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Topic: Freelance Copy: When to ask for a raise
| Author | Message |
| Jones | Posted – 4/18/2008 12:55:16 AM | show profile I'm a freelance copy editor with four years experience specifically in editing copy, and ten years editing and writing. For the past two years I've worked regularly for two magazines: One pays me $28 an hour for on-site work during their close, and the other pays $25 an hour for off-site work that includes irregular hours on issue closes and other projects with no rush rate, as well as maintaining and rewriting their style guide. I've earned $30 an hour at other magazines, but the first two are my regular gigs and I prefer working for them for various reasons. I feel it's time to ask for a raise, but I have freelanced at so many jobs, I've never actually worked anywhere long enough to ask for one. Any advice, stories? Thanks. |
| WritingEd | Posted – 4/18/2008 9:31:02 AM | show profile How are these magazines faring right now? In this economy they may well be cutting expenses and may well not appreciate being asked for more money. If you're not sure, take a look at whether the work has become a bit less (which would indicate a smaller book) or whether the bylines seem to be more staff, less outside contributors. If you are pretty sure that the magazines are healthy at the moment, then it won't hurt to ask if a small bump would be possible. You might explain that you're getting a few dollars less than elsewhere and that other publications have been asking if you have time for additional work. The thought of losing you may be enough for your editor to at least inquire about spending more on your services. |
| WordyBird | Posted – 4/18/2008 10:33:10 AM | show profile As WritingEd suggested, I'd suss out their economic health first. But beyond that, I wouldn't bother to explain why I'm asking for more money, other than that the cost of living goes up, as do your expenses (travel to their office, for example), so like the price of everything else in the world, your price rises, too. |
