My first $30,000 project

From napkin math to closing the deal.

Would you feel comfortable quoting $30,000 for your writing?

Most people wouldn’t. Even most writers, who are likely introverts by nature, aren’t scared to ask for a reasonable amount for their work.

Before I quoted $30k for the first time, I was only making a few to several hundred dollars per project. It was enough to get by, but not enough to grow. That’s why during a call when a potential client asked me, “How much?” I did what was necessary.

Here’s how it all went down.

One day, I got an email from a woman who said her agency needed a copywriter. She had been reading my blog and felt like I was the perfect fit.

We scheduled a call and within 20 minutes I understood her needs down the each deliverable and how long it would take me. When the inevitable "how much?” question came, I was ready. I looked at my notes, calculated the total, and said “$30,000”.

She checked her notes, looked away for a moment, and agreed on the condition we’d work in 3 phases ($10k x 3). Unfortunately, the project stopped after $20,000. I got paid but the agency’s client changed the direction of the project. We parted ways and kept in touch.

Aside from making $20k, I learned a lesson — don’t be scared of money.

Money flows like water. If you want to make more, ask. If you think the amount you’re asking for is too high, ask for twice as much.

That uncomfortable feeling is important.

It’s make what seems like “too much” your new standard.