Don’t say yes too quickly. Read the fine print. Saying yes is a rookie writer mistake. Photo via Pixabay.
A rookie mistake
I made a rookie writing mistake a few weeks ago that I’m still mad at myself for making.
An editor wrote to me with an assignment. Every writer’s dream is for editors to suggest assignments. Especially on a topic of interest. Especially when it’s to write an essay.
The sluggish economy and the changing face of the print world has really put a strain on the writing business and I’ve been feeling it.
So I said yes to the assignment immediately.
My mistake was to say yes too quickly, don’t do that…
That was my mistake.
When I re-read the e-mail I realized that the magazine was offering me a lower rate than I have been paid for two previous articles for them.
It would have been simple and easy for me to say, “I’d like to do it but you need to pay me my regular rate.”
I love working for this magazine. I loved writing the essay. The editors were happy with the essay I wrote and the back-and-forth with them has been great.
Bottom line: I’m delighted to be doing this assignment.
But I’m still kicking myself for not asking for more money, which I have no doubt they would have happily agreed to.
Moral of the story: Be happy when assignments come to you but don’t say yes too quickly.
Related posts:
How to Get Started as a New Writer?
The Mastodon Theory of Writing
Take Your Writing to the Highest Level
Just the Facts, Ma’am. Why You Need a Fact Checker
In Praise of Good Editing
Published: January 20, 2010
Last update: January 29, 2020
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