Comments on: Free Advice Friday: Excuses That Will Sink Your Writing Business

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 19:30:46 +0000

Paula, that's a common mistake. I made it, too. I remember waiting for a guy to publish a profile piece. It took me a year and a half to get the measly $200 out of him for it. But I persisted. I think I became his weekly headache. LOL

How are you doing this week? I'm so sorry you lost your pup Lily. It's so tough to explain to non-pet people just how much pets impact our lives.

Here's to better days for you.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:19:39 +0000

Very early on in my freelance life, fresh out of college, I stupidly waited for an editor's approval before sending the invoice. I never got paid – and never knew if they even ran the article. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid Newbie Error. That has not happened since.

I have to admit this week has been one of those weeks where it's easy to let things slide. But today I need to finish an article and hound one person for answers for something due Monday. Luckily my editors have been really supportive and have shouldered a little of my workload – leaving me enough to keep me occupied and allowing time for me to breath.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:51:37 +0000

Sometimes Keri, it's so much easier, I agree. In two cases, I did what you did. I looked at the remaining amount due, decided it was too small to chase, and walked away from the trouble.

Nothing wrong with that, either. To forego say ten working hours to chase what amounts to one working hour just isn't worth it.

By: KeriLynn Engel

KeriLynn Engel — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:16:07 +0000

It can be such an awkward situation asking after late payments, but I try to just focus on the fact that I'm a business!

These are great points here, Lori. There was one time I did accept #1 (We didn't like the result) as an excuse, last year. They had already paid 50% upfront, and it was a small project fee anyway. They were terrible to work with and I dreaded every time I had to contact them. So when they refused the last invoice, I just gave up. I couldn't deal with it. For a larger amount I would have been more persistent, but in this case it just wasn't worth the hassle :/