Comments on: Freelance Writers – Say No To Impossible Client Requests

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:20:31 +0000

I’ve found that having that angry reaction first (privately) can help a lot. Sometimes you just need to scream internally before you can breathe and reason something out. Sounds like you handled it well and it all worked out.

Jenn Mattern’s last blog post..Do Established Businesses Really Need Web Content?

By: Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:49:51 +0000

Anne's approach to dealing with this particular situation illustrates the fact that sometimes when a client makes a demand that at first seems unreasonable, it might be due to them not completely understanding the level of work that is required. Especially if you have been a competent provider to them in the past, they just assume you can get anything done because hey, you're a great writer. Communicating to them the level of effort involved in what they are asking usually solves the problem and gets them to understand that a different time table / fee schedule is in order. Benjamin Hunting’s last blog post..How To Protect Your Car From Mice

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:10:43 +0000

Anne, you handled it professionally and diplomatically. If I know there's no way I can get a ridiculous turnaround done, I'm upfront about it. However, if it simply means putting in a few extra hours -- you better believe there's a rush fee. There's a rush clause in my contract anyway -- anything expected in less than 3 business days has a rush fee attached. Period. Kathryn, i suggest telling your client that the rate he's quoted is an old rate. Your rate is now X and you can't afford to work for him at the old rate. Simple and straightforward. If he wants your work and your quality, he pays. Otherwise, he goes somewhere else and you have more time for the clients that pay your going rate. Devon Ellington’s last blog post..Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:19:31 +0000

I'm struggling with something similar myself. An old client asked me to do some work for him at the same rate he was paying me two years back. I did a piece of the project and showed how quickly I could get the work done and what level the writing would be. He still doesn't want to pay any more. I'm going to have to say no because I can't afford TO take jobs paying me a third of what I might otherwise earn. I'm just trying to figure out HOW to tell him. Glad I'm not the only one facing these difficulties. Thanks for reminding me that I am in charge of my writing career! Kathryn’s last blog post..Procrastination Stole $200 from My Writing Income

By: cyramiles

cyramiles — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:13:06 +0000

Hi Anne.. I like your conclusion and this one 'I’m in charge of what I do, not a client'. Indeed some clients are just irrationally demanding. Cheers cyramiles’s last blog post..Writer’s Marketing Exposure