Comments on:

By: B.A. MacRobie

B.A. MacRobie — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:41:00 +0000

As both a writer and copy editor, I completely agree that a late fee for writers is fair. I am flexible with writers if they have a problem and notify me in advance, but when they simply don't bother to file stories on deadline, it creates major problems.

Though if the late fee is $50 per day, the basic payment for articles must be pretty nice!

By: Carol

Carol — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 19:00:00 +0000

I think docking pay for missing a deadline is certainly within the publication's rights. After all, wherever we work, whatever we do, there are consequences for missing deadlines.

I agree $50 PER DAY seems too high but also agree that it depends on the full amount for the article in question.

But it seems to me, the more acceptable behavior is to no longer work with that writer who routinely misses deadlines. Some things are unavoidable, however. And what compensation does the publication offer the writer when the check is late?

By: Joanne

Joanne — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:58:00 +0000

I agree that putting some meaningful consequence on being late is fair. I say this because I’m been on both sides of the desk–writer and editor. It really causes hardship when writers don’t meet deadlines and puts a strain on the entire production process.

Now as a writer, I need to start charging those hefty late fees! Most

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 20:16:00 +0000

Yep! If we expect others to be accountable then we should set the example by being accountable ourselves.

I think one reason that writers miss deadlines and are late is because they overextend themselves.

By: WritingForFood

WritingForFood — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:48:00 +0000

I tend to agree. The $50 per day rate seems steep, but a penalty for missing deadline is certainly fair.

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:41:00 +0000

I completely agree that writers who charge late fees should be assessed them. After all, turnabout’s fair play. Whether $50 is a fair amount, however, depends on how much the publication is paying for the piece.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:08:00 +0000

One reason we're not respected in the profession is that so many writers regularly miss deadlines.

I think $50/day is a bit much, but I do think the publication has the right to dock pay for missed deadlines.

You also don't want to get the sleazoids who claim not to receive the content so they don't have to pay for it.

By: The Quoibler

The Quoibler — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:56:00 +0000

Lori:

I agree with you 110%.

I actually have docked MYSELF for having come in past a deadline. (Basically, I give my clients a discount due to my inability to finish a job on time.)

However, $50 per day seems a bit steep, but I gather it's to make a point.

Angelique