how much?

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to a friend about a freelance proofreading gig she was applying for. What got me was that the publication she was dealing with requested that she keep in mind that they were a small operation with a limited budget, and should quote her rate accordingly. Essentially, they were pressuring her to reduce her rates. My advice to her: Quote your usual rate (or slightly above), letting them know that you're willing to negotiate (provided that you are, in fact, willing to). This establishes the worth of your work while signalling that you are flexible. It's also a good idea to decide what your minimum is before beginning negotiation; you'll be mentaly prepared to walk away if they're unwilling to pay a fair amount.