Re: How much do I charge?

**M* M* <g*@yahoo.com>**

Mary Fran offered some sage advice: 

> A good rule of thumb is to calculate what an employee would make 
> and charge double that...

The last time I did freelance writing for corporate clients about 10 years ago, I charged $60 an hour, and full-time employees in equivalent jobs were making about $30 an hour. (While this was technical writing, which requires a specific skill set and pays a bit more than marketing or feature writing, it was also 10 years ago in a non-major metro area.) 

It also makes sense to provide a project quote and offer an hourly rate for tasks outside the original agreement.

Something I haven't seen others mention, however, is having the client sign a contract. I used the contract not only as a way to formalize the project, but to specific the terms--financial and project-based. I included a section on what the client would need to provide (photos, mission statement, timely reviews, etc.) as well as what I would deliver. 

But he most important thing Mary Fran said is:
> If they think that's too high, they can buy cheaper quality somewhere
> else. I'd rather not feel bitter about my work.

I can testify that it is very easy to get very bitter very quickly when working at a lower rate. I lowered my rate initially to get business and quickly regretted it. It also changed how the company interacted with me. I was treated much more professionally when I charged more. I know times are tough, but you have to remember your value.

I have the same philosophy for charging to speak; if someone thinks my fee (which is quite reasonable since I'm not a Big Name) is too high, I'd rather not speak than lower my fee, especially if the organization is making a lot of money off the conference. (I do have exceptions but prefer to donate my talk entirely instead of offering a reduced rate.)

Monica Milla
http://gardenfaerie.blogspot.com
http://blog.mlive.com/fullbloom
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