Do you want the ideal writing client? If you’re a freelance writer, the answer is obvious.
But, what should you look for in a client? The answer is not always clear. That’s why I wrote this article: To help you identify the qualities to look for in a client, so you too can find the ideal writing client.
This is one of those strange articles that should have been written a long time ago, every freelance writer can pretty much agree should be written and yet no one ever writes about it: What should you look for in a writing client?
It’s funny really considering that there are even websites devoted to outing the clients from hell (clientsfromhell.net) but there is little ever written about great clients and how to spot them.
Until now!
Respect
Yes, I know that is the ultimate cliché but it’s still true. If the client doesn’t respect you and the service you provide then they aren’t going to be much of a partner and they will also be generally slow to pay.
Look for clients that not only have a need for your writing but also value your skills and insight. You want a client that appreciates what you bring to the table and doesn’t just see you as a living typewriter.
Communication
A client needs to be able to tell you what they want and when they want it. If they are vague then it’s going to be difficult for you to give them exactly what they want. You will end up in a loop of rewrites and edits that ends up costing more time than the original draft.
It’s important to immediately clarify a few points as soon as you take a job. You need to know what the deadline is (if you are providing the deadline try and give yourself a day or two as a buffer) and what format they want the project delivered in to them. Most clients will want Microsoft Word but you need to check and be certain. If you have any questions about the project, ask them as soon as they occur to you. Keep the communication open and as transparent as possible.
Payment
This can be tough for many people to deal with. Many people hate to ask for their clients to pay for the work completed. The best course of action, especially for bigger projects, is to have a contract. This specifies what you will deliver and when. It also specifies what you will be paid and when payment is due.
So what happens if the client doesn’t pay? You can enforce the contract or you can let it go. There is an old saying about not angering a man who buys ink by the barrel. In the case of writers, you can also write a blog about the client, or article etc. If you go this route, and I have, keep it factual and keep it professional. Save any correspondence including emails that you may have between you and the client.
Even with a contract I tend to hedge my bets and only do a portion of the work prior to the first payment. That way if they don’t pay I’m only out a little time and effort as opposed to a lot of time and effort.
However we are talking about great clients here and there are tons of great ones. I’ve been lucky to run in to many of them. I have long-term clients that I write and send them an invoice. They pay immediately. If there is something that needs editing they let me know and I edit and send it back to them. Once established, a great client is worth their weight in gold.
The other issue in payment is getting paid a fair wage, but that is the subject for an article all it’s own. I promise to write that one very soon. It’s an important subject and deserves full consideration.
Finding great clients can be a hit or miss proposition. You can screen, contract and check references but still end up with a dud. You can do none of that and end up with a gem. Is there any particular way to tell the difference between good clients and bad clients from the outset? Not really but over 20 years I have found a few telling points in the initial communication with a prospective client:
- “This shouldn’t take long.” when I see that sentence I run for cover. Of course if it’s followed by “but I’, not a writer, so I don’t know for sure….what do you think?” Then I keep reading.
- Passion. If the person is passionate about the project then chances are good that he or she is going to be a great client.
- They know what they want. When a client can send me an email saying that he needs 1000 words on the new cellulose fuel additive the EPA is requiring and he needs it within 3 days, this is a client I can work with. Clients who are vague are generally difficult and a nightmare to please.
There you have it: What to look for in prospective clients. The best part of being a freelance writer is the ability to dump lousy clients and keep only the great ones. It comes down to respect, good communication and reliable payment. If any one of those things is missing it makes your job harder and far less rewarding. While you may feel the financial need to settle for it in the short-term, make it your goal to get rid of any client that you dread hearing from as quickly as possible.
Happy Writing!
