Ha ha! I WISH this view is what I see everyday. But, alas, this photo was taken on my recent vacation in Croatia. I was fortunate enough to celebrate a big birthday on this terrace for a few days in May a couple years ago, but I didn’t do much work.
Your Workplace or Mine – or Somewhere in Croatia?
What am I trying to say by putting that photograph on this page? I suppose I’m trying to say that as a writer, I will be able to work from places like this (given the right set of circumstances, such as continued good health and a modicum of financial freedom that allows me to vacation in dreamy destinations).
I’m certain I’m not alone in my quest to have a variety of experiences and venues from and in which to practice my craft. I am a people-person and enjoy working with a variety of clients, too. If I conducted a survey of 100,000 writers, artists, and other creative types who are freelancing or creating their own books or works of art, I can almost guarantee that the vast majority would say that the primary motivator in being a freelancer (or “solo-preneur”) is the ability to work from anywhere in the world, telling stories or creating art that springs from their own everyday thoughts and experiences – or working with many different types of clients, helping to tell theirs.
Prices, Contracts, Duration of Projects
No two projects are alike, just as no two clients are alike. For those reasons, it is difficult to provide a menu of offerings and associated prices. Total project costs depend on the type of work, the duration of the relationship, whether I am required to be onsite at your location, how many meetings it will take to launch the project, and how much research is required to become a quasi-subject matter expert (I’m a “quick study” but it’s often necessary to conduct a significant amount of research to enable me to speak knowledgeably to your intended audiences on your behalf).
Economies of Scale Apply
Writing weekly property descriptions of a client’s real estate listings, blog posts for a fashion-forward website, or media releases for a new retail store cost less per piece than if I am hired to write just one. Regardless of whether it is a property description, a media release, a blog post, or a letter of recommendation, prices generally start at $300 for any written material on a “one off” basis.
Contracts for Larger Projects
I recognize that in undertaking lengthy projects on behalf of either individuals or large organizations − where delivery schedules, deadlines, quality of work, and specifications regarding payment need to be spelled out − both parties may feel more comfortable with a contract. However, I am happy to proceed without contracts, as well. Handshake agreements, whether in person, over the phone, or through email, typically work just fine, especially for smaller projects with well-defined objectives and timelines.