Paying Freelance Writers & the Problem With Non-Paying Clients

Everyone depends on some sort of paycheck to make a living. Some work two jobs and some have money essentially stacked up, but everyoneneeds their money. Freelance writers are no different in that respect. However, freelance writers suffer tremendously when their pay does not come. When a freelancer chooses to take a freelance job they are essentially cutting off income from other sources.

Freelancers are Not Guaranteed a Weekly Paycheck

Working as a freelancer does not guarantee a weekly paycheck or a predictable income. Freelancer writers are continually seeking out more work because they need to ensure that their minimal financial needs are met. When a client chooses to not pay a freelancer or they wait a few months to send a check the client is placing a good amount of stress on the writer. As with everyone else, writers have a monthly budget. They know how much money they need to pay their bills and feed their families. If a writer takes a job they are depending on the money they will receive.

I am fortunate enough to have clients that continually send me work and I have potential clients seeking me out for work. What I am trying to say is that if I have a client that does not pay I will be alright, at this point in my writing career. This was not always the case and it is not the case for many freelance writers. There is no guaranteed income for freelance writers; they only earn for the jobs they take. There are months where a writer makes great money and months where they do not make much. Freelancers budget their money to ensure that it lasts and this is another reason why they are so dependent on their pay. If a client decides to not pay a freelance writer the writer is not only losing that money, but also the money they could have earned if they had not taken the current job.

Why Am I Writing This?

Let me take a break and say that I am writing this because I receive numerous emails, weekly, asking me how I ensure that my clients pay for my services. Well, there is no guarantee that they will pay. In fact, it is the businesses with the least amount of money that pay the fastest. I think they pay quickly because they know how hard it is to run a business and make it. Sometimes, not all of the time, but sometimes larger businesses forget what it is like to really struggle and what it is like to need every dime they make. Some businesses do not feel it is vital to send out a check immediately, next week or even two weeks from now. I am here to say to these businesses that the check is vital for the workers you hire. It may determine whether or not their children eat or have electricity.

What About Substandard Work?

I am not saying that every freelance writer is perfect and produces outstanding work. I know this is not true. I tried to outsource work once. I have seen some poor writing and I realize that many clients have a right to be completely disappointed in the work they receive.

Two Suggestions to Avoid Substandard Work

• Ask for Samples- Unfortunately there is no guarantee that the work you are seeing is their work, but ask for it anyway…you will need it to compare it with my next suggestion.
• Ask the Writer to Do One Small Job Before Hiring Them to Do All of the Work- If you have a writer write one article, one page or one blog for you first, you will then be able to evaluate the quality of their work and determine if you want them to continue on to do a substantial amount of work. So, if you are offering $15 for an article or $10 for blog entry and you are not pleased you are only losing a small amount of money and you are saving yourself the frustration of waiting for work and then being disappointed. The writer also avoids lost time and lost money

There Are Great Writers Out There

A great writer may be difficult to find, but they are out there. Take the time to find them and review their work when possible. If you are lucky enough to find someone that produces quality work you do not want to lose their name or website. There are some writers that have been writing for so long that they can produce anything, but there are also writers that specialize in specific areas. If you need a writer to produce a specialized form of writing, such as SEO Copywriting, it is best to seek a writer that has documented experience and/or training.

To Sum Up

I understand the frustrations on both sides. I understand the needs of freelancers and I understand the irritation clients have when receiving substandard work. I have to say that most of the freelancers I know are hard-working, dedicated and professional. You can find a writer you are comfortable working with and obtain the writing services you need. Sometimes the best thing is for the writer and the client to work in a trial period and evaluate whether or not the relationship will be productive for both sides. Good luck!