Writers Working for Pennies

This is a topic that comes up time and time again and one that people are always passionate about, no matter what side of the fence you are on. When it comes to writing services and writing online, there is much debate about what a writer should charge.

When you browse any market listing or forum that allows postings of writing projects, you will likely see bids that all across the board. You're probably also going to see a client or vendor asking for work to be done for such a ridiculously low amount, it's not even close to minimum wage.

There are a lot of reasons for this. Here are some of them:

• The client doesn't understand quality writing or what they should be reasonably paying for good work

• The client has worked with low bidders or foreigners who often work for low rates and expect all writers will work for this amount

• The client is trying to scheme or scam writers who don't know any better into doing work for them at ridiculously low rates while they pocket all the profit

Just as often we see writers accepting work at ridiculously low rates. When you break it down into the amount of time they take to research and write these articles, they're working for pennies. Many of them are not even being responsible enough to ensure payment for themselves and then they are broken hearted when they get the wrong end of a deal gone bad.

I recently read a post where a "writer" complained that they took a project of $55 for 50 articles and then was not paid for their work. $55 for 50 articles is a joke, no matter how short they were or low quality they were. If you want to be a professional writer, you ask for what you're worth, deliver what you promise and always, ALWAYS have contracts and at least 1/2 payment up front before commencing any work. I require 100% upfront the first time I work with someone. Contracts will save you time and time again and any client not willing to pay you what you are worth, sign contracts and provide you with accurate details of who they are is not worth your time.

If they're acting shady, there's a good chance there's a good reason why. Sometimes writers, especially new, aspiring writers, get so excited about getting a job for pay that they are easy victims. Other times they fall into a bidding war where they really want a project and they keep going lower and lower until they win it and sometimes, you chalk it up to ignorance because they just don't know any better. If you're going to be serious about your writing, stop writing for pennies and find out what you're really worth today. There are publications such as the Writer's Market that show you the current going rates for writing work based on your level of experience. Make use of these tools to find success.