Get an Attitude About Your Writing

Why Your Attitude Matters

When you start freelancing, the first instinct many writers have is to say “yes” to every request that comes their way. That habit can feel polite, but it quietly erodes your value. John Clausen, in Too Lazy To Work, Too Nervous To Steal, calls this mindset a “submissive stance.” The problem with it is twofold. First, it gives editors, publishers, and business owners a green light to pay you less. Second, it feeds the belief that if you don’t push back, your work will always be seen as cheap or unimportant.

Consider a scenario you might have faced: a magazine offers you a 1,000‑word feature on plastic surgery at a rate of 40 cents per word, even though they charge $10,000 for a full‑page ad. If you accept without asking questions, you might think you’re getting a fair deal because the publication is a good fit. But if you had spent a few minutes looking at their ad rates and contributor guidelines, you’d see that their standard contributor rate is 50 cents per word. That 10‑cent gap is real money you’re leaving on the table.

The danger of being overly grateful or eager is that you’ll start feeling that any project, no matter how lucrative, is worth it because the client “liked” your idea. Over‑gratitude turns into a pattern where clients assume you’re willing to do anything for them. When they start cutting corners - shortening your piece, cutting the payment, or asking you to redo it - they can do so with little resistance. You end up being the one who gets short‑changed.

It’s easy to assume you’re “just a writer.” That assumption lets you underestimate the value you bring to an editorial brief. But every piece you craft has potential market value. If you truly believe in the quality of your work, clients will treat you with the respect that matches your skill. You’re not being arrogant; you’re asserting that your time and talent deserve a fair rate.

Another pitfall for writers who are constantly saying yes is that they lose the opportunity to learn. If you accept every assignment, you may never stop working on low‑paying or low‑visibility projects. The only way to grow is to choose projects that push you, that challenge you, and that reward you accordingly. By setting boundaries and asking for the rate that matches your experience, you open doors to higher‑pay gigs and build a portfolio that reflects real value.

Standing up for yourself also protects the wider writing community. If you push back on unfair deals, you send a signal to editors and buyers that you expect fair treatment. That ripple effect raises the standard for everyone. Writers who maintain a respectful yet assertive stance become advocates for the profession - people who can negotiate, who can spot exploitation, and who can guide newcomers toward smarter choices.

In short, an assertive but professional attitude doesn’t mean you become rude. It means you recognize that your voice and your output deserve to be compensated fairly. When you treat every client as a business partner rather than a patron, you start to see your writing as the investment it truly is.

Building an Attitude That Pays

Developing a solid, fair stance starts with knowing your worth. The first step is to research what other writers in your niche charge. Check reputable freelance platforms, ask peers, and review industry reports. Knowing the market rate gives you a benchmark. You’ll then be able to compare offers and spot when a client is trying to undercut you.

Before you accept a project, draft a simple outline of the work’s scope and your estimated time to complete it. Write it down and keep it handy. When a client asks for a quote, you’ll be able to reference the outline and show that you’ve put thought into the logistics. For instance, a brochure with eight pages of copy might look like a quick job, but a quick look might reveal dozens of paragraphs that need tightening, fact‑checking, and style adjustments. That’s often 8–10 hours of work.

When you present your quote, keep the conversation polite but firm. State the rate and the reason behind it. You can say, “I charge 75 cents per word for this type of feature because of the research and rewriting required.” This statement puts the focus on value, not on negotiating from a position of weakness.

Negotiation is rarely a single shot. Most writers find that the first offer is the starting point. If a magazine proposes 40 cents per word for a 1,000‑word article, you can counter with 60 cents per word, citing your track record and the ad rates that set the publication’s pricing scale. When you do this, you’re not just asking for a higher dollar; you’re aligning your rate with the client’s own revenue model.

Consider a situation where you’ve already written for a client, and the editor says they’ve had budget cuts. They offer you 50 cents per word. You can respond by saying, “I appreciate the opportunity, but that rate would make it hard for me to keep up with the quality I’ve delivered in the past. I can accept a lower rate if you’re able to pay 60 cents per word for the next feature.” This keeps the line open while making clear that you’re not willing to compromise on fairness.

Another useful tactic is the “time‑billing” approach. When a client asks how long a project will take, explain that you estimate 8 hours, but you’ll bill by the hour with a cap. For instance, “I estimate eight hours of work, and I’ll bill by the hour up to eight hours. If the work takes less, you pay for the actual time. If it takes more, we’ll discuss an adjustment.” This method protects you from overwork and ensures you get paid for any extra effort.

Finally, practice self‑reflection. After each project, jot down what went well and what you might have handled differently. Did you push back too hard, or was the client already comfortable with your rate? Did you offer a discount that undervalued your work? Over time, you’ll refine your negotiation style so it becomes a natural part of your workflow rather than an uncomfortable hurdle.

By consistently applying these principles, you’ll transition from a writer who “just does” to a writer who “decides.” You’ll see better pay, clearer expectations, and a professional reputation that opens new doors. If you need more guidance, there are communities and resources - like the monthly interactive workshops and coaching sessions offered by Pro Write - that help writers sharpen these skills. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your freelance practice, building an attitude that pays is the first step toward sustainable success.