Payment Self Help
Unfortunately, even professional freelancers sometimes have to push clients, editors, and publishers for payment.
If your client doesn’t provide a contract, you should offer a letter of agreement.
[DATE]
Dear Editor TK:
It was nice talking with you on the phone/in person/via email on [DATE] regarding an assignment for [STATE MARKET NAME] on [TOPIC]. As we discussed, the TK-word story is due on [DATE]. As we also discussed, the story will include [LIST SPECIFIC DETAILS, INCLUDING SIDEBARS, IMAGES, AND OTHER FEATURES]. The fee for this assignment is $TK, which will be paid [TERMS: “on acceptance,” “on publication,” “30-days after receipt of invoice,” etc.]. You will also pay [ADD ANY ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS, INCLUDING TRAVEL] and [STATE MARKET] will hold [LIST RIGHTS, LIKE FNAR OR WORK MADE FOR HIRE, ETC.] for this assignment.
In the unlikely event that the manuscript does not satisfy the above requirements or is not written in a professional manner, you will give me the opportunity to revise the manuscript. [OUTLINE NUMBER OF EDITS, IF NECESSARY] If it still fails to meet requirements, you will pay me a TK% kill fee ($TK). If I don’t hear from you otherwise, I will assume that these terms are agreeable. Thanks for your interest and cooperation. I’m looking forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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Proactive Payment Strategies
We’ve all had to fight for payment at some point, but there are some steps you can take to keep your cash flow on track and payment problems to a minimum.
Copyright Self Help
Copyright infringement is a serious breach that you can fight. Here’s how.