It's like when a friend of mine referred a plumber. When he was here working – at an hourly rate – she dropped by, started chatting. He managed to work and chat at the same time. Then she asked if he wanted to see some vacation photos I hadn't even see. His body language clearly said he didn't have time for it. I told her, "He's on the clock. Wait until he's done installing my water heater, okay?" (Luckily for him he had to rush off to another job!)

Good point, Anne. I fear the publisher hoped writer's would drop it without a fight for the "prestige" of being in their publication. (And this wasn't even an entertainment publication where fanboy types would happily write for free.)

I hate to admit it, Lori, but early on in my career I wrote an article for a new publication and was too shy to follow through to ask for a copy of the magazine, let alone collect the payment. I still have no idea if it ran, or if the magazine ever got off the ground. Shame on me.

Thanks, Jenn. I recently heard that a MAJOR weekly consumer entertainment magazine unveiled a new "business model" which included unpaid bloggers. Don't think I'll be renewing my subscription.

The only thing sadder than big publications being slow payers is the trend towards becoming non-payers or revenue share gigs (and acting like those "opportunities" offer as much credibility as their traditional print hires with real standards in place).

It's always nice to see that new writers have role models like you out there who respect themselves professionally. I hope these kinds of clients are few and far between for you.

Exactly, Anne. I think follow-up contact is part of the job, but too many writers are shy about "pestering" the clients. It's not pestering; they owe you. Get what's owed.