Words on the Page

Monthly Assessment: May 2011

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: Changing by The Airborne Toxic Event Wow, another month bites the dust, eh? This one flew by for me. I had a week off at the beginning, thanks to the Vancouver conference and vacation. I expected a lower total as a result. Good thing – it was low. Maybe part of…

Why It’s Okay to Be Alone All Day

Posted on by lwidmer

What’s on the iPod: You Were Never There by Diego Garcia HOT day at the ball park! Not sure how hot, but when we got home our thermometer (the one in the shade) registered 87 degrees. But there was a nice breeze and I had a new Phillies hat, so we toughed it out. The…

It’s Not Really That Bad

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday (and loving it) by John SteinbeckWhat’s on the iPod: Sad Song by The Cars Yesterday went well. Lots done before noon, which meant I was able to take off in the car (roof down) and enjoy the only sun we’ve seen in weeks. Two hours of the glorious outdoors later,…

Many Points of Contact

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John SteinbeckWhat’s on the iPod: King of Diamonds by Motopony Wow, just head off to lunch thinking you have tons of time….the emails must have come in instantly after I left the house. Five urgent requests, all of them a priority. I sorted through quickly and got to the…

Where’s Your Sizzle?

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John SteinbeckWhat’s on the iPod: Moving Clocks Run Slow by We Were Promised Jetpacks Interesting day yesterday – Mondays usually are. I had troubles getting going, but I managed most of my to-do list. Weird when that happens. I felt a little guilty for not working harder, but what…

Choosing Your Mentor Wisely

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John SteinbeckWhat’s on the iPod: Sign of the Times by The Clarks My car is back! Actually, it’s been working since Thursday. It was still dead when the mechanic got to it on Wednesday, which made the cause easier to find. It wouldn’t stay dead, however, but it was…

Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck Yesterday was phone-and-email day. I had a bunch of interviews to conduct, and I finished contacting all the folks I’d met at the conference. Today I’m talking with one of them in more detail about what he’s looking for. Part of the work yesterday was putting together…

The Follow Through

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck I’m slowly getting back into my routine post-Vancouver and post-Mom. Yesterday was a good work day. I managed a number of interviews, some articles, and a few blog posts. Today, a little more of the same. Plus I have a few more business cards from the conference…

Stuff I’ve Learned

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John SteinbeckWhat’s on the iPod: Nothing. The car’s in the shop and the iPod is in the car. Why does it seem like I’m running through my days lately? Maybe because I am. I spent yesterday trying to get to phone interviews and doing everything else. But everything else…

Startups or Not

Posted on by lwidmer

What I’m reading: Guide to Human Conduct by P. R. SarkarWhat’s on the iPod: Better Together by Jack Johnson Back to normal. With Mom back home, I had about three hours uninterrupted to get some work done. I managed a good bit. I have a head start on the newsletter project, all parties contacted, and…

Eileen

A startup business can be a good client if the business owner has started and succeeded in other businesses before. I've worked with a couple of serial entrepreneurs who were gifted in building profitable businesses. Very few people have that gift, however, so you have to be very discerning. Once you've worked for one of these folks with the golden touch, you can spot the wanna-be's a mile away (and avoid them).

Devon Ellington

I think I commented on that post. The poster said she didn't take jobs from start-ups or individuals. Now, I've been hired to write speeches and script doctor and all kinds of stuff by "individuals", and that's often the highest paying and best work.

I've also worked for a number of start-ups, who have been great. Some haven't been, but you have a strong contract, and if it's a bad experience, you don't work for them again.

Deposit, deposit, deposit. That way, you at least have some cash in hand, even if it gets wonky further on.

Contract, contract, contract — that includes all the points you listed.

My clause is two edits/revisions, wiht additional edits/revisions (which are two different things) and/or change of direction billed at my regular hourly rate.

Cathy

I don't use an hourly fee. I quote projects fees and I list the scope of services. In that I include things like whether or not it Includes consulting calls, the # of rounds of revisions included (typically two), the approximate word count, etc. I have a timeline, which includes a statement that is based on the client delivering all requested info. by XX.

My terms include a 50% deposit upfront and states the work will not begin until it's received. If it's less than a certain $$ amount, the full fee is payable upfront.

I think it's wise to be cautious about individuals or start-ups as clients, but with a tight contract and terms, you usually find out pretty early who is going to be a problem and I would just not take it on. I have had several successful projects with individuals as clients, albeit, smaller projects, but they knew the terms upfront and I didn't have a problem.

Damaria Senne

I've worked for individuals and start-ups who've paid well and fast, so I'm not averse to working with them. But I've also learnt to be careful – had a client tell me that since she didn't use the material I generated, she's not paying me.
As Devon says, contract, contract, contract. That's what will protect you if things go sour.

