As we approach the end of our calendar year, the mood brightens, and I don’t know about you, but my work winds down. I don’t have to get people on planes, or build their swimming pools in time for Christmas, or work long hours so others can enjoy dinners and happy hours and cocktail parties. Even if we are still busy at work getting things done before that magical date, holiday fever grips us even if we’re not going on holiday.  Personally I avoid school holidays when I can travel within dates that do not overcapitalise my brain and my budget. The popular times, like most things in demand, have the highest price tag; when resources are readily available, they are always at a lower price. A buyer’s market, they call it.

So how do we make something precious if it is always available, something like editing? It is not a finite resource; it’s not nickel or gold or diamonds. But of course, time is precious and not always available. Our time is valuable so it’s important to put a price on a service that justifies our talents, expertise and experience. It’s human nature to value more highly items with a higher price tag than those supposedly ‘cheap’ items. Don’t give in and lower your standards and your prices, just to get the job or you will always be settling for less. Above all else, value yourself, your achievements and your talents. If you don’t, no one else will.
For more about quoting, check out ‘Understanding quotes and rates’ on our website at http://editorswa.com/?page_id=82.