What if you are a freelancer who has been offered a project only to have the client dither or postpone the working arrangement? This has happened too. Where I have delivered on time, every time, only to have an uncooperative client who makes false promises not just to me but several of staff. It’s a shame, but it does happen.

Sometimes there are jobs I’ve accepted, thinking I would be able to complete them, no problem. But sometimes things come up that doesn’t allow for that: a family emergency, sources who flake out on you, and sometimes the job turns out to be more than you realized. When stuff like that happens, I get in touch with the editor immediately and we go from there. Sometimes both editor and writer have to admit it was a bad match and move on. Better to be honest and upfront and not burn bridges. Communication between editor and writer goes a long way.

This seems to keep my customers happy. They feel they can almost always reach me and almost never go to voicemail. Tuesday I was in line at the Post Office when a new client called me looking to get information on my services. If I had let it go to voice mail because I was not at home, they would have continued calling copywriters until they got someone one the phone.

We live in a “Me” generation, where no one likes to wait. Having worked in NYC, I’m sure Deb understands how fast paced people are. People don’t like to wait, and using a cell phone keeps my business running while I sip my latte and do my Christmas shopping! It works!

Best,
Tina Marie Frawley

… Please read the following. Read twice:

We would like 5 blog postings per week. Each post must be 250+ words. Pay is $55 / month to start. …

I noticed that when I was in a NW Ind. “communicators” group. For most, writing/PR was nothing more than a hobby. I’m hoping to be able to send two girls to college.

When you freelance, the good news is that you get paid for production. But if you are a slacker, the bad news is that you get paid for production.

That said, I’ve had the pleasure (or not in some cases) of hiring freelancers, and yes, many of them are flakes. At first, I was shocked, because I’d never treat a client the way some people have treated me. Then I realized the difference: some people’s livelihoods don’t depend on their freelance careers, but mine does.

I’ve got nothing against people who freelance for extra pocket money, or more for fun than for profit, but those people do tend to be the flakes (in my experience). Those who earn their livings freelancing don’t want to risk losing their clients or developing a bad rep. Those who have someone else bringing in their ‘real’ income don’t need to make a real commitment.