#008: Negotiating Secrets of a Successful Freelance Writer

For many writers, the idea of having to negotiate with a client makes them break out in a cold sweat. But negotiating is a critical skill. It can help you land more work at better fees. And it can protect you from savvy clients who know how to negotiate well. Fortunately, you don't need to be an expert negotiator to reap the benefits. Even basic negotiating skills will take you far. And in today's episode, freelance writer Carol Tice will show you simple and practical tips for negotiating more effectively as a freelancer. About This Show The High-Income Business Writing podcast is a production of B2B Biz Launcher. It's designed for business writers and copywriters who want to propel their writing business to the six-figure level (or the part-time equivalent). To learn more about negotiating smarter, I interview Carol Tice for this episode of The High Income Business Writing podcast. Carol is a freelance writer for publications and businesses. Since 2005, she has been a full-time freelancer writing for a lot of different clients. Before that she was a staff writer for the Puget Sound Business Journal writing about retail, ecommerce, restaurant, nonprofits, higher education and more. She spent five years at National Home Center News (now Home Channel News) learning how to sell merchandise at 100% markup while covering home improvement retailing for the trade publication. Carol also teaches other freelancer writers how to grow their income. In this episode, Carol explains how to negotiate well and make the most money possible for each gig. Frequently, freelance writers just take what they the prospect says they want to pay or expect the prospect to take what they tell them. From past work experience as a paralegal at the William Morris agency, Carol learned negotiating is normal. It is done in all industries; it is a part of business and most importantly, it is expected. Nobody is insulted or going to walk away when they ask if there is more money in the contract!   When someone doesn’t want to negotiate with you, they probably are not a good prospect anyhow.