When It’s Over

With Apologies to Sugar Ray
There comes a time in any client-writer relationship when it’s time to say goodbye. In the best scenario, that’s when the project is completed and you both go about your business with hope that there will be future projects. In the worst scenario, that’s when you two have hit a roadblock and the relationship, for one reason or another, crumbles. Yet somewhere between those two scenarios is the time when the project changes and you have to make a hard decision.

Let’s take a for instance – Client comes to you with a small web project. You quote the price, write up the agreement, and all is well. Then it happens – Client sees more potential to this. Client now wants to extend the web project into an article or even a book. While Client can change his mind, you are not bound to performing under your old contract any further. In fact, you need a new one if you’re to continue.

And it happens – creative juices do get the better of us and projects morph into something completely different. But it’s when you need to make adjustments and present them to what may be a reluctant compadre, for Client doesn’t see his change of mind as a change in contract terms. He sees that he’s contracted for your services. It’s up to you to tactfully point out the scope of the work outlined in said contract, and how now neither of you are working within the boundaries set in that contract.

Client may not like this. Client may decide you’re in it for the money (to which you must resist the subsequent “DUH”). Client may cease all work on current project because of your pointing out the need for a new contract. Fair enough, but Client is now in breach of current contract, thus owing you money. If you’re a good little freelancer, you’ll point that out politely and offer to finish up the current project so as not to leave Client hanging. If he turns you down, send the final invoice.

Keep very aware of what’s going on with your projects. While there are a few things you may want to handle that are not part of the original agreement, watch yourself. Don’t set a precedent, and certainly don’t let a client’s enthusiasm cost you in terms of fee and fairness.