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Lolly Martyn's avatar

This is a fantastic tip because it sticks to the facts, sets the tone as business, avoiding any defensiveness. Thanks, Dianne! Taking notes here! X

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Ted Levi Toldman's avatar

Thanks for the advice, Diane! Indeed, when it comes to payment, there are complications, as I think about what amount would benefit me the most while at the same time not being overpriced. I will take your advice the first chance I get!

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

Oh good! I hope it works for you, Ted.

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Sarah Copeland's avatar

such an important discussion! Thank you, Dianne. Unfortunately asking for what we deserve never gets easier, and sometimes only harder (as the market changes) so it's so vital we all set a boundary with ourselves for our time, and agree not to go below that--for the sake of the market, ourselves, and other writers.

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

Yes indeed, Sarah. And it's hard to set that number, as there are no standards for payment in our industry.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

Thank you for these suggestions; also, for your bonus article on Peg Bracken and finding your voice!

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Chris Noto's avatar

A wise teacher once said to me, “I never hesitate to ask in a good cause!” I consider that the income to take care of myself and my family is always a good cause!

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

Yes it is. Just don't be the first one to offer a price. That is one of the lessons of my story.

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Rachel Phipps's avatar

I've been using this trick for years - sadly, 9/10 responses because it is people contacting me about doing brand work on my food blog they reply that they expect me to work for free, just getting their gifted product for free. It is more my way of politely pointing out I'll want paying!

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

And you are entitled to it. But for every professional like you, there are others who will take the free product. That’s the real problem.

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Ken Burgin's avatar

I see it with services or equipment, and I always fear it will go like: what’s your budget? $2000… oh great, we have one here for $1995, let me sign you up for that. And the $1500 version just went up to $1995 😟

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

I can see it if someone artificially increases the price. That’s not cool. But in our line of work as writers, often there is no set price, just what the market will bear.

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Ken Burgin's avatar

Have to say I hate it when people ask me ‘what’s your budget?’ - I like your phrase much better and... it worked!

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

Really? What do you hate about it? I’d love to know,

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Liz Rueven's avatar

What a great suggestion. Also this: I recently pitched a food company (fish) about consulting on how to attract a niche audience I know well. They immediately responded to my question about pay with that dreaded, “We pay in product”. I decided to opt for humor and responded, “no thanks. If I get paid in product I’ll be swimming in fish”. It worked! The convo continues and they’ve agreed to my fee.

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

It’s a learned skill to push back. Maybe I shouldn’t even call it that. How about, “You’re asserting yourself.” And you did it with humor!

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Liz Rueven's avatar

How about thinking of it simply as a response? The COO didn’t phrase it as a question but I certainly had a response:))

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Amy Halloran's avatar

So looking forward to listening to the podcast! You plus Abe Books seems like an ice cream sundae for the ears!

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Kate McDermott's avatar

That phrase, and then waiting for the response without feeling I have to fill the silence, has always worked for me, too.

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Dianne Jacob's avatar

Exactly. The pause is critical!

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