I've been working as a contract editor for the same company for about seven years. About three years ago, they changed the terms of their contract, which is now resulting in a huge pay loss for me (we went from getting royalties on books sold to getting paid per word). Although I did very well the last couple of years, this year I'm making about 1/6 of what I made the previous two years. We were told they can't give us raises due to IRS regulations; because we're contract workers, we have to submit a rate change request and they'll either approve it or not. My recent review was superb. How do I word a letter requesting an increase, and what sort of percentage would be reasonable? I can't really go by industry standards because, honestly, there aren't any.
2
-
Are you sure you aren't an employee of that company under the guise of a "contract" so that the company can save money by not having to provide benefits and do your tax for you? This can usually have very serious legal ramifications for both parties.– AmeliaMar 13, 2014 at 12:53
-
I don't think so, although I do sign a noncompete clause where I can't do this exact same job other places. I do freelance work elsewhere and for other publishers. But you're right, they don't provide any benefits or take care of taxes.– Stash99Mar 13, 2014 at 13:16
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
Best way to ask for higher rates is to do just that: ask for a higher rate. Mention you have good reviews and have been a steady reliable worker for many years and request a rate suitable for your quality. Compare it to other work you did to determine what is a good rate. If comparison is not possible, than simply request a rate that you think makes it worth your while.
One note though: be prepared to walk if you do not get a higher rate. If you're not, that seriously undermines your position for negotiations and as soon a they figure it out you will have a very hard time negotiating higher rates.
-
Yes, that is a problem - there's nowhere else to walk to. And they probably know that. But I will ask - you don't ask, you don't get, I suppose.– Stash99Mar 14, 2014 at 11:47
-
Absolutely, it undermines negotiations, it doesn't make them impossible! Mar 14, 2014 at 19:27
-
Actually, the alternative is I go freelance full-time, but that's not as reliable. There are always options, but I really like what I do. I just need to make more $$ doing it. And I haven't asked for a raise in 7 years, so I guess it's time! Thank you all for your help!– Stash99Mar 15, 2014 at 22:37
-
Situations, location, industry differ of course, but going freelance full time for me was the best decision I ever made. Mar 15, 2014 at 23:00
-
Well, I'm considered a freelancer for this company as well, but it's very steady work as compared to building my own client list - which I've also been doing. Sigh, so many decisions...– Stash99Mar 16, 2014 at 1:03