Wow, a whole year? That must have been so frustrating. I think 2-3 months for smaller projects is reasonable (and this project is reaching that point!).

Depending on the project, I usually put 6 months out for a book and 2-3 months out for a smaller project.

I usually bill half up front, half upon project completion. A few months ago I signed with a new client. They sent the deposit, no problem.

I include 2 revisions in my fees, so after I sent in the first draft, the client said it's great but they just have a few changes they want to request. That was about two months ago. I've called and emailed and each time they say they'll get back to me within a few days with requests for revisions, and that they're sorry it's taken so long.

At this point, I'd like to wrap up the project and invoice for the second half of the payment because I'd like to get paid (crazy, right?).

I've since changed my payment policy to be half up front, half upon delivery of initial drafts, so the client can take their time with revision requests and I'll still get paid. But I don't know how else to speed this process along.

Anyone ever had a similar problem? Any suggestions for how to handle it?

Sometimes they beg for me to come back. The contract terms are much harsher and the price is higher.

If there's no kill fee clause, there's a clause stating that the work is paid, whatever they decide to do or not do with it.

Eileen, great post! It's like paint colors, isn't it? You can't order all of them mixed just to see if you like them – you have to buy them first.

Wendy, that's absurd! So you do the work, they don't pay, then they take YOUR book elsewhere? Glad they finally saw it your way.

They asked if I would rework it using their "new vision", but said they didn't want to pay extra for it. I declined and asked for payment. They didn't want to pay. After numerous emails back and forth, they inadvertently told me that they sent the eBook to someone else to be reworked. I explained that the rights to the eBook still belonged to me, and that they couldn't rework it, unless they paid for it. It took some time, but I did finally get payment.

That headache is what sparked me to start using a contract and to ask for partial payment before project started. The business relationship with that client ended as soon as payment was received.

You're smart to leave one foot outside the circle, so to speak. I think they haven't quite earned back the trust. The new editor is a help, but I'd bet there comes a point he stops listening to her, too.

Valerie, maybe that client will eventually drop her and find you again. I highly doubt she's being straight with her clients if she's not straight with you.