I know this is kind of outside the ordinary realm of this thread, but I have some questions about freelance grant writing for Susan or anyone. I have a meeting next week with a potential (likely) client, and I'm trying to figure out what to charge. A friend of mine referred me, and they know what he's charging. But I think he's selling himself short, and am tired of falling into that trap. Will they be annoyed if I say my rate is higher than his? Also, I work fast. Can I just take that into account by padding the number of hours I report, or is that totally shady? I think if I had more experience with knowing how long stuff takes me, I'd use a flat rate, but at this point, I just don't know.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Jesse, I wish I could help you. I'm feeling a bit shortchanged on my current project, but took it because, frankly, I needed the money that bad. According to my 2005 Writer's Market, $100 is a high hourly rate for grant writing, $20 a low, with $50 an average. But that's going to vary based on your location, experience level, etc.

Anyone want to beta the first chapter of Anna's story to help me get it ready for a contest I've decided to enter? It's fine if it takes a few days, but I'm looking for people who'll give it a pretty careful reading and evaluate it in light of the contest's score sheet. Because while I don't really expect to final with what's only a few steps removed from a rough draft (I'm entering mostly for anonymous critique and because I'd only be competing against other Georgian, Regency, and Victorian stories instead of the entire historical subgenre), I'd sure like to score well. Good for the ego and all.

According to my 2005 Writer's Market, $100 is a high hourly rate for grant writing, $20 a low, with $50 an average. But that's going to vary based on your location, experience level, etc.

That sounds right. I dunno, mostly I'm trying to figure out if I can ask for more than my friend does. Possibly, since I've literally never freelanced before (other than for said friend), I should just take the lower rate and STFU.

Can I just take that into account by padding the number of hours I report, or is that totally shady?

That's totally shady. You can play it one of two ways: One, estimate a fixed price for the entire job and stick to it. If it takes you less time than you estimated, you profit. If it takes you more time, you lose. Two: be paid per hour, and report every hour honestly.

(Off to choir practice, so if I get any beta volunteers, I'll send you the stuff when I get home at 9:00ish.)

OK, thanks, Betsy. I literally can't even imagine how long things take in real time anymore because I've never had a job where I didn't spend huge amounts of time screwing around, but still getting my work done in time.

I'd be happy to, Susan, but I'm kind of out of historical practice.

Yeah, the fixed rate thing can screw you over, too, if the project does end up taking significantly longer than you (and your client) agreed to. Buddy of ours just ran into this with a recording project and, through his generosity, ended up screwed out of four grand.

Anyway, I dunno the going rates, but I also think it's fine for you to offer a higher rate than your friend. Just remember that they're also totally free to tell you, no, that rate is too high for them.

I can look at it, Susan. I can have it back to you by Saturday.

Yeah, the fixed rate thing can screw you over, too, if the project does end up taking significantly longer than you (and your client) agreed to.

I just have no experience to base a time estimate on, sadly. Eh. It'll be fine -- what my friend is charging is still several times what I make in my office job per hour.