Getting The Best Freelance Writing Rate: Part 2

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7. Silence Is Golden

In negotiation, silence is as important as speaking. Sometimes writers need to let the people they are negotiating with digest what they have said. For example, once a writer has said that the payment is too low, s/he can be quiet so the editor has room to come back with another offer. Editors and publishers will also be skilled negotiators, so writers should be prepared for this tactic to be used on them.

8. See The Other Side

Bear in mind that editors or publishers will also have objectives. Editors or publishers will want to get a piece of writing at the best price and in the best timing for their schedule. Try not to cave in on too many points without getting something back. A successful negotiation will leave both sides feeling that they have gained something they want. Again, keeping language positive will aid the process. Phrases such as 'I see your point, but here is what I think' will show writers' flexibility and will keep the negotiation process going.

9. Build A Relationship

Freelance writers earn most for their writing when they have a good relationship with editors and publishers. Writers need to remember that this negotiation may be one of many. It may be worth sacrificing some pride and accepting slightly less for the first writing job. Once their skills have been proven, writers will then be able to ask for a higher price. Writers should keep negotiations calm and professional in order to build a long-lasting and profitable relationship with editors and publishers.

10. End Of Story

Once a negotiation is finished, writers should summarize the agreement that has been reached. This agreement should be put in writing as soon as possible. This should take the form of a letter from an editor or publisher commissioning a piece of writing or a contract for ghostwriting or other writing. If the negotiation results in a contract, writers need to read all the fine print to make sure that the contract states exactly what was agreed.

Case study

Example: I am asked to edit a research paper of 5,000 words. I contact the client to confirm that the paper needs only minor editing work. From my research on Writers Market.com I discover that the going rate for this kind of job is about $400. In order to cover my time, I need to earn $300. The client wants to pay only $200. I show how my qualifications and experience match his needs. I also point him to internet resources that prove that this is the right price for the job. In the end, we settle on $330, which we confirm by email. The client wins because he has paid less than I wanted for the writing job. I win because I have earned more than my minimum figure for the writing job. Since I have made a concession, I will be considered the next time this client wants to hire a freelance writer.

Summary

Freelance writers who want to negotiate so they get paid fairly for writing need to:
1. Learn how to charge for writing jobs.
2. Know what the minimum acceptable price is for a piece of writing.
3. Decide what they want to achieve from negotiating with an editor or publisher.
4. Highlight any relevant writing or other experience.
5. Downplay any experience that is not relevant to the writing job.
6. Use positive language.
7. Learn when to keep quiet.
8. Make sure the editor gets something from the negotiation process.
9. Build a relationship so they continue to get writing work.
10. Make sure everything is in writing.

Good luck!