I think you’re right, Paula. If they know you and trust you, you can extend that deadline.

I remember that client! I’m glad it worked out, too. You enforced a boundary, too. They sound like reasonable people, too.

Whenever I ask existing clients for a little extra time, or say I’m fully booked, I usually hear some version of “That’s fine. You always send in clean copy, so it never takes too long to edit your work.” If their deadline is really tight, they usually offer another assignment with a later deadline.

Late last year, I sent an LOI to a prospective client. A couple weeks later they asked if I’d like an assignment due just before Christmas. I unappologetically told them my last work day of the year was December 17 (or whatever it was), so I wouldn’t have time. I was sure I’d blown the opportunity, but after the first of the year they got back in touch with another assignment. I’m currently wrapping up my third project for them.

Really? I’ve never had that happen, Dana. I wonder what the difference is. Maybe it’s the industry or the time crunch that particular client is under?

Yes, we are basking in glamour, aren’t we? 😉

Right you are, Sharon! Clients who are worth keeping know that we run a business. It’s not hard to improve their impression of our skills by acting less desperate and more in demand, so to speak. 🙂