tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post1880888712598332198..comments2024-03-25T05:49:46.932-04:00Comments on My Name Is Not Bob: Negotiating Tips for WritersRobert Lee Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-43095063009275811642011-12-10T03:59:58.488-05:002011-12-10T03:59:58.488-05:00Hi Not-bob
Jimmy here, thanks for putting this stu...Hi Not-bob<br />Jimmy here, thanks for putting this stuff in the public arena as, "Ignorance is bliss, but to remain ignorant is a remiss [sic]." <br />Etiquette may seem old fashioned to some, but it's sure nice to be on the receiving end. <br /><br />CheersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-61994361231864445242011-12-09T17:11:25.240-05:002011-12-09T17:11:25.240-05:00time and again the internet elves seem to bring me...time and again the internet elves seem to bring me back to your blog. And every time, i am pleasantly surprised! In a world full of innecessary blogs, I really appreciate finding one where I can spend hours learning new things.Claudia CVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12069473967140118914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-59603766297291232852011-03-01T13:09:06.781-05:002011-03-01T13:09:06.781-05:00I'm not sure how to address your questions, Jo...I'm not sure how to address your questions, Joch, because I don't know what you're asking. Plus, you seem to be insinuating that there are different answers based off gender.<br /><br />Rev. Sherry, thank you for sharing your story about specializing to drive up the rates. That really is a top secret to success: Finding a niche in which to specialize.Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-21366207304057729492011-03-01T07:51:33.398-05:002011-03-01T07:51:33.398-05:00Regarding the "How Much Should I Charge?'...Regarding the "How Much Should I Charge?' piece that you mentioned in this blog post... I have spent the last three years trying to define who I am, and how to charge for my Wedding Ministry services. <br /><br />After reading that post, I discovered exactly who I am. I am a Professional Writer who specializes in Creating Ceremony. Finally, I discovered how to clearly define what sets me apart from the average hum-drum officiant. What happened next? My rates went way up AND I have couples lining up at the door to book their weddings with us. <br /><br />This single article made by entire business better! Please keep giving this writer work, even if it does require a bit more negotiating. I'll keep reading...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01673329691819941254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-10991159304811641722011-02-25T18:41:56.643-05:002011-02-25T18:41:56.643-05:00I'm chipping in PURELY because you have a lot ...I'm chipping in PURELY because you have a lot of girls ... ahem, ladies, following you and no guys. This proves my rule that ladies always want rules to follow. Jeezus preest. I will ask you a question. It is a guy-question. So it requires shattering the puppy at your feet mode. What audience can be "helped" best by truth? (i.e. accuracy and comprehensiveness?) And if you could address the comfort profile or issue - perhaps in a story that might "help" the real-guys in your audience? (If there are any?)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10724201486271148912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-19043407592202084702011-02-25T12:44:11.677-05:002011-02-25T12:44:11.677-05:00I think writers naturally want to just focus on th...I think writers naturally want to just focus on the writing, which is great, but there's nothing wrong with trying to improve your terms. And like I said, even if the editor doesn't budge the first time around, it plants the seed for the next assignment (after you've done an excellent job on the first one).Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-52729143082884348802011-02-25T12:34:53.811-05:002011-02-25T12:34:53.811-05:00Great suggestions--thanks! I think it is tough for...Great suggestions--thanks! I think it is tough for a lot of writers (including me) to want to negotiate. Especially early on, when you feel like you're not in a position to ask for much of anything.Sarah Stevensonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16534942492714970282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-77088975308510801862011-02-25T12:33:04.589-05:002011-02-25T12:33:04.589-05:00Lisa, send me an e-mail at robertleebrewer [at] gm...Lisa, send me an e-mail at robertleebrewer [at] gmail [dot] com. Maybe we can figure something out.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your negotiation story, Carol. I think many writers don't know how to (or if they even should) initiate that conversation. As you say, every little bit adds up. As far as the buttons, you are so right. I know, I know. If you have some simple instructions, could you send those my way (using the e-mail above) or point me in the right direction? I should be making things easier for my readers.Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-35958947898487039582011-02-25T12:13:18.455-05:002011-02-25T12:13:18.455-05:00Hi RLB --
I was going to leave a comment and give...Hi RLB --<br /><br />I was going to leave a comment and give you a link to my 10 Negotiating Tips for Writers post...but hey, you already did that! Now I am so excited about getting a mention I'm going to retweet this...even though you're STILL making us do it manually. May I come to your home and install Sexy Bookmarks, or at the very least a Tweetmeme? Really, you deserve a broader audience for your reliably useful posts.<br /><br />Anyway...I loved your tip about negotiating on every assignment. Even I don't usually do that...so now I will! <br /><br />I have done it once in a while, though. One story: I used to have one magazine client who was a very slow payer. After I picked up on that, I renegotiated to get 50% when I turned in the first draft, so that only half the payment waited on their normal schedule, which I fondly dubbed the "we pay when the messiah comes" program. <br /><br />Often, if you say, "This story will need a sort of unusual amount of research," an editor will throw in $50 more. If you write for that outlet monthly, that's a cool extra $600 a year just for asking. Do that with all your markets and it really makes a difference in your annual income.<br /><br />Like Eeyore says, "Thanks for noticin' me!"Carol Ticehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17106973510623798986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-76428646601194774792011-02-25T11:42:19.560-05:002011-02-25T11:42:19.560-05:00Robert I need to subscribe to your blog..sorry I m...Robert I need to subscribe to your blog..sorry I missed it for so long. We have a great speaker coming tomorrow to KSU. IT is a free workshop with a NY book guy David Groff. He might be of interest to your readers. I cannot add a link to the Examiner.com interview but you can see it on the Georgia Writers Association homepage if you search Georgia Writers and Groff. <br />We need to get your great content to our members..any ideas?<br /><br />Lisa M. RussellLisa M. Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12816327681035575254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-9930830186582471662011-02-18T07:08:23.011-05:002011-02-18T07:08:23.011-05:00Exactly, Jennifer. That's why I think writers ...Exactly, Jennifer. That's why I think writers should always ask for better terms, because it doesn't hurt to ask. Just don't get upset if the editor can't accommodate your request. However, most writers I work with don't even ask, which I think is a missed opportunity.Robert Lee Brewerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03733003865003484352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693401219959272564.post-16519497298536179542011-02-17T23:56:41.283-05:002011-02-17T23:56:41.283-05:00I think many writers are hesitant to broach the su...I think many writers are hesitant to broach the subject of negotiation because they are afraid an editor will think them difficult or egotistical. If you are one writer who wants to negotiate, there are many others to replace you that won't. <br /><br />At the end of the day, it comes down to confidence and compassion. Writers, if your work is good enough to ask for something, ask. But just remember it is ASKING and not demanding. An excellent writer with a horrible attitude is more often passed over than a good writer with an excellent attitude.Jennifer Ruth Jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04699005759754946494noreply@blogger.com