Freelance Writing Tip: 2/10/2008
Many freelance writers need to learn how to open their mouth. This does not mean that you should be rude to clients or overpower them, but you should know when is the right time to ask for you what you need. Remember, just because you are working for somebody else does not mean that you should be expected to know everything.
Here are five times when you must speak up as a freelance writer.
1. Before you start a project, speak up and ask for a down payment. You may want to ask for 50 percent of the total payment or any other percentage that suits your business. But no matter what, make sure that you do this. If you are too shy, it could end up costing you in the end.
2. Always ask for instructions that you can understand. Some freelance writing clients throw projects together, and hope that you can pick up the pieces and do everything correct. Instead of guessing, you need to know exactly what the client is asking for. And in many cases, the only way to do this is to open your mouth.
3. Ask for help if you need it. How many times have you been working on a freelance writing project just to get stuck? If you are like me, the answer is plenty. There are times when you are going to need clarification on a particular detail. If you don’t ask, you could end up taking the wrong direction and being forced to backtrack later on.
4. If a client is slow paying you, don’t feel like you have to wait any longer. This is not to say that you should bug your clients, but if the deal was payment within 15 days of publication, you have every right to ask if this is not adhered to. When reminding a client that they owe you money, make sure you are careful not to come across as pushy.
5. Ask for more work. Through my experiences, too many freelance writers are afraid to do this. When you finish one project, there is nothing wrong with asking for another. You may be told that there is nothing to do, and that is fine. As long as the client knows that you are willing and able, you have done all that you can for the time being.
When the above five circumstances come into play, make sure that you speak up!
