These are the phrases I use to negotiate a higher fee

And here are three examples of when it has worked

Lily negotiated a higher rate with a dog magazine (Photo Joe Caione on Unsplash)

Negotiating a higher rate of pay can be a tricky thing to get right. If you are too cocky you may put an editor off. Then again, if you are too self-deprecating you are not going to win anyone over.

It’s a fine balance of understanding your value without overselling yourself. At the end of the day it comes down to words. Choosing the right phrases (and an appropriate amount of £) can really boost your chance of getting that bump in payment.

It’s important to know the value of your work - and your expertise - and to negotiate a better rate of pay when you feel undervalued. I’m not saying negotiate every single time, but don’t be afraid to ask for more if it is lower than your usual fee. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

In today’s newsletter I’m sharing some of the emails - and choice phrases - that helped me to secure a higher fee. There are three different examples covering two consumer magazines and a niche news website.

Take a peek below to see what wording worked for me!