Is asking about pay really rude?

A question about pay transparency in freelance writing.

I want to talk about an interaction I had with an editor, not to call anyone out but because it genuinely made me pause:

Am I wrong for advocating for pay transparency?

I ask that sincerely.

When I built Remote Writing Jobs, one of the standards I set for myself was that every listing should include a clear rate because I believe writers deserve enough information to decide whether something is worth their time. Writing a thoughtful pitch takes work. If a writer is going to invest that effort, knowing the general pay range seems like basic context. To me, pay transparency is about respect for people’s time and labor. It also removes a lot of the uncertainty that has historically made freelance writing feel opaque and difficult to navigate.

But I also know editors operate within their own constraints. Budgets can vary, rates can depend on scope, and sometimes there are internal policies about what can be shared publicly. Still, I find myself wondering why not just be transparent about it? Why is that so controversial?

So I’m genuinely curious how others see this.

Do you think asking about pay on a public pitch call is inappropriate? Should rates always be disclosed? Or is there a middle ground that works better?

If you’re a writer, editor, or both, I’d really value hearing your perspective.

The goal here isn’t to start a fight about industry norms. It’s to understand whether the standard I’m advocating for is actually helpful to the people this project is meant to serve.

With curiosity,

Melissa Tripp, Founder of RWJ