Writing Coach Podcast 193: Rates shaming

WCP 193 Rates shaming

Have you ever been ashamed of the rate you accept for a freelance job? Ever talked to another freelance writer who felt that way? Have you ever heard someone who disapproves or criticizes a writer for their fees? Rates shaming is when somebody reprimands or reproves a writer for rates of which they should be ashamed.

Subscribe to The Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Audible | Android | RSS

Have you ever been ashamed of the rate you accept for a freelance job? Ever talked to another freelance writer who felt that way? Have you ever heard someone who disapproves or criticizes a writer for their fees?

Rates shaming is when somebody reprimands or reproves a writer for rates of which they should be ashamed. This can happen when the rate is perceived as too low OR too high. It can happen externally (e.g. somebody else in a writer group) OR internally (that voice in your head judging you).

The one thing that’s constant is that it’s never the best route to an honest discussion about what you can charge as a freelancer. Shame leads to freelancers going underground, not transparently sharing their earnings, and feeling disrespected and disconnected.

Pretty much nothing good happens from rates shaming. Today let’s look at some examples, misconceptions about shame and shaming, and mindset shifts that are genuinely empowering.

🔗 Mentioned on this episode

WCP 192 No nonprofit saviors

WCP 175 Writing in community

WCP 1: What’s your problem?

⭐ Leave a review and rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Let other writers know why you listen: Do you have a favorite episode? A favorite takeaway?

❤️ Share the Writing Coach Podcast

Share with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. Or tag Rebecca on Instagram: @freelancewriterbootcamp 

✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp

Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. 

Join the waitlist and you’ll be the first to hear when applications open, plus get access to an early bird bonus: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com

🔥 Work with me 1:1

Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. 

Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach

🎤 Listen to more episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast here.

What should you include in a pitch to an editor?  

Check out my blueprint for writing queries that editors find irresistible. Click here to download a copy of the free eguide, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.”