WriterPro (EssayPro) has once again demonstrated its disregard for the backbone of its business—writers. By increasing the customization fees for accounts to an astronomical $3,000 for “Standard” accounts and $4,000 for “Professional” accounts, the company has placed an already struggling demographic in an untenable position. This is on top of earlier hikes in January, which saw prices leap from $600 to $1,000-$2,000.

To add insult to injury, WriterPro has slashed the percentage writers earn from completed orders. What was once a revenue share of 35%-40% is now a meager 25%-28%, even as the company claims that increased client fees justify this move. Coupled with the mandatory three-month probationary period and the ever-present risk of account termination, the new structure is a blatant attempt to exploit writers who are desperate to earn a living.

The Harsh Reality for Writers

Many of the writers targeted by WriterPro are already financially strained. A large number are freelancers from developing countries like Kenya, where economic opportunities are limited, and online writing offers a lifeline. For such writers, the $3,000-$4,000 initial investment is a significant burden.

Here’s why this deal is fundamentally flawed:

1. High Upfront Costs, Long ROI Periods
   

   • With reduced revenue shares and high initial costs, it could take years to break even. Assuming a writer completes 20-30 orders per month during and after probation, their earnings will likely be insufficient to recover their investment in less than a year—even without factoring in living expenses.
   • Writers take on enormous financial risks with no guarantee of success. If they fail to meet the KPIs during probation, their deposit is non-refundable, turning their financial sacrifice into a complete loss.

2. Probation and Termination Risks
   

   • The probation period requires completing at least 20 orders per month while maintaining a cancellation rate below 3%. This is a tall order for new writers who are still adjusting to the platform and its demands.
   • Even after probation, the threat of account termination looms large. A single mistake, an unhappy client, or an unexpected event can result in losing the account—and the substantial investment along with it.

3. Unfair Revenue Share Reduction
   

   • WriterPro’s justification for slashing revenue shares is ludicrous. If clients are paying more, writers—who deliver the actual work—should logically see an increase in pay, not a decrease.
   • The revenue share drop from 35%-40% to 25%-28% translates into significantly lower earnings per order. Writers are forced to do more work for less pay, eroding their financial stability and morale.

4. Exploitation of a Desperate Workforce
   

   • WriterPro knows its audience. Many writers in developing countries feel they have no other choice but to comply, despite the exploitative terms. The company takes advantage of this desperation, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependency.

The Role of Brokers in This Predatory Ecosystem

The business of buying and selling WriterPro accounts is partly responsible for this exploitative cycle. Brokers, driven by profit, have inflated account prices to over 1 million Kenyan Shillings, creating an unsustainable ecosystem that incentivizes WriterPro to hike fees further.

Brokers must take responsibility for their role in perpetuating this exploitation. By engaging in this trade, they contribute to the unsustainable costs that writers must bear. It’s time to rethink these practices and work toward a more equitable system.

What Needs to Change

Writers must band together to resist this oppressive system. Here are key steps to take:

1. Refuse to Subscribe
   

   • The most effective way to challenge WriterPro is to stop subscribing to these exploitative packages. Without writers, the platform cannot function.

2. Demand Transparency and Fairness
   

   • Writers should push for greater transparency in how revenue shares are calculated and demand a return to fairer terms that reflect the value they provide.

3. Organize and Advocate
   

   • Collective action is essential. Writers must organize to advocate for better treatment and establish channels to hold companies like WriterPro accountable.

4. Boycott Brokers
   

   • Refuse to engage with brokers who inflate account prices and perpetuate this cycle of exploitation.

An Uphill Battle

Despite the clear exploitation and risks, many writers will still choose to subscribe. In Kenya, where economic struggles often outweigh collective action, individualism and short-term survival instincts will likely prevail. Brokers will continue to inflate prices, and WriterPro will remain emboldened to exploit writers further.

This article may be a futile attempt at change, but the truth remains: the only way to break the cycle is through unity and resistance. Writers deserve better, but will they demand it? Or will the oppressor continue to thrive unchecked? The choice is ours.