Finding Balance in Business

As I build and grow Frazier-Rath Editing, I’ve struggled with how I can balance my need for an income and my desire to value my own time and skills in ways that companies and colleges I’ve worked for have not,…

…with my deeply-held belief that the amount of money you have access to should never determine how you’re treated, nor the quality and care you should expect.

I’m very uncomfortable with the world of transactions, especially monetary ones, considering the devastating consequences of capitalism. (That’s a topic for our book discussion in April, to which all are welcome.)

I much prefer operating on the principles of collaboration, community, as well as mutual support and respect.

So, I’ve decided that although I set my rates in accordance with the guidelines put forth by the Editorial Freelancers Association, I will always offer a “pay-what-you-can” option, accompanied by the trust in my clients that they will pay what they can, and the promise that I will never ask questions, nor pass judgment.

And I really, truly mean it.

This will allow me to do what I really love doing, while supporting anyone who is trying to get their ideas out there, no matter how much they can pay.

(I also decided that I’m ok with the idea that there will be people who find this naive, stupid, or bad business. I don’t really care. I live very seriously by the idea that you should live the way you want the world to be.)

So, if you think you can’t afford someone to…

• help you fix your resume;

• support you as you write that article or book you weren’t sure you could write;

• perfect that last draft;

• strengthen that proposal;

…

think again.