This is the business side of freelance writing that we don’t like to talk about very often.
We should talk about it, though. Talking about it can be the difference between success and failure.
The truth is: freelance writing is risky. Any time you accept a project, there’s risk associated with that project.
We’ve all read the “horror story” posts where a writer does a huge amount of work. When the writer submits the work and asks for payment, the client vanishes.
Would a contract help in such situations?
As a writer, can you afford to have a contract drawn up? As a writer, can you afford not to have a contract?
This is the topic being discussed at my latest blogging gig. Here’s the post: Do You Need a Contract For Freelance Work?
Why not join the discussion?
Contents (c) Copyright 2008, Laura Spencer. All rights reserved
3 responses so far ↓
1 Bob Younce at the Writing Journey // Apr 4, 2008 at
I’ve only had one client that I didn’t either have a contract with or use escrow, and she was a friend for a decade before I worked for her.
2 Amy // Apr 5, 2008 at
I’m a big believer in contracts and do encourage that writers use them, so I will definitely check out your post Laura!
3 Laura // Apr 5, 2008 at
Having a contract is definitely the safest way to do business. If someone else asked me “should I have a contract,” then I would probably answer “yes.”
The reality is, in today’s Internet environment, jobs are often small or international in nature.