10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
10 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Outsourcing tips for beginners (and others)

by laurencewins
8 replies

Tips On Getting Rates When Outsourcing Your Next Job.

Do you wonder why some writers/editors/proofreaders won't give you straight rates to do your writing, editing or proofreading work? If so, I'll explain why this may be the case.
This is an example of an enquiry I commonly receive.

"Hi, what are your rates for writing a book?"

Before I can quote, I need to ask these very basic questions:
  • Approx how many words?
  • Topic?
  • Deadline?
  • Will you be supplying any info or do I have to do all the research?

I need those questions answered before I can even start discussing the job.
I also need to know the person's name if that was their whole request. If somebody isn't courteous enough to tell me their name, why would I feel tempted to help them?

That enquiry can also relate to doing a resume and cover letter, writing articles, blog posts, writing website content and virtually all other types of material.

It can also cover editing and proofreading...here's a basic enquiry for this:

"How much to proofread my book?" OR
"What do you charge per word for proofing?"

Both questions need a lot more information. I don't list my rates on my site because they vary according to the job. I do have rates but people may interpret them differently and it's impossible to cover all possible options.

Here's a good example of an enquiry:

-------

Hi, my name is Sam.

I have an eBook that needs to be edited and proofread (yes, these are both different jobs despite me combining them).
The book is currently 32,536 words and it's about improving your diet and exercise habits to help manage your diabetes.

I would like it done within a month if that's possible. If not, I may be able to give you more time.
Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly rate?
You can contact me on Sam888 at gmail.com if you have more questions and/or a quote for me.

I would appreciate a reply asap.

Thank you,

Sam.

----------

This excellent example makes me want to work with Sam because he's courteous, friendly and direct. He has given me a lot of initial information to start with so I can work out a rough quote before even making contact.

So, next time you're thinking about outsourcing a job, remember this post and provide all the information you have in your first enquiry to speed up the process so you can make a hiring decision much faster.

If YOU, the reader, has questions, feel free to ask in here or in PM.

Thanks for reading.

Laurence.
#beginners #outsourcing #tips
Avatar of Unregistered
  • Profile picture of the author MinQKim
    Great Job! nicely drafted the pain areas proofreaders faces while quoting a sum for the project. As a proof-reader, I suggest charging on the hourly basis or for the complete project, if you are working on a brief, short pieces (say about a maximum of 200 words. But if the content is large say of around 1000-2000 words, charging on per word basis will be beneficial.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11405134].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
      Originally Posted by MinQKim View Post

      Great Job! nicely drafted the pain areas proofreaders faces while quoting a sum for the project. As a proof-reader, I suggest charging on the hourly basis or for the complete project, if you are working on a brief, short pieces (say about a maximum of 200 words. But if the content is large say of around 1000-2000 words, charging on per word basis will be beneficial.

      I never quote hourly because it's easy to take more time and also the client may think I am adding more hours than the job needs. I always ask how many words and then I work a quote based on that and also the time it takes to complete the job.
      Signature

      Cheers, Laurence.
      Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11405238].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Excellent Laurence, excellent.

    I do little service work these days but this applies for my sponsored posts. Folks email me short, vague requests with almost zero details. I block many such emails because 99% of the time I get a follow up email 12-24 hours later asking what my rates area, with no extra clarity.

    Get super clear on what service or requirements you need to find ideal professionals to meet those needs.

    Ryan
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11405183].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author salsym
    Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

    Tips On Getting Rates When Outsourcing Your Next Job.

    Do you wonder why some writers/editors/proofreaders won't give you straight rates to do your writing, editing or proofreading work? If so, I'll explain why this may be the case.
    This is an example of an enquiry I commonly receive.

    "Hi, what are your rates for writing a book?"

    Before I can quote, I need to ask these very basic questions:
    • Approx how many words?
    • Topic?
    • Deadline?
    • Will you be supplying any info or do I have to do all the research?

    I need those questions answered before I can even start discussing the job.
    I also need to know the person's name if that was their whole request. If somebody isn't courteous enough to tell me their name, why would I feel tempted to help them?

    That enquiry can also relate to doing a resume and cover letter, writing articles, blog posts, writing website content and virtually all other types of material.

    It can also cover editing and proofreading...here's a basic enquiry for this:

    "How much to proofread my book?" OR
    "What do you charge per word for proofing?"

    Both questions need a lot more information. I don't list my rates on my site because they vary according to the job. I do have rates but people may interpret them differently and it's impossible to cover all possible options.

    Here's a good example of an enquiry:

    -------

    Hi, my name is Sam.

    I have an eBook that needs to be edited and proofread (yes, these are both different jobs despite me combining them).
    The book is currently 32,536 words and it's about improving your diet and exercise habits to help manage your diabetes.

    I would like it done within a month if that's possible. If not, I may be able to give you more time.
    Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly rate?
    You can contact me on Sam888 at gmail.com if you have more questions and/or a quote for me.

    I would appreciate a reply asap.

    Thank you,

    Sam.

    ----------

    This excellent example makes me want to work with Sam because he's courteous, friendly and direct. He has given me a lot of initial information to start with so I can work out a rough quote before even making contact.

    So, next time you're thinking about outsourcing a job, remember this post and provide all the information you have in your first enquiry to speed up the process so you can make a hiring decision much faster.

    If YOU, the reader, has questions, feel free to ask in here or in PM.

    Thanks for reading.

    Laurence.
    good one.I would now follow the email template provided by you. Thanks.
    Signature
    Learn To Earn Online with Ranjan
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11405189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ctrlaltdelete
    Great tips. A lot of folks here could use them. I always make it a point to provide anyone I'm looking to hire with the basic rundown of the job, and to be polite at all times when conversing (even when I'm a little pissed off). Doesn't matter how much they're charging or where they're from--Europe, Philippines, America, India--it doesn't matter at all.



    Just because I'm the one paying doesn't mean I don't need to be respectful. We're still people here.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11405245].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Excellent, thank you.

    I hate dealing with people when trying to outsource stuff but am getting used to what people require and what to expect myself as well.. I guess at the end of it is to ensure that both people have a really good understanding of what to expect from each other and what they can deliver.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11407435].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Chris, you're spot on. I'm amazed, sometimes, when people expect quotes with zero info on which to base it. Then they get upset when I can't and won't provide a quote until they answer my questions.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11407717].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Hi Trevor, Can you please clarify what you're looking for?
    Your message isn't clear enough to understand.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11414469].message }}
Avatar of Unregistered

Trending Topics