Fear of the client

If you’re new to freelance writing (or freelance anything), it takes time to adjust to frequent money negotiations.

If you’re like most people:

• You work a regular 40-hour per week job.
• The only time you have any type of financial discussion on the value of your work is when you’re hired or you’re getting a raise. 

So you don’t have to face this sometimes stomach-churning process often.

Then what do you do?

Just dive in

When it comes to freelance writing, money is discussed with every client. That’s where the fear sets in and there’s no avoiding it. After you discuss the assignment, you’ll either discuss your rate for the project. If you want to take the less painful path, you’ll email the client your bid.

• In your mind’s eye, you imagine the client bursting into laughter and calling over other people to show them your lofty bid.
• Or worse, if it’s an in-person meeting the client greets your request with stony silence. So you quickly drop your rates.

The fact is, after years of working as an employee, you immediately cast the person holding the checkbook as your boss. But as a freelancer, you don’t have a boss (unless you’re married, of course) and you’re not getting a salary.

Embrace reality

This is your potential client. The best thing you can do is view the negotiation as an equal give-and-take business transaction. You’re exchanging value for value, not asking your boss for a favor.

Rest assured you that your client isn’t confused and views it as a business transaction.