Before a client hires you, there is a very good chance that they are going to ask for work samples. In fact, this happens almost 100 percent of the time. The samples that you show will go a long way in deciding whether or not you land the gig. This leads to a simple question: which samples should I show the prospective client?
If possible, you want to show samples that are on topic. So, if you are in discussions with a personal finance website you want to pull out samples related to investing, money management, budgeting, etc. You may not have samples that are an exact match, so get as close as possible.
Is it okay to write an article just to use it as a sample? Of course it is. If you think this will better your chance of landing the job, go for it. Even if you get turned down, at least you have another sample for future use.
I have a folder on my desktop that is full of 20 or more samples. Keeping them organized and in one place makes it simple to find and send one or more within a matter of minutes. Every time I write a piece that is “sample worthy†I make a copy and add it to this folder.
How many samples you send depends on what the client is asking for. Some only want to see one piece. Others will ask for three to five or more. Do your best to comply with their request, without delay.
One last note: always let the client know that you have more samples if they want to see them. You may be surprised at how many times they come back with one final request, just to get a better idea of your overall writing style.
With this advice you should have an easier time deciding which samples to show.
As a freelance writer you are going to be asked the following question time and time again: how much do you charge per word? This is something that many people/companies will ask before they hire you for a project. While it may seem like an innocent question, you have to be careful about how you answer. The last thing you want to do is underbid and find yourself working for less than what you believe to be fair.
Before you ever talk money with a potential client, make sure you have a very good idea of what the project will entail. This way you can put together some reasonable numbers, and in turn answer all questions that are asked of you.
If you do not feel comfortable giving an instant quote, tell the client that you will get back to them as soon as possible with more information. This will give you time to think about the task at hand, and decide how much you will charge per word.
Don’t feel comfortable charging per word for a particular project? If so, you need to explain this to your client while giving an alternative. For instance, you may want to quote a per project price for one reason or the next. Whether or not the client accepts this is another story entirely. They may have their own reasons for wanting you to work on a per word basis.
It goes without saying that you have a general idea of your per word rate. Just remember that each and every project is unique. You have to be careful with the numbers that you spit out.
Time and time again you will be asked how much you charge per word. Make sure you give an accurate quote, based on the project as well as the client’s needs.
As the month of September gets into full swing, I have a couple openings in my freelance writing course. I am happy to say that one of the two members who just left me is now working as a full-time writer. This always puts a smile on my face!
If you have any interest in snatching one of the two available slots, contact me as soon as possible. Generally speaking, openings usually fill up within 24 hours.
No matter if your goal is to go full-time or simply learn more about a particular aspect of the industry, I can help.
I hope to have a couple more of you onboard soon enough!
