Please read and tell me if I'm wrong?

mlyn

Really Experienced
Joined
Dec 15, 2000
Posts
121
I received an email about a week ago, from a gentleman telling me that he and his lady friend would love to be the subject of a short erotic story, and they had a very interesting story.

I replied that I would be interested in hearing their story, but that I would need to charge them to write a story just for them.

He wrote back "Do you mean you want me to pay you to
write?"

Was I wrong in expecting to be paid? I wrote back and thanked him for offering me his story, but I was not lacking in ideas for stories.

I am interested in what others think, and if they've had other such suggestions, or what they might charge? Thank you, mlyn
 
Mlyn,

You were not wrong! If you wish to charge to write then that is your privilege. You would not expect a doctor to see you without charging, nor a lawyer to represent you in court for free.

There is no difference, except that many of the fine writers on this site do write stories for others for free, out of the goodness of their hearts so to speak.

I have done it from time to time without charging, usually I only accept or volunteer if the story idea intrigues me.

Well anyway, that what I think!

Ray
 
No, you aren't wrong. People, however, often assume that because you're posting stories at a free site that they have a right to do whatever they want with your work and that you are going to write whatever they want you to for free. There is a common misconception brought around by a lot of whining about writer's block that half of the work of writing is coming up with an idea. If you just had an idea then you could pop something out in a jiff. I've gotten email from people wanting me to write a story and sell it and we'll split if 50-50. Their idea, my words, we'll both rake it in.

The wording, while polite, wasn't very professional. Next time this happens, simply explain that you charge for your writing services. If they would like to negotiate a fee with you, then you would be glad to write for them. To keep them from having a cow and sending you dirty emails or voting your stuff down or doing whatever disgruntled people do, be professional. Writing here is, after all, business. You don't get paid in money, but you do get pain in exposure, experience, and resume bolstering. When people request things from you, treat them as you would a business associate or client.

Dear sir,

I'm very flattered that you chose me to approach to write a story for you. Your story sounds interesting and I think I could do it justice. I charge a rate of $$$$$ for a personalized story. You will be purchasing all rights / the story itself, but not the rights for distribution (pick one). If you are still interested, please contact me at your convenience so that we can work out the particulars.

Respectfully

Sarah R. Franklin (pick a name that's a good pseudonym and that you can bank with.)

Personally, I don't write personal stories so this doesn't come up.
 
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