Life of A Writer

Many writers avoid raising their freelance writing rates because they're afraid they'll lose their current clients and have to find new ones to hold on to the financial security they're accustomed to. Yes, you may lose clients because they can't pay you the higher rate and still profit from their business, publication, website or blog. Then if that happens, you will have to search for another client who is willing to pay you your new freelance writing rates. Of course we all know finding clients can take time, but finding clients willing to pay what we're truly worth may take more time than seeking out clients who pay mediocre rates.

Don't let any of that discourage you, though. Why? Because there is a secret that will help you give yourself a raise without losing your financial security and starting at the bottom.

The Secret to Raising Freelance Writing Rates Without Losing Financial Security

Dedicate a few hours each day to searching for clients who will pay what you plan to charge... or more. Once you find those clients, apply for the writing gigs and wait for a response. As you're doing this, continue to work for your current clients at the usual rate. Then when you gain new clients who are willing to pay you at your new freelance writing rates, work for them a while to ensure things are going to work out. Finally, after you've gained new clients and built a solid relationship with them, send notice to your older clients, the ones who are paying you less than your new rates. If the older clients agree to the raise, great! If they don't agree and you have to let them go, rest assured that loosing that client won't take away your financial security.

How to Drop a Client Without Hurting Your Good Reputation and Writer-Client Relationship

If you have to let a client go because he or she can't pay you the new freelance writing rates you asked for, apologize and let them know you have to let them go. But before you let them go, tell them you'll continue working at the usual rate for one month; this should give your client enough time to find a replacement. Furthermore, they'll appreciate you not leaving them in a bind without a writer, and your good relationship with that client should remain intact.

If you found this post helpful, please share the link to the post with your fellow writers, so they too can discover the secret of raising freelance writing rates without losing financial security. If you share the link with your blog, newsletter, magazine or e-zine readers, feel free to discuss my post and add a few tips of your own before sending your readers here.

P.S.: Yes, there was a change in plans for today's post. I was going to share giveaway ideas related to public speaking topics, but I decided to go with this topic instead. But don't worry, I'm still going to share the giveaway ideas in an upcoming post, so subscribe to my RSS feed or sign up to receive my blog updates via e-mail.

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Although my first public speaking event is over five months away, I don't want to make preparations at the last minute. In order to be ready to speak to the Southern Illinois Writers Guild in September, I'm already preparing, and I'd like to share my first step of preparation with you. This step involves asking questions, so in order to prepare for your speaking event, you should ask questions immediately after being invited. The questions I asked, will help me decide on a topic, what handouts I need to create, what freebies I can giveaway that relates to the topic and much more. Here's an example of some of the questions I asked. Feel free to make a note of them and ask them the next time you're invited to speak to a group. I think these are some great questions, and I'll explain why as I share my list.

Tips on Public Speaking -- Great Questions to Help You Prepare

1. Which topic do you think the group would most enjoy hearing about: (insert a couple topics you have in mind) or something else? Your suggestions are welcome. In fact, feel free to discuss this with the group and let me know what the majority would enjoy hearing about. Maybe there's something they have in mind that most of your guest speakers haven't discussed. Then if it's a topic that I have expertise in, I'd be glad to discuss it.

This question allows you to prepare a speech that you know the majority of the group you'll be speaking to wants to hear about. It will also allow you to prepare your free handouts and decide on giveaways related to your topic (if you plan to give away freebies). Speaking of giveaways, in my next post I'll list some giveaway ideas related to topics that you might discuss at your next speaking event, so stay tuned or subscribe to my RSS feed or via e-mail to be notified once this post is live.

2. Could I bring another guest along to take pictures? I would use the pictures in my media kits, brochures and post them on my website and blog, of course.

As the question states, pictures are great to use in your promotional materials, on your website and to share with your blog readers when you let them know how your speaking event went. By asking this question, you'll also let the event organizer know where the photos will be used.

3. Will the speech be taped? If so, could I get a copy?

Many authors and writers like to have their speaking events taped so they can share them on YouTube and with others. If the organizer tells you the event will be taped and you can get a copy, make sure to ask permission to share the video on the Internet.

4. Could a table be set up at the back of the room so I can sell copies of book(s)?

If you've published any books, this is an opportunity to gain additional sales. Most places will allow their guest speakers to sell copies of their book(s), so it shouldn't be a problem, but you'll want to check first. Then if they give you the go-ahead, you'll know that you need to have copies of your book on hand.

5.Approximately how many usually attend when a guest is scheduled to speak?

The organizer's answer to this question will help you decide how many handouts, gifts and copies of your book you'll need to purchase. Be sure to invest in extras just in case the turnout is bigger than usual.

6. Would you need me there early to get set up? If so, how early would you like for me to arrive?

Some places like their guest speakers to arrive a little early so they can help them set up.

7. What kind of promotion do you do for your guest speakers (e.g., press releases, newsletter announcements, etc.)?

This question will help you with your own marketing plans. You can also let the organizer know some of your plans and offer to share your list of media contacts so the two of you don't contact the same newspapers, publications and etc..

What questions do you ask to prepare for your speaking events? Feel free to share your questions and/or tips on public speaking in the comments area.

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A while back I talked about how my shyness has kept me from marketing my books locally. Well, I'm excited to let you know that I've decided to step outside of my shell this year. This decision came about when the Vice President and Program Chair of the Southern Illinois Writers Guild contacted me a few days ago and invited me to come speak at their September meeting. This is a writers guild in my local area that I'm familiar with. In fact, I've talked via e-mail to a couple of their members. That said, I look forward to meeting the writers I've talked with as well as more writers from my local area. The drive for me is approximately one hour, but I think it would be a perfect opportunity to market my books, myself and get a jump-start on my goal to start speaking to groups in my community.

Although this will be my first speaking engagement, I plan to speak from my heart. Yep, I'm diving in head first, without preparing a speech. Why? Because I want to sound natural and connect with my audience, some of whom I know have been following my accomplishments for a while. Furthermore, while the event is still a few months away, I'm already preparing the materials and freebies to give away, as well as the press releases and my media contact list. I began by sending a list of questions to the lady who contacted me so that I could get better organized for the big day.

I'll be sure to let you know how things go, and you can bet I'll have some advice to share as well. Speaking of sharing what I'll learn, I'll share the first piece of writing advice related to speaking engagements in my next post. At that time, you'll learn what questions you can ask to help you prepare for an upcoming speaking engagement. Just subscribe to my full RSS feed or via e-mail to be notified when this post is live.

If you're a writer from the Southern Illinois area or plan on being in the area on September 17, then I'd like to invite you to come and hear me speak at the Southern Illinois Writers Guild meeting on that date at 7:00pm (CST). The meeting will take place in the Terrace Dining Room (room C113A) at John A Logan College. The college is located on 700 Logan College Rd. in Carterville, Illinois. The topic that I'll be speaking about will be announced soon.

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