On the iPod: Right in Time by Lucinda Williams
When I was a wee bairn first starting out in this writing profession, I’d take on any and all projects that happened my way. That seemed like the smart thing to do in order to get established. In reality, it was a hot mess stirred and shaken. Too often I’d end up working for peanuts, for nuts, and for clients whose projects or businesses were no match at all for what I did versus what they wanted.
It was probably that first book project where I decided I needed some boundaries. I let the client own the work process – in my opinion, a big no-no. In the end, the project wasn’t completed by me and he and I came to verbal blows over it. Not good.
Since then I’ve been presented with any number of projects I could’ve taken and probably could have done quite well. Only I didn’t. I turned down the offers. For one reason or another, the projects didn’t fit me. Not that they weren’t valid projects, but they weren’t something I wanted to do for a variety of reasons.
I have an unwritten set of criteria that will make or break my participation in a client project. Now, realize the irony in that, for I’m about to write it down. That set of criteria includes:
– Projects that don’t make sense or are just plain weird. I’ve heard a few that made me think every writer would run screaming from this challenge or that topic. I won’t handle things that cannot be verified (attempted murder), nor will I handle projects meant to salvage relationships or home lives. That’s insertion of the impossible into the contract. No thanks.
– Projects that require something odd of me up front. Before you ask, know that I’m not giving you my bank account numbers, credit card numbers, nor am I going to be your “value-added e-tailer” partner. I write. I don’t fund nor buy into your ventures.
– Clients who bargain shop. The client heard the price, countered, and when I suggested a discounted rate based on ongoing work, he countered again. This is my business, not a flea market. I’ll help clients find a way to afford me, but I won’t give and give and give for people who have the money but can’t seem to spend it.
– Clients who promise payment – some day. I’ve had too many “I’ll pay you royalties on sales” offers from clients who think they’re killer idea (which has usually been done to death) will sell. I don’t burst bubbles, but I don’t work for promises of future money. If doctors don’t wait until we’re better for payment, I’m not waiting until it sells.
– Clients who lie. Maybe lie is a strong word, but if the client’s own marketing material is in direct conflict with their actual business practices or services, I can’t in good conscience promote that. Same goes for clients who want me to embellish the truth. It’s called lying. No amount of money can get me to compromise on that.
– Clients who don’t click. I’ve had a few encounters with people who I just know I can’t work well with. And despite them being nice people and my trying, I was right. I couldn’t. So now I save myself the trouble. I trust my instincts and heed the internal red flags.
What are your boundaries?
8 responses to “Setting Work Boundaries”
I don't work for clients whose business is in the business of hurting people. I don't care what the money is — if it is antiethical to my values, I refuse.
Amen to that.
A Wee Bairn, were ya? LOL! I liked that. I like pretty much everything you already have listed. Those who don't click, would be my favorite, since I see that more often then anything else. Sometimes, you can't put your finger on it, but those red flags are waving a mile a minute.
The only thing I can think of, at the moment, to add to the list are the ones that feel their Website or Business is THE BOMB. And you should be kissing their feet and thanking them profusely for the honor of writing for them with your meager skills.
Don't forget to answer their emails within mere seconds and not wait until you actually have time. Everyone else should be put on hold until they have their email responded to. How dare you think otherwise. *snort*
I realize that it's kind of mean of me to say that, but it tends to get on my nerves.
My boundaries…hmmm…
1. Not writing for something I don't believe in – you know there are some products/services that are just not your cup of tea. I'm not talking illegal. They just aren't something you subscribe to.
2. Being tested for the project-I can give you a million samples (okay-slight exaggeration) so don't ask me to write up something on spec to determine if I get a gig. I did have one that boiled it down to two and asked for articles, but we were paid for our efforts.
3. Someone who doesn't respect my time – they miss scheduled calls, they need everything today and they want your opinion but balk when you say what your fee is for consulting on it. Unfortunately, you find this out too often after they are a client.
When I finally get around to writing my best-selling autobiography, I'm *definitely* going to include a chapter entitled "Working for Peanuts & Working for Nuts."
As an emerging start-up autobiographer, I can't pay you up-front for the suggestion, Lori — but I'm sure the exposure will do wonders for you, & perhaps we can work out something on the royalty side? 😉
Seriously, I don't have much to offer that hasn't already been written here (quelle surprise, non?), but wanted to thank you & your commenters for another fantastic post. I never fail to be educated & inspired by the words & thoughts that I find here.
I don't mind the bank account numbers. I've given them out a few times over the year, but that's because they're necessary for wire transfers. And for some larger projects with overseas clients, that's the preferable way to get paid (still faster than a check being mailed, but actually lower fees than Paypal in those rare cases).
I had one guy, Jenn, who wanted them before we'd started. It seemed more than odd for him to ask for that as I'm introducing myself. And the work? Never came.
Cathy, I won't do unpaid tests, either. I'm thinking I'm at a level in my career where a test isn't going to prove any more than my published clips would.
Wendy, I've had a client who expected me to be available 7 am to 9 pm via IM for any questions. No, how about you organize your work schedule so that you know exactly when you'll need to call me? I don't do IM and I sure as hell don't wait around all day for a maybe. I'm not paid to.
Hugh, I've wailed a virtual shoe at you…. 😉
I give them mine up front, but that's because I make them pay before I start.