Disclaimer:
This is not a clickbait title nor is the following content. I have gone through this journey as a professional writer. Hence, sharing this experience, thoughts and tips with you ‘bedfellows.’ Today, giving my views is critical as professional writers are being nudged for ‘high prices’ compared to mushrooming newbies post COVID-19. So, what if I belong to the pre-COVID-19 era of home-based writers? I do have a genuine equity in the market and intend to share it with others who belong to this group.
Why I need to address this issue of rates or base price?
If you understand the current scenario, as I see it, affordability of a ‘buyer’ (client) and desperation of the ‘seller’ (content writer) sets the base price. And, this is not really good nor viable for the booming content writing industry. I say this from a writer’s close perspective, having dealt with domestic and international clients in the last so many years.
Just think about this for a minute!
If you are earning as low as 60 INR for a 500 words article or charging 10ppw for a blog post, then I am sorry to say this, but this is not the career for you! I have never done this even when I started doing blogs 20 years ago. On the basis of my previous work, I managed to get a better price….a minimum of Re 1 per word. But then I realized that per word really Is not feasible! A project takes long, I put in effort for hours and the end result financially is not viable.
I learnt having multiple projects can balance my finances the end of the month! Not only to pay the bills but also save to take a yearly trip overseas to refresh my creative juices. I have managed to visit 32 countries; with the sole income I make as a content writer.
You need at least INR 10,000 per month to have a decent career even as an intern. At the rates mentioned above, you need to write 5-6 articles daily for 30 days. If you are a beginner with decent writing skills, you can launch your blog and get better results out of it with that kind of work. I did not begin with blogging but also did PR, book editing, copywriting and ghostwriting. I realized early on that only blogging is not going to support my dreams.
Think about this too..
Do you believe that merely writing articles for free and contributing to established authority blogs from your favorite niches will be enough to get bread, butter and jam and satisfy the wanderlust? Currently, 5-6 posts are not sufficient to build your portfolio and develop yourself as a quality writer. And, God forbid if you are writing at 10ppw or 60 INR per article, it could only mean that you are using a small sickle hammer to make the tunnel. I don’t see any future in it. Be honest.
An investment of 300 to 400 INR in your budding career as a writer, blogger, author (whatever hat you put on) needs more build up.
I have learnt it all the hard way. I love writing and never refuse even when told ‘Can you do it for free?’ I do make investment in potential clients so that one day they will give me better projects and prices. This is my concept of saving for a rainy day and tackling a thunderstorm. I have always succeeded.
Be a Game Changer
- If you are serious in having a steady writing career, good income and peace, then think inside the box (not outside). The following tips may enhance your professional and personal goals when you write from home.
2. If you are good at a niche writing style, ‘NEVER DO IT FOR FREE’. This is the easy part to understand. However, if you have suddenly decided to pursue ‘writing from home’, then WORK YOUR ASS OFF’. PUSH LIMITS, LEARN AND BECOME BLOODY GOOD. Otherwise switch to trading online or selling groceries and milk.
3. You need to build a quality portfolio to be taken seriously in this industry. Get skilled, reskilled and opt for new styles of writing. Have an equity in the market so you are reliable and trustworthy. (PS: mere testimonials are detrimental to get future clients).
4. Are you okay with ghost writing? So am I. But if I am not given credit then I go for the money. This is no compromise but yet another investment for the future.
5. Even as an intern, don’t take less than 50% of the word count. If you are asked to write 500 words them charge INR 250. Nothing less. What about bulk or volume? That is a clickbait/ red carrot by the buyer. Don’t fall for it like a bunny rabbit. When it actually comes you may reduce the fee a little. Your negotiating skills matter a lot as you move ahead.
6. Read blogs of other professionals to know how you can fare better. If need be launch your own blog as a writer/author.Now, it is easy to sell your writing skills online on social media. Take advantage of it. I never had the opportunity in the beginning. And now, thankfully I do not need it.
7. A seller looks for a writer who has good social presence and a wide portfolio. However, he wants a lower price for his work. When approached for such work, think about it in totality. Do you want to give a sample? He may increase the price if you offer good quality.
Are any potential buyers reading my post?
If you are expecting that a decent, well experienced writer can be engaged for 60 ppw for 500 words or INR 400 for 1000 words then you are mistaken. You are about to waste your hard earned money for a bad online presence. Don’t argue that only rewriting needs to be done and the charges should be less. Don’t even try to take advantage of writers who may be forced to signup at this ridiculously low price. You do not know their pain points and vulnerability. Don’t ask me to buzz off either. I have made my mark. If I can guide other writers to believe in quality, decent money and reaching happiness goals, I have achieved the purpose of this post.