What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants

As a small businessperson within the areas of Office, Business, Consulting, & Editorial Services, I found this book to be extremely helpful. I recommend all VAs, home secretaries, et al. have this book for reference! Easy read and must have info!

The blurb on the back of the book is right! What to Charge is one of the most practical books you'll ever read. It provides a wealth of concrete information for freelancers and consultants on how to negotiate a fair price for themselves -- and for their clients. Based on the information in the book, I accepted my first freelance writing job on a per word instead of per hour payment basis -- and ended up making three times an hour what I would have! I did not have to negotiate these rates, I simply chose the more profitable of two options offered me by the company based on information from the book about how to estimate the price of a job. It's essential reading for new and experienced freelancers.

"Am I asking enough for this job?" "Will I lose the job if I ask for more?" "How often can I raise my rates?" If these and other pricing questions have ever bedeviled you, What to Charge will remove some of the guess work for you. Clearly, concisely, and with many examples, Laurie Lewis discusses how to develop a successful pricing strategy, analyze pricing decisions, negotiate rates with clients, and avoid pricing pitfalls. With suggestions that are simple, practical, and easy to follow, this book gives sound advice for overcoming the "How much should I charge?" dilemma and is a "must" for would-be consultants and experienced freelancers alike.

Deciding what to charge is a basic issue freelancers struggle with constantly. As a soon-to-be freelance editor and proofreader, I found this book immensely useful AND inspiring. On a practical level, it offers a truly rational approach to setting consulting fees--no matter what field you're in. Second, and most importantly, it teaches you not to undervalue yourself and, consequently, your services.Any freelance consultant, even the most experienced, will find much of value in this book!