Writers are Very Much Under Valued

Last week, somebody contacted me through this blog and asked if I do freelance writing. I said I don’t, but he still proceeded to discuss with me his writing project.

He’s setting up a website offering a certain service. I just went along with our talk and when he asked how much do I think a 500-word article will cost. I told him it really depends on many factors (the difficulty of the subject, the amount of research needed, whether it’s a rush job, etc.), but I always put much value on the experience of the writer. The more experienced a writer is (and usually the more skilled he is) the higher his rate should be.

So I gave him an estimated amount (not my own rate) and he said it’s too expensive. He then said that he thinks such an article should cost only P60.

I was shocked! P60 for a 500-word article? That is very low!

Ano ‘yon, pang-meryenda lang?

I told him he can find a writer who will agree to that price, but I am pretty sure the quality of the writing will be abysmal.

Good writers put a premium on their work. They do not undervalue themselves. They are paid for their ability to weave words together to create a certain effect, and not for simply writing words on a blank sheet of paper (or a blank screen).

writer

7 comments

  1. Ang baba nga, sobra naman. Even blogvertise pays a minimum of $ 9 and up for a 200-300 word article, depending on the topic. That’s roughly P 400. Review me pays more from $ 12 and above, even going up to as high as $ 50. You’re right to refuse. Magtinda na lang ako kamote…he he he….

    Btw, the Inspirational Book still needs 6 articles. Cheers.

  2. one word: ouch.

    i don’t charge high for one-page articles, but Php60 is way, way low.

    wait lang, i need to breathe…

    michelle´s last blog post..It’s officially a girl!

  3. Php60 for a 500-word article? Tell him to go f*ck himself, better yet, let me tell him. You have his contact details?

  4. In the world of seowriting, that is not surprising. Writer’s pay even get into bidding. Imagine that! For a 500-word article, the lowest bid wins the project. Phew! C’mon, we’re dealing with brains here and not just a bunch of crap.

  5. I am not a good writer but the lowest price for me is $5 for a 200-word article. P60 is an insult to writing.

    Pastilan´s last blog post..Ronseal Power Sprayer

  6. I am a freelance writer and as such, I have my experience of getting low pays for 500-word articles. Php60 is a normal rate if the you are in a long term contract. I have been in the business for more than a year and my pay is in terms of monthly quotas.

  7. Not woth it talaga. Base on my experience,other paid per review sites nga basta 2 to 3 paragraphs lang and atleast 2 links, minimum na is $5. tsk tsk tsk.

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