Comments on: A Freelance Writing Gig? No Thanks!

By: Jael Strong

Jael Strong — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:14:23 +0000

Turning down extra money is very difficult! Of course, having too much work is very difficult too… What a problem to have…

By: tumblemoose

tumblemoose — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:37:02 +0000

Hi Debra,

People actually wanted you to write on those subjects? Wow. See, I think you’ve turned down work for all the right reasons. Anytime I’ve taken on something I knew wasn’t my strength it was total disasterville. Learned me lesson.

Great to have you here.

Cheers

George

By: tumblemoose

tumblemoose — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:34:41 +0000

Steve-a-rino!

I’m with ya. Test? Sure. Test 50 bucks into my Paypal and I’ll write ya a hundred words

George

By: tumblemoose

tumblemoose — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:33:32 +0000

Hi Allena,

Thanks for stopping by. I like the idea of a minimum project fee. It sounds like it worked out well for you.

Cheers

George

By: tumblemoose

tumblemoose — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:32:28 +0000

Hey Walker,

Sounds like you’ve got this figured out – good on ya!

From what I’ve seen of your writing and your personality, I imagine those big job requests will just keep rolling in,

Oh and your new home looks nice. I went over and subscribed via email. I’m looking forward to you showing up in my inbox!

George

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:35:28 +0000

George:

Any project that asks me to do a “test” writing is out, as well as any in a field\subject that I have no interest in.

Allena: Project minimum fee? Something new for me to consider.

Steve

By: Allena

Allena — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:47:14 +0000

I got to the point where I didn’t like working for individuals, even those that could pay well. Give me a non-profit, college, publisher or other company any day.

I also have a minimum $150 project fee, to make those SMALL projects (hr or less) still WORTH my time, but I stopped accepting those, too. In reality, I won’t bother with a project that’s less than $500 these days (unless it’s long term and the potential TOTAL is up there).

By: Walker

Walker — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:07:35 +0000

Yes! I turned down a job that looked promising initially, she wanted more than our original deal so I offered to let her amend the contract but when she didn’t do so, I let the job go.I felt she was intentionally trying to take advantage. And, most recently I took a job I wish I hadn’t. It seemed a good price, but I underestimated the time needed. The client wasn’t as clear about his expectations so it was a tense time for me. I did more than called for and felt a little cheated, but…. Live and learn.
And, on the flip side, I was just recently approached by a large blog’s editor who had seen my work elsewhere. She has invited me to write 3 posts for them as a trial. I’m pretty excited about this one!

By: Debra Stang

Debra Stang — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:56:30 +0000

I hate turning down work, but I have turned down a few jobs. I said no to a couple of them because the pay was terrible for the amount of work required. I’ve also said no to offers to do screenplays. It’s just not my area of strength. Finally, I’ve said no to a few clients who wanted me to write things that were racist, homophobic, promoted child abuse, etc. (Those were the easiest “NO’S” I’ve ever said.)