Damsel

Great post. Thank you so much for the tips, and I'm looking forward to following the discussion in the comments.

As a newbie, I'm scouting for sample contracts and advice in this vein. Can you direct me somewhere for those? Thanks!

Lori

Damsel, if you send me a note, I can share mine with you….

Jake P

Eileen makes a great point about identifying an entrepreneur with the "right stuff." I don't hesitate to work for someone who's been successful in other pursuits. If you just have a cocktail napkin and a dream, on the other hand…

And my record for longest project drag-out was 18 months from first meeting to last — for a 10-page website! Talk about indecisive. And it underscored a principle I've experienced a couple of times over the past 12 yrs: If you're doing a job for a physician, estimate VERY high. You're gonna need it.

Thanks for the good news on the ebook — looking forward to reading it!

Paula

Before I read Damsel's comment, I was already thinking, "Wow, you guys should compile a booklet full of sample of effective contracts for various kinds of projects." Seems like a potential money maker.

Include a few contracts from related professions – graphic designers, freelance PR pros, website designers, etc… – and you'd have a fairly large customer base.

Cathy

@Damsel-If you'd like, I'd be glad to share mine as well. You can pick & choose what you like. My email is cathy@millercathy.com

Lori

Eileen, super point. If this is someone used to doing business, that's a great relationship to build. I guess my "business card" trick is my way of spotting the posers. 🙂

Devon, you did comment. I think avoiding these clients is a bad idea, though I see where she's coming from. She was painting all individuals and startups with the same brush. Mind you, I've had my share of headaches with folks from both those groups, but I've had issues with magazines and established businesses, as well. Like you said, contracts are essential.

Cathy, I think where some get into trouble is when they're negotiating, they're not paying attention to the signs. Bad clients give us signs – they want a reduced rate, increased work for that same rate, weird conditions on payment or work, freebies, etc. You can tell the problem children if you're looking for them.

Damaria, I had that from an established client. The option to pay only if you use it isn't included. I get paid no matter what you do with the work produced.

Jake, thanks for the advice. I've seen similar foot-dragging from clients. It hurts so much less when the client is paying at pre-set intervals. 🙂 Wow. Eighteen months. I came close – 15 – but luckily was able to convince the client I'd honor the contract if he'd just pay me already.

Paula, good idea! Could be a great collaboration among us.

Ashley

I've been piecing my contract together for a while now. I think it's pretty solid, but I would love to see yours too, if you're willing to share.

I've already included each of the points you made in your post. I have heard too many horror stories of project creep, and I like to learn from other people's mistakes in addition to my own, so I'm always sure to include exactly what is included in the project.

I do have an admission … I don't use a contract every time. And I know I should. I tend to trust people and think they'll come through because *I* am trustworthy and come through on the things I promise. Sadly, not everyone is like that. Do you, Lori and commenters, always use a contract?

Lori

Ashley, if I've worked with the magazine or client before, I let the email agreement stand as my contract. But I'm clear in email and get them to confirm the payment, parameter, and expectations.

Wendy

Doing the happy dance for the winners! It looks like a great prize. Good job, Lori in picking the book as the prize to not just one, but four people. You don't see that very often.

Lori

One for every year we've done this, Wendy. Seemed fitting. 🙂

Cathy

So, you mean there's a method to your madness, Lori? LOL!! 😀

Lori

Occasionally, Cathy. 🙂

Wade Finnegan

It is wonderful how writers are willing to share. I believe if we were in other businesses those contracts would be guarded secrets. I believed email communication could be used as proof of agreement, but I see now that I need to work on a contract. Any generic ones on the web to get me started? I'll do a search. Cathy and Lori I will send you an email if that is alright. Thanks.

Lori

Wade, generic ones can get you started, but they miss the details. Definitely send me a note.

Susan

Approximately 90% of my projects are hourly at this point (and I shudder when I read that list, which is why I work hourly).

I do have to admit, though, this year was the first time that I was bitten even with a contract in place (and to be honest I don't even know how enforcable they are). However, my goal this year: Learn more about contract. Probably hire a laywer to review contracts, too. Ugh.

Lori

Susan, it may be money well spent. I don't know all that much about contracts, but the little I've learned has made me dangerous. 🙂

I like working hourly – except when you get a clock watcher. I had one client relationship flame out when she tried to keep me at two hours for a major rewrite. Even with my explaining how impossible it was, she was surprised when the result wasn't stellar. I was done with her. Spend what you need to in order to get it done right or stop pretending to be a professional business person.