Comments on: Startups or Not

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:14:36 +0000

Susan, it may be money well spent. I don't know all that much about contracts, but the little I've learned has made me dangerous. :)

I like working hourly - except when you get a clock watcher. I had one client relationship flame out when she tried to keep me at two hours for a major rewrite. Even with my explaining how impossible it was, she was surprised when the result wasn't stellar. I was done with her. Spend what you need to in order to get it done right or stop pretending to be a professional business person.

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:04:47 +0000

Approximately 90% of my projects are hourly at this point (and I shudder when I read that list, which is why I work hourly).

I do have to admit, though, this year was the first time that I was bitten even with a contract in place (and to be honest I don't even know how enforcable they are). However, my goal this year: Learn more about contract. Probably hire a laywer to review contracts, too. Ugh.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:01:15 +0000

Wade, generic ones can get you started, but they miss the details. Definitely send me a note.

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Wed, 18 May 2011 04:41:17 +0000

It is wonderful how writers are willing to share. I believe if we were in other businesses those contracts would be guarded secrets. I believed email communication could be used as proof of agreement, but I see now that I need to work on a contract. Any generic ones on the web to get me started? I'll do a search. Cathy and Lori I will send you an email if that is alright. Thanks.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:58:04 +0000

Occasionally, Cathy. 🙂

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:18:33 +0000

So, you mean there's a method to your madness, Lori? LOL!! 😀

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:45:09 +0000

One for every year we've done this, Wendy. Seemed fitting. 🙂

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:34:56 +0000

Doing the happy dance for the winners! It looks like a great prize. Good job, Lori in picking the book as the prize to not just one, but four people. You don't see that very often.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 17 May 2011 17:23:41 +0000

Ashley, if I've worked with the magazine or client before, I let the email agreement stand as my contract. But I'm clear in email and get them to confirm the payment, parameter, and expectations.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:28:21 +0000

I've been piecing my contract together for a while now. I think it's pretty solid, but I would love to see yours too, if you're willing to share.

I've already included each of the points you made in your post. I have heard too many horror stories of project creep, and I like to learn from other people's mistakes in addition to my own, so I'm always sure to include exactly what is included in the project.

I do have an admission ... I don't use a contract every time. And I know I should. I tend to trust people and think they'll come through because *I* am trustworthy and come through on the things I promise. Sadly, not everyone is like that. Do you, Lori and commenters, always use a contract?