<b>When they ask for money, here's my counter</b>

<b>When they ask for money, here's my counter</b>

Mid-pitch and the editor drops a "$200 placement fee." Don't walk, don't pay full. Negotiate.

My three counters, in order:

— "I write original research, not reprints — does that change the rate?" (often halves it)
— "Can we do a 3-post package?" (per-post drops fast)
— "I'll skip the fee if I can include 2 internal links you choose" (trades cash for value)

Knocked a $250 ask down to $90 last week with the package line.

The first number is never the real number. Always counter once. Go.