It’s difficult providing estimates and proposals for creative writing services. As writers, we often sound vague when walking the client through the scope of our writing work. It seems sketchy to tell them that we curate, create, collate, read, mull over, write, rewrite a million times, edit vigorously and then only reluctantly submit.

While reality plays in the back of your mind, you find it a daunting task to quote the right price and obtain quick client approval. Invariably from the client side there are negotiations, promises for future work, repeat orders, and similar such.  Hear them out and heed them but make your own decision.  As an independent writer for the last six years, I have had countless good and bad incidents when it comes to ‘quoting well and getting paid.’

Here’s a three-pronged approach that helps you get more projects that pay, if not handsomely, at least decently.

Cement the Work Scope

Everything starts and ends here. In your initial client informational call ask probing questions to understand what exactly he or she means when they seek writing support. Is it editing, rewriting, creating, or just collating? You must nail this, because when a client says ‘improve this article’ they could well expect you to create content afresh while you assume the job is editing.

Once, a client requested me to edit 50 medical articles, and I provided a quote. There was swift approval, and I completed the editing, only to find that the client was unhappy. She was under the impression I would use the article as a base and beef it up thoroughly with new ideas and concepts. It was a nightmare by the time I redid the whole set.

Document Every Single Detail

Conversations are great for clarity, but if they are not documented, you run the risk of miscommunication and misunderstanding. Clients are preoccupied with business and work commitments. It is your responsibility to shoot a follow-up email to any discussion with the  points made in that call. I suggest going a step further in sending a Letter of Understanding (LOU) that summarizes the project details signed by you requesting a counter client signature.

Once I was neck deep in a project for several months working alongside a bunch of writers and graphic designers. Suddenly the client’s client reneged and had to cancel some stages of the big project, which made my client abruptly remove me from the equation. Thankfully I had a signed contract, so I was able to exit with payment, though less than the full amount, my client citing their client as the reason.

Discuss Payment Immediately

There are instances when high-profile leaders reach out to you for your esteemed work. You may find yourself honored and excited. Rightly so. But that’s that. Put on your professional hat and assess the work scope, write back to him or her, and don’t hesitate to bring up the payment part.

I recall an example of an industry leader who I had always looked up to. When he wrote requesting content for his newly launched startup, I jumped. In the melee I completely forgot to address payment, though there was some vague mention of it being rewarding. I toiled on, wanting to make the best impression, and I produced one of my best content assignments. He complimented me, thanked me profusely, and disappeared promptly.

How we move the coin from the first discovery to the final delivery lies with us. Wearing a collaborative partner and consummate professional hat will establish you as a dependable and talented writer.

BIO: Bhuvana Rajaram is a blend of corporate professional and creative writer penning content for B2B audiences while being a lifestyle blogger. She has her own Content and Communications boutique outfit: Beautiful Times. http://beautifultimes.in/
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