Most Indian writers, for some bizarre reason, seem to think that the Indian publishing industry doesn’t value writers. The pay rates could be better, of course, not just in India, but around the world. But writers are valued. And they are paid well.

In an interview recently, I was asked the following question: “What are your contentions about rates for writers, especially freelance writers in India. Should [they] improve?”

My response: Of course. Rates can always use an improvement, not just in India, but around the world. Writers aren’t exactly the highest-paid professionals, are they?

I have noticed, however, that while writers tend to think along the lines of “rates should be same for everyone,” that’s not realistically the way it does or can work. Rates are highly dependent on your previous work, how valuable you are to a publication, your level of writing and professionalism, and what kind of writing you’re delivering.

An award-winning writer will not be paid at par with a beginner, even for the same publication. So get over it.

For freelancers, I would say it’s basically a three-step process:

1. Become invaluable. Be the best at what you do– finding stories, getting interviews, the craft of writing, keeping deadlines– the whole deal. Learn everything you can, practice it, become efficient. Keep learning– it’s a never-ending process. But take note of who you’re learning from. I’ve seen a lot of unpublished writers dish out advice on their blogs. And as unpopular is this will make me, I advise that instead of wasting time on this, you read books, blogs, and take courses by people who’re actually doing what you want to do, and not just aspiring to.

2. Once you’re fairly good at what you do, know what you’re worth. See what others are doing, whether you’re better or worse, ascertain honestly how you can improve, and figure out how to become an asset to a publication. I repeat, know your worth. That means not demanding $3 per word for your first article (unless you bring a certain expertise, of course). It also means not settling for pittance, no matter how green you may be.

3. Learn how to negotiate. Be willing to walk away. If you’re good at what you do, can’t be replaced, and believe that you genuinely have skills to offer, the negotiating is easy. Editors want good writers, editors need good writers, no matter how big the publication. And they’ll pay for them.