The Article Writer Mailbag, Take 3
Q. From time to time I get a request to work on a “rush” project. Should I charge extra for this service?
A. That depends on a few things. If it means you will have to put to the side your current assignments by taking on the new job and you will be doing the work beyond your customary working hours, then I would think an additional fee is warranted. As far as the amount goes, I have seen writers tack on 20% to their bills, especially if the project involves weekend work. Personally, I don’t always add the surcharge especially when the work is from a regular client. I first let the client know if I can do the job and, if so, I just go ahead and do it. In addition, I am a stickler about my weekend time; Saturday work carries a premium and on Sundays I simply don’t work…that is my policy. Come up with a policy that works for you and then stick with it.
Mailbag | Matthew C. Keegan, 7 Apr 06
By Mike, October 8, 2006 @ 2:17 pm
I agree that surcharges are not always the way to go. I think that in this case, it always depends on the type of project. When I work on projects such as article writing, I often charge a set fee per 100 words. My fees appear in the range of everybody else?s’ and it doesn’t set me at a point where I am bidding for the job, and rushing through the article so I don’t try to make it worth my time.