Comment Posted on the Writers Group on Smaller Indiana.
I think that modern technology plays a large part in devaluing the skill that goes into writing something well. Many people seem to be under the misconception that just because a program like WORD can check your spelling and provide input on grammatical errors, that the computer does all of the hard work for the writer. They don’t realize that there are different techniques for writing copy for a website, or for a manual, or for a brochure. Sure, the grammatical rules are all the same but that’s about it.
Coming from a sales background, I think another thing that may keep writers from getting paid what they’re worth is their sales skills. I’m not saying that every writer needs to take sales training classes, but it wouldn’t hurt to check out a few books if you have no experience in that field. As a freelance writer, you’re not just selling an article or some copy, you’re selling what that text will do FOR the person buying it. You must have a value proposition equal to what you are charging. In other words, the buyer has to be able to perceive that their value is equal to or greater than what you are asking them to spend on your services.
Having said that, I’m brand new to the freelance world so I may have a skewed point of view.
