Why Writers Should Stand Firm on Their Fees

By Jeffrey Mangus, CEO, Mangus Media Group

I’ll never forget the day I sat across from a potential client, a small business owner with big dreams of publishing a book to establish herself as an authority in her niche. She was passionate, driven, and had a story that could inspire thousands.  I was excited and believed the meeting was going great, until we got to the part about fees; her face fell. “That’s a bit more than I budgeted for,” she said, hesitating. I felt that familiar pang of doubt creep in—the one that used to make me second-guess my worth and consider slashing my rates to secure the gig. But this time, I held my ground explaining the value Mangus Media Group brings to the table, and by the end of our conversation, she was all in.  It wasn’t an expense for her; she saw it as an investment, and the book went on to become a cornerstone of her brand, landing her speaking gigs and a loyal following.

That moment solidified something I’d been learning the hard way: as writers, we must stand firm on our fees because our work is worth every penny.

The Poverty Mindset Trap

For years, I made the mistake of worrying about other people’s bank accounts. I’d hear a client’s budget and immediately start adjusting my fees to fit their constraints. It felt like the only way to secure the work, but let me tell you, it was a fast track to the bottom. It was a game of chase, like trying to hit a moving goalpost. Every time I lowered my rates, I was devaluing not just my work but my time, energy, and the entire craft of writing. It was my poverty mindset rearing its ugly head, whispering that I had to compromise to be chosen.

Then it hit me: if someone truly values what you offer, they’ll find a way to afford it. Think about it—when you really want something, whether it’s a new phone, a dream vacation, or a life-changing opportunity, you make it happen. You save, you prioritize, you invest. The same applies to hiring a writer or a firm like Mangus Media Group. Our clients don’t just want words on a page; they want transformation, authority, and impact. And that’s exactly what we deliver.

The Real Value Writers Bring

Writers are the heartbeat of progress. Without us, ideas stay locked in someone’s head, businesses fail to connect with their audience, and stories that could change lives never see the light of day. At Mangus Media Group, we don’t just write books or create content—we craft experiences that shift trajectories. Books, in particular, are the golden ticket to life changes. They’re not just pages bound together; they’re tools for soul alignment, authority building, and legacy creation. A well-written book can catapult a business owner into thought leadership, open doors to speaking engagements, and create ripple effects that last for years.

Our end-to-end, all-inclusive approach at Mangus Media Group ensures that every project we touch—whether it’s a book, a blog series, or a press campaign—is executed with precision and passion. We’re not just churning out words; we’re building brands, amplifying voices, and creating content that resonates on a deep level. Our clients don’t just get a manuscript; they get a polished, market-ready product that’s worth every cent of their investment. Why? Because we understand the stakes. A book isn’t just a project—it’s a leap toward a bigger future.

Why Cheap Writing Costs More?

When you lower your fees to match a client’s budget, you’re not just shortchanging yourself—you’re shortchanging them too. Cheap writing often means rushed work, generic content, or a lack of strategic vision. At Mangus Media Group, we’ve seen the difference between cookie-cutter content and the kind of bespoke, high-impact work we deliver. Our clients come to us because they want exemplary results, not something they could scrape together with a discount freelancer or AI tool.

Consider one of our recent clients, a tech entrepreneur seeking a book to establish himself as a thought leader in the SaaS space. He initially balked at our fees, tempted by cheaper alternatives. But after a candid conversation about the value of a professionally crafted book—complete with strategic positioning, audience research, and a full publishing plan—he signed on. The result? His book hit bestseller lists in its category, and he’s now a sought-after speaker at industry conferences. That’s the kind of outcome you get when you invest in quality writing. Cutting corners might save a few bucks upfront, but it costs you opportunities in the long run.

The Mangus Media Group Difference

At Mangus Media Group, we’re not just a writing agency—we’re a full-service content and publishing powerhouse. With our proprietary “Idea-to-Ink” Process, from ideation to editing, design to distribution, we handle every aspect of the process with an obsessive focus on quality. Our worldwide team of NYT bestselling writers, editors, and strategists works together to ensure that every project reflects the client’s vision while meeting the highest industry standards.

We don’t just deliver a product; we deliver a transformation. Our fees reflect the expertise, time, and care we pour into every project. We’re not the cheapest option out there, and we’re proud of that. Why? Because our clients aren’t looking for a bargain—they’re looking for results. Whether it’s a memoir that captures a lifetime of wisdom or a whitepaper that positions a company as an industry leader, we create content that moves the needle. And that kind of impact doesn’t come cheap.

Standing Firm on Your Worth

If you’re a writer, let me speak to you directly for a moment: stop undervaluing your craft. You’re not just typing words—you’re shaping ideas, influencing minds, and driving progress. Every time you lower your fees to “meet a budget,” you’re telling the world that your work isn’t worth its full value. And that’s a disservice to yourself, your clients, and the entire industry.

I learned this lesson the hard way, but once I diagnosed my poverty mindset, everything changed. I started charging what I was worth, and the clients who truly valued quality came knocking. At Mangus Media Group, we’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional results, and that starts with standing firm on our fees, knowing the value we bring, and we’re not afraid to own it.

The Bigger Picture

Writing isn’t just a service—it’s a catalyst. It’s the spark that turns a vague idea into a movement, a dream into a legacy. Books and content are investments in the future, and as writers, we have the privilege of being the architects of that future. When you charge what you’re worth, you’re not just securing your own livelihood—you’re signaling to the world that great writing is worth paying for. And when clients invest in quality, they’re investing in their own success.

At Mangus Media Group, we see this truth play out every day. Our clients don’t just walk away with a book or a blog post—they walk away with a new level of confidence, authority, and impact. That’s the power of excellent writing, and that’s why we’ll never compromise on our fees.

If you’re ready to take your brand, your story, or your business to the next level, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Invest in writing that delivers real results. At Mangus Media Group, we’re here to help you create content that changes the game—whether it’s a book, a press campaign, or a full content strategy. Reach out to us today and let’s start building something extraordinary together. Your story is worth it. (Click here to speak with our team)