For some inexplicable reason clients ask a writer, ‘how much you charge per word?’ Even content writers commit the mistake of offering a quote based on ‘per word.’ But it does not work in the long run. Experienced and professional wordsmiths struggle to explain this to clients.
After this blog, hopefully it will be clear how the payment structure should be derived at. This maybe a quick 5 – minute reading material. But it will force writers and clients think for long.
Benefits of onboarding freelance writers
A company requires content for various reasons. It could be for a report, SoP, press release, blogs, marketing and social media presence. They may need a copywriting for a digital marketing campaign or FB/Twitter posts. For all these activities it is important to hire a freelancer rather than expect anyone from the company to do the filing. A freelancer will focus 100 % on the writing, unlike the staffer who has to wear different hats and is likely to miss deadlines or not do justice. A skilled writer will do a better job with any need-based activity involving writing. While these benefits are well known, the payment terms inevitably turn into roadblocks.
Why paying per word/hour does not work?
If a client wants a regular blog of 500 words or 1000 words every month then a payment scale needs to be fixed. It is demeaning to offer ‘paisa per word.’ Content writers are educated and skilled. They put in a thought process before writing. Clearly they cannot be compared to other hourly workers. Please bear in mind:
- Many revisions are undertaken. The finished draft has to be a well edited copy. These activities equally take up time and energy. Both clients and the writer forget it when a quotation is offered. Why should the later be uncompensated for it? A client has to give a clear brief to enable the author to deliver a neat copy. At the most one revision and edit are permited, unless you are paying less and an intern is writing at leisure.
- Interns are learning on the job. They will do multiple revisions. But for serious writing activity, a company has to onboard professionals at a competitive price for the value they offer.
- Per hour work is a bad payment model. Research takes time and writing is easier. All jobs do not have a uniform hourly rate.
- It is important to evaluate the writer before giving any assignments. For example, giving an annual report or SoPs to a newbie is plain hara-kiri. It will also not work for professionals who have never done such work. It will be a mere waste of time, energy and money.
- A professional writer is always willing to give a short test or a sample for evaluation. The payment structure is on the basis of a lump sum deal mutually agreed upon.
- Once the sample is approved, a client should spell out the quantum of work. On this basis the content writer should request for a lump sum fee. It will be economical to the customer and the service provider.
- The consolidated fee should be inclusive of all edits, revisions, drafts and submission of final copy as per timelines.
- Writers also need adding a clause of cancellation percentage for larger projects in the terms and conditions for work. This may sound alien to Indian writers, but if everyone is able to do, it will support others to find their voice when quoting to potential clients.
Additional information
A company should keep a team of freelancers with varied skills to help them to execute the content strategy. Let each one have the freedom to work on projects easily. Often urgent works comes up, and no one bothers to pay the price for it. Even freelancers do not ask for it! When there are surge prices for airlines and taxis then why not for skilled writers? Before approaching a writer, a client has to be clear about the project goals. If the goal posts keep changing, it is a time wasting exercise. A freelancer needs to make money every month and cannot be a party to amusement, beck and call of the client.
There are no free lunches for freelancers. This is a wake up call to re-structure payment terms.
My motto
“I am paid for my vision not labor.”
Hire me if you feel we are on the same page!