Comments on: The Waiting is the Hardest Part

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:48:25 +0000

Just about 2 weeks ago, I had a very major project pulled by a long-time client due to cash flow. I didn't turn any projects down but had hussled booty to get work done in anticipation of the work.

Just as I was going to ask for the green light to the contract, I was told it was put on hold. Normally, this client is good for it but it did put a crimp into April's work.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:17:14 +0000

Wendy, isn't it frustrating? It's why I no longer wait. At all. If the contract is signed, then we have a project.

Good plan, Valerie. If you know the client and they're good on their word, then the time is put aside. Frankly, I don't put time aside per se - I just plan to work a little longer and harder.

Welcome to you too, Roxane! Good having you here. Yes, please learn from our mistakes and our successes. It sure beats going through it yourself! I learned not to make excuses by making them and regretting it later.

By: Roxane B. Salonen

Roxane B. Salonen — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:02:57 +0000

I'm another sort of newbie. Been doing freelance for a while but in between raising a family. This fall will be the first time I will consider it my primary work, so I'm hoping to amp up my workload and turn my many years of writing into something more consistent. I look forward to journeying with you. I just started a second blog to track my writing journey, and hope you'll stop by sometime. It's Peace Garden Writer (www.peacegardenwriter.blogspot.com)

I loved your advice on never making excuses. I'm going to have to brush up on that skill, so it's good to start practicing now. Thanks!

Roxane

By: Valerie

Valerie — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:06:24 +0000

I often hear vague plans, but two would-be clients in the last year have been convincingly enthusiastic about projects that never happened. I didn't set aside any time for either – I learned my lesson on that long ago – but I was left feeling a little disappointed.

I only set aside calendar time for someone if we have an established history and I feel relatively secure about the work coming in. Even so, I make sure my time is valued.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:34:59 +0000

Oy, I've played the waiting game before. I used to turn down other projects thinking that the "Big one" was still coming my way, but they never showed. Chalk that up to another lesson learned.

I will wait a short amount of time if they say that they'll get back to me within a few days to a week. Otherwise, I move on if I don't hear.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:25:58 +0000

Eileen, I'm prone to that. I'll ask them once, maybe twice, then it's up to them to contact me and reschedule.

Like you, Devon, I've stopped waiting. I keep in mind the request, but I never turn work down based on a maybe. And I'm more prone to pushing back on the deadlines once they do get back in touch.

Welcome, NormalMiddle! It's scary at first, but you'll be fine! Just remember to stand by your price, get contracts for everything, and market when you're busy. :)

By: TheNormalMiddle

TheNormalMiddle — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:05:16 +0000

I'm new to your blog, Eileen passed it my way...but I'm loving what I'm learning.

I'm making the jump to full time writer come June (from very steady teacher income). So, I appreciate all the wisdom I can gain!

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:32:11 +0000

I do not keep my calendar open. Period.

In early negotiations, I ask about turnaround time and explain my rush fees. I also make it clear to them that I am in demand, and if they don't let me know within 48 hours of our communique with a contract and deposit, the original time frame shifts.

I don't sit around and wait, nor do I keep schedule openings for people who haven't paid for them.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:51:25 +0000

I tell clients I will pencil them in on my schedule for the time frame discussed, but if the signed contract and deposit (non-refundable) don't arrive in a timely manner, I can't hold it for them. If time goes by and I haven't heard from them, I will touch base once, possibly twice by email, but if things don't move forward, I move on. I also stress in initial conversations that my schedule can fill up abruptly.