We’re Sorry, Your Writing Service Has Been Terminated Due to Delinquent Payments

Freelance writers are no different from the electric or cable company. They will ‘shut off’ your services until you pay your bill. A business is a business and it doesn’t matter who’s running it. Could you imagine what would happen if you didn’t honor a contract that you signed with Donald Trump ? How do you think he would handle the situation? You better believe you’ll be held accountable for your actions.

Freelance writing is a business. The number one mistake freelance writers makes is not getting anything in writing. Contracts, quotes, and proposals are necessary tool to protect you and your clients. It may seem like unnecessary paperwork but it will save you time and headaches in the long run.

How to handle clients that don’t pay?

Make sure you have a paper trail and don’t delete your emails; keep your files up-to-date. Send your clients emails and then follow up with a phone call. Give them time to respond before you do anything else. If they’re not responding to your emails and phone calls, you may have to step up your collection process.

Sometimes it’s necessary to seek outside help to ensure you get paid for your freelance writing services. You can start by contacting a collection agency who’ll collect your money for you. If they don’t succeed, you can hire an attorney. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into when you hire an attorney. It could be a long and draining process but well worth it if you’re owed a significant amount of money.

Why don’t clients pay?

Clients don’t pay for various reasons. Some don’t pay because they don’t have the funds. Others won’t pay because they probably think they can get away with it. Clients may be ashamed they don’t have the funds and feel embarrassed to tell you. Whatever the case may be, not paying freelance writers isn’t right or fair.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Remember to get everything in writing! If clients or publishers ‘brush-off’ your request for a contract, this is a red flag telling you not to write for them. If clients don’t pay, you can always report them to the BBB and other associations.

Writers are a tight group of people and most will report unsavory clients/publications to Preditors and Editors and other websites. It’s unfortunate that freelance writers would have to go through this trouble but not reporting bogus clients’ means other writers could be taken advantage of just like you. Do you fellow writers a favor and speak up!

Rebecca

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