As a freelancer, how can I make sure to get paid?
From the
Nolo Business & Human Resources Center
QUESTION:
As a freelance copy editor, I seem to be forever waiting to be paid. I'm out
90 days right now on a project. I'm afraid if I gripe, I'll get no more work.
How can I keep this from happening?
ANSWER:
As you well know, a freelancer's lot can be lonely -- and sometimes
impoverished. Even though you probably didn't plan to become a bill collector,
that's an important part of the job when you're self-employed.
Your best bet is to start out the relationship by clearly stating the terms
of payment. You can do this in a letter to the publisher. Ask the publisher to
sign a copy of the letter and return it to you. Then, if payment is late, you
can mention the letter -- which is a form of contract or agreement. That is not
undue griping on your part; you are simply asking for what's legally yours.
Or, you can put the terms of your freelance arrangement in a written
contract. Make sure to include deadlines in the contract -- both the date when
your work will be finished and the date when you will be paid. If you need help
putting your agreement on paper, take a look at
Consultant and Independent Contractor
Agreements, by Stephen Fishman (Nolo). It includes lots of sample contracts