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Get Paid More Money in Three Simple Steps Want to make more money as a freelance writer? You have to ask for it. But if you’re new to freelancing, or if you're wondering how to go about negotiating better rates, I have a three-step method for you to try. Think TEA (“Thank, Explain, Ask”), which stands here's a simple and effective way to do it: 1. Thank. When you're offered an assignment, express your appreciation. Let her know you're excited about or looking forward to working with her. (i.e., “Thanks so much for thinking of me...” or “I'm glad you want to assign this piece..”) 2. Explain. Now give a reason (or more than one) why you're asking for more money. The way you make your case will depend on the assignment, but I've used the following reasons to ask for more: • A tight (or extremely tight) deadline (e.g., “I'm happy to take this on, but the deadline means I'm going to have to work nights to meet it...”) • A story that requires a lot of legwork (e.g., “Hey, we both know how hard it can be to find 'real people' sources for this kind of story....”) • An assignment that requires a certain level of expertise or experience (e.g., “You know that I've been doing health writing for more than a decade, and I'm happy to do all the background research this story will require...”) • A market that I've written for before (e.g., “You already know I'm going to do a great job for you...”) 3. Ask. It's that simple. After you've expressed enthusiasm for and appreciation of the assignment and stated your case, ask the editor if she can “do better.” The way you phrase it will vary, so use language you're comfortable with. Here are some sample scripts, using the above scenarios: • Tight deadline script: “Thanks so much for thinking of me for this story. I'm happy to take this on, but the deadline means I'm going to have to work some nights to meet it. Considering that, can you boost your rate a bit?” • Legwork-heavy story: “Hey, we both know how hard it can be to find 'real people' sources for this kind of story...it can take days just to find the right person! Can you do better than $1/word for that kind of legwork?” • Complex or complicated assignment script: “You know that I've been doing health writing for more than a decade, and I'm happy to do all the background research this story will require, but this is a story not everyone could write. Can you do better money-wise to reflect my experience?” • Regular market script: “You know me and my work, and you know I'm going to do a great job for you and turn the story in before deadline. Could we talk about me getting a raise?” Thank. Explain. Ask. It's that simple. Try TEA before you say “yes,” and let your editor sweeten his offer. This article was adapted from Writer for Hire: 101 Rules for Freelance Success. Author Kelly James-Enger is the owner of Improvise Press, which publishes books for creative people who want to profit from their passions, including Dollars and Deadlines: Make Money Writing Articles for Print and Online Markets and Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money, second edition.
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