There are no two ways about it. If you’re going to have a successful experience as a professional freelance writer, you’re going to have to grasp some negotiation basics.
We know, it sounds hard. It's not. We’ve got some of the first steps outlined for you below. They’ll help to ensure that you understand what your client wants and that you’ll be paid the amount that both of you agreed to.
Talk Details In Advance
Before you complete the smallest amount of work for your client, you should have a formal understanding of what they need and how much you’ll be paid for it.
Sure, that’s a pretty broad statement. To break it down for you, here’s a checklist of the kinds of things your discussion can cover:
- what your services entail. Include the scope of the writing work (in paragraphs, words, or pages) and if there are added services that they expect you to provide (keyword research, photo editing, etc.)
- the cost of the work
- the turnaround time for the work
- how many revisions are allowed before the client needs to pay extra for their work
- penalties for late work
- penalties for late payment
- information about any monetary deposits you'll get prior to work and the terms for refunding those deposits if necessary
- Travel expenses
- Number of in-person meeting dates
- How you will communicate with each other
This is just the start of the kinds of things that can go into your contract. Generally, be sure to include just about anything that could be a point of stress between the two of you.
Write your details down
Now that you’ve talked about things, you’ll need to write them down.
A good work agreement doesn’t have to be complicated but it should include everything that you went over in your conversation.
This kind of work agreement can take the form of a formal contract, but it can also take the form of a scope of work document or a work agreement document. Whatever the format, state your details plainly so that both of you can reference what you agreed upon.
Agreements Reduce Drama, Improve Client Retention
Contracts aren't work for no reason. They're important. They help your project proceed as smoothly, and as drama-free, as possible.
The right agreement that's used well also makes your job easier. It keeps your client relationship intact so they think of you for future projects. Now, that's worth it, isn't it?
About the Author
Dave Polykoff
Share a little biographical information to fill out your profile. This may be shown publicly.
