photo by Dunechaser
What’s one airline safety guideline we could all listen to as freelance writers? Take care of yourself first, then help others. It’s a rule that needs repeating especially since there are a ton of scams out there. It’s hard enough working as a freelancer, marketing your skills, and defeating your inner demons to write, without having to deal with deadbeat clients.
So what’s a freelance writer to do?
- Make contacts with other writers. I started a weekly virtual meeting with a fellow freelancer. During this time, we chat about what’s working, what we need help on, and publishers/clients to be wary of. Not only is it great to meet people who are going through the same thing as you but there’s also safety in numbers. There are a bunch of great online networking groups such as the Writer’s Digest community that can help you meet fellow writers.
- Get a contract. What’s one of my biggest freelance writing regrets? Not getting a contract out of fear I will lose a potential client. In the end, however, I found that having things in writing not only protects yourself and your client but also weeds out the shady characters who say they don’t want one.
- Be cautious when writing on spec. As a beginning writer, you might have to write a few articles on spec. However, I’d advise not doing it unless you are writing for a reputable company or don’t mind potentially giving away your article for free.
- Google them. Sometimes if I’m not too sure about a company, I’ll google their name just to see if anything good or bad’s been said about them. It’s a good place to start if you’re feeling skeptical about a company.
- Check out WritersWeekly. Angela Hoy of WritersWeekly devotes her energy to helping writers. Go to Whispers and Warnings to check out any potentially deadbeat client.
- Go to SFWA. The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writer’s of America have a section that alerts writer to bad publishers. On their website they say, “Writer Beware’s mission is to track, expose, and raise awareness of the prevalence of fraud and other questionable activities in and around the publishing industry.”
What about you? Any great tips or advice you can give to help other writers protect themselves?
