I've been working with this advertising agency and it's been harder than I thought. I'm not an ad copy writer or even a PR writer and it's going to take longer than I thought to adjust. The good news is the guy I'm working for is really sweet and willing to work with me because he really wants to have content creators he can rely on. Okay, it does make me feel like a twelve year old at times (especially because I got this gig because my mom knew him, but I did submit a portfolio and shit, so I deserve it, right?), but I should just take it.
Anyway, we were talking about payment for my first piece. Earlier he had mentioned that their on staff writer makes $40/hour and that another one of their regulars makes $30/hour. They're all older than me and have been in the business longer, so I was kind of hoping to make like $20/hour or something. We had a kind of roundabout discussion about payment today and finally he asked.
Is $30 an hour okay for?
Followed by.
How about I pay you a $200 flat rate for your first piece. (Because with the hourly rate it was less than that.)
Is that okay with me? Is that OKAY with me? Motherfucker, last time I got paid for an article I had to hound the magazine for three months and they sent me a check for $60 in a blank card from Hallmark with a WOLF on the front. A motherfucking wolf. Yeah, that's okay with me.
I realize that I'm woefully under-informed about what freelancers get paid and maybe I'm still being taken advantage of. (Should probably do some research or whatever.) I knew that $60 for my last gig was low, but hot damn.
Maybe it is possible to make it as a writer. Maybe I can move out of my parents house in the next month. Maybe a lot of things. Despite the fact that this is not the kind of writing I wanted to do, and I really don't have the hang of it, but I'm hopeful this place is going to work out for me.
Yeah, baby, we can swing that.
No words. I'm so glad that you're working for someone who is really intent on helping you out and getting you acquainted with the field. I've begun to realize that we're all better off just doing things for a while, finding our niche, because we don't really have any concrete skills. But now you're building them up! I think it's great! And honestly, just take what comes your way. Doesn't matter how you got there. Life's all about f***ing connections anyway, so CONNECT THE FRICK OUT OF THE REAL WORLD. :) Besides, you totally earn that job. Keep us updated! :)
ReplyDelete:) I'm so happy for you! Content writers can do pretty well! I hope this continues to be a good freelance position for you. If you have any questions about marketing or copy writing, just ask. I may or may not be able to help, but hopefully I'll at least be able to point you in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteYou go write the shit out of those PRwebs!