Comments on: Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

By: Freelancedom » Blog Archive » Would I Pay That Much for Me? 5 Things To Consider

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:46:51 +0000

[...] do I always have this [...]

By: Steph Auteri

Steph Auteri — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:15:24 +0000

@Susan: Thanks for the link! As for negotiating the money-stuff (or anything else, for that matter), I’m always better in writing. I suppose that’s why I became a writer!

@Kristine: Yes! Exactly! I’m always worried that they’ll just get rid of me because they don’t feel like dealing with the dissension!

By: Kristine

Kristine — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:33:30 +0000

Asking for a raise is just plain frightening. In the back of my mind, I always worry my employer will fire me instead of giving me the raise for some reason. But, really the worst that can happen is a rejection. I think it’s important remember that it’s easier and more cost effective to make you happy and give you the raise rather than finding someone else to hire because you’re unhappy and quit. Anyway, congrats!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:40:06 +0000

Way to go, Steph!! When I was working as an employee, I found it tough to negotiate starting salaries or pay raises (though I did it anyway), but I do find it easier to send a short, well thought out email to an editor or client explaining why I feel I’m worth more money. I’ve had hits and misses, but I try not to take it personally.

I usually start out by telling the editor how much I enjoy working with him/her and appreciate the opportunities s/he has given me. And seeing as how we’ve worked together on X stories or for X month and they seem happy with my work, I wondered if we could discuss pay rates. If that doesn’t work, you can also try selling them additional material like “would you be interested in a podcast or my interview?” or “how about a sidebar on X?”

James Chartrand seems to have this money stuff down: http://freelancewritinggigs.com/businesstips/taking-baby-steps-for-a-better-pay-rate-for-writing/