Presenting writing examples to higher paying clients

4 replies
Dear fellow warriors,

A question about how to present writing experience to higher-paying clients.

I've known some of the high-paying clients, especially those working in bigger companies, request to see a copy of your writing resume as well as your writing portfolio samples.

I see this as a "catch-22" problem because:

If I tell them the names of the third-party websites where I've been writing and editing for the last few years, then it makes them aware of other places they can go to for cheaper work. Thus, I could lose potential clients.

However, if I don't say the names of these well--established websites to establish my reputation, then I have nothing to back up my claims ... which makes me look like a possible fraud.

Putting out there any links to third-party, content-writing websites where I have a profile just makes it that much easier for clients to compare me to other writers who are likely to charge less and make more "outlandish" promises. One of my biggest problems with most freelance-writing websites is that they work to eventually drive down the prices for writing projects by expanding their writing pools of authors indefinitely. That's why I'm trying to break out of them - because experienced U.S. writers with real skills deserve more for their work.

What do you guys do about this problem?
#clients #examples #higher #paying #presenting #writing
  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    If these third party website are cheap, but your clients are looking for high quality, maybe all you need to do is show them your own work. If you work speaks for itself, don't let other places speak for you!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
    I agree with Dvduval: why do your clients need to see your writing pieces published on other websites? Aren't they able to gauge the quality by seeing your writing samples alone?

    Personally, I wouldn't link to anywhere. I'd just send them a few samples. If they want to hire me, great, if not, let 'em keep searching.
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    • Profile picture of the author WritingPenguin
      Originally Posted by dvduval View Post

      If these third party website are cheap, but your clients are looking for high quality, maybe all you need to do is show them your own work. If you work speaks for itself, don't let other places speak for you!
      Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

      I agree with Dvduval: why do your clients need to see your writing pieces published on other websites? Aren't they able to gauge the quality by seeing your writing samples alone?

      Personally, I wouldn't link to anywhere. I'd just send them a few samples. If they want to hire me, great, if not, let 'em keep searching.
      Thanks guys; those insights are very helpful to me.
      -Penguin
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  • Profile picture of the author bryan2015
    Important article.Thanks for sharing this.
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