I've had to do it more than once, and each time I just remove emotion, whether that's anger, upset, remorse, etc. Start by framing everything from a business owner perspective.

One in particular stands out as it was the most recent – thank them for the business, and explain again that the contract terms have made the contract void and payable upon invoice, and that your belief is your current working relationship isn't meshing well. I've found honesty laced with a TON of professionalism is the best way (leaving out the "You act like such a jerk about everything and you ignore the very contract you signed" stuff).

I actually had to fire mine due to yet another argument about price (which they'd agreed to in the contract). I told them the scope of work had become more than the price reflected, and I wished them well. I offered to refer them to another writer, too.

My question is–and I saw this recently, I think on the Sharp Skirts forum–how do you gracefully fire clients like this? I'm often at my wit's end when my first push back is ignored, but since many of my clients come in on referrals, I'm hesitant to be overly brusque. I can't seem to find the right balance.

Any tips for politely ending a relationship before it goes too sour?

Congrats on the great contract terms!

Doesn't sound like he does, Anne. Sounds more like he doesn't trust himself and is projecting that onto this writer.

Strange… but I love your list.

Yesterday I received and signed a 2012 contract for Favorite Editor's publication. I was astounded at how generous it is compared to other article agreements. Work is paid for upon completion, writer grants first print and electronic rights but retains the copyright (promising not to reprint the work for 30 or 60 days or something), etc…No grabbing for all rights, no work-for-hire projects, no couched excuses to delay payments. Refreshing.