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Turning Down Free Work
By Aline Lechaye
It seems that whenever the words “I’m a writer” leaves my lips,
I’m bombarded by offers of free work. Can I run my eye over
this report, that presentation, or that promising novel
perhaps?
Sound familiar?
Postpone the Negotiations
Not only do these people expect top-quality free work, they
are also smart enough to pick their moments. I’ve said yes
to countless people just because the situation was too
awkward to talk business. Once at a party, a woman asked me
to proofread her essay just as the hostess walked past. I
thought it would make me look bad if I said, “Sure, my rates
are $50/hour”, so I said, “Um, sure.”
What I should have said was “Sure, let’s meet up later this
week and we can discuss my rates.”
Postponing the business meeting works both ways. It says, I’m
a professional who has “rates”, and it gives the other person
a chance to “forget” the meeting if she wasn’t planning to pay.
A tip from the experienced: always carry professional looking
name cards. It is harder to ask Jane Smith, Copywriter (on a
card) for free services than
janeimsocute@mail.com (scribbled
on some random napkin).
Don’t Believe In References
Many of us have done free work in hopes that we will get
paying clients referred by the nonpaying one.
However, in my long (and bitter) experience, I’ve found that
the people who imply they’ll recommend me to their friends if
I do a good (free) job rarely keep their word, and the few that
do take delight in asking their friends to send in their work
in to me—for free.
I’ve personally found that paying clients are much more
generous in their references (who always are payers too!)
Make An Excuse
Sometimes a simple excuse is all it takes. “I’m sorry; I’m
swamped in work right now. I don’t think I’ll be able to take
yours on.” And don’t add “maybe next time”. That will leave the
door open for future requests.
Be Professional and Sincere
Things can and often do get nasty when you say no to someone who
really needs the work done. (Though if they were as desperate as
they sound, they should be willing to pay some cash to get the
work done!)
Try to remain professional at all times. If a friend says “I
can’t believe you won’t do this for me!” it is not appropriate
to reply, “You never let me copy your homework in high school!”
Sound sincere and not arrogant when you’re saying no. Don’t
sound as if you think you’re great and should not be bothered
by petty jobs. Say “I’m sorry I was unable to do this for you”
and not “You want me to do this for free? Are you kidding?”
Stick Up For Yourself
Quick! Think up a way to say “Tom, this job could take six
hours or more. That means giving up $300 worth of income,”
without sounding pompous.
It’s never going to get any easier for you to ask for a fee
if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t find it easy to start
with. And it’s equally embarrassing to admit that you’re so
“poor” you need to “rip off your friends”.
But look at it this way: your work is definitely worth the
$50 per hour you ask for, because other clients (total
strangers) are paying you that much. Don’t let people walk
over you, stand up for what you’re worth!
Good luck, and do try these the next time free work comes along!
Bio: Aline Lechaye is a professional proofreader, translator,
writing tutor and writer. Above all, she hates non-paying
clients who expect her to do free work "for the practice".
(Excuse me?) Aline can be reached at
alinelechaye@gmail.com
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