What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants

by Laurie Lewis and Laurie Lewis

Everything you need to know about freelance fees Do your palms get sweaty when a prospective client asks, "How much do you want for this project?" Learn the techniques presented in What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants and you'll never panic again What to Charge takes you through the processes of setting rates, assessing fees dictated by clients, and evaluating your pricing experiences. You'll learn how to dig for information before quoting a fee. You'll examine the pros and cons of different pricing methods, such as hourly rates, project fees, and retainers. You'll discover the only two rules of pricing and why following them will guarantee you pricing success. You'll find out how to keep records that will enable you to maximize your profits on future projects. And you'll see how and when to analyze your income retroactively and to raise your rates with little effort. With self-employment being the hottest job trend, What to Charge is essential reading and a must-have reference for all entrepreneurs. No other book provides the detailed guidance of this volume, which is now in its second edition. Here's what readers of What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants have said: "I wish I had this book when I began freelancing." "You've taken the guesswork out of pricing " "This is the most logical, practical approach to pricing-and business management%u2014for the self-employed that I have ever seen." "I've had my own business for years, and I thought I knew it all. But What to Charge gave me new insights and new approaches. As soon as I implemented one of these strategies, I recouped the cost of the book." Lessons learned in the trenches form the basis of this book. The author, Laurie Lewis, has more than 25 years as a freelance medical writer and editor. Active in several professional associations, the author has incorporated not only her own experiences but also those of other self-employed professionals to create a model for successful pricing of consulting services. The techniques presented in What to Charge have stood the test of time, remaining valid through the recession that occurred since the first edition was published in 2000. In fact, because the book presents strategies, it will never go out of date. Whether you're just launching a freelance business or you have many years of consulting under your belt, What to Charge is for you.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 143276764X
• ISBN13: 9781432767648
• Release Date: February 2011
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

HAVE TO HAVE - GREAT REFERENCE!!

As a small businessperson within the areas of Office, Business, Consulting, & Editorial Services, I found this book to be extremely helpful. I recommend all VAs, home secretaries, et al. have this book for reference! Easy read and must have info!

What to Charge -- the most practical book you'll read

The blurb on the back of the book is right! What to Charge is one of the most practical books you'll ever read. It provides a wealth of concrete information for freelancers and consultants on how to negotiate a fair price for themselves -- and for their clients. Based on the information in the book, I accepted my first freelance writing job on a per word instead of per hour payment basis -- and ended up making three times an hour what I would have! I did not have to negotiate these rates, I simply chose the more profitable of two options offered me by the company based on information from the book about how to estimate the price of a job. It's essential reading for new and experienced freelancers.

Price It Right

"Am I asking enough for this job?" "Will I lose the job if I ask for more?" "How often can I raise my rates?" If these and other pricing questions have ever bedeviled you, What to Charge will remove some of the guess work for you. Clearly, concisely, and with many examples, Laurie Lewis discusses how to develop a successful pricing strategy, analyze pricing decisions, negotiate rates with clients, and avoid pricing pitfalls. With suggestions that are simple, practical, and easy to follow, this book gives sound advice for overcoming the "How much should I charge?" dilemma and is a "must" for would-be consultants and experienced freelancers alike.

Answers THE question freelancers struggle with ...

Deciding what to charge is a basic issue freelancers struggle with constantly. As a soon-to-be freelance editor and proofreader, I found this book immensely useful AND inspiring. On a practical level, it offers a truly rational approach to setting consulting fees--no matter what field you're in. Second, and most importantly, it teaches you not to undervalue yourself and, consequently, your services.Any freelance consultant, even the most experienced, will find much of value in this book!