...Jennifer--I was impressed that you've had that kind of writing success and yet you aren't into queries.<br /><br />I don't froth at the mouth over writing a query, either.<br /><br />(Did you send me your address, so I can send the poetry book, and it's buried in my inbox?)Sioux Roslawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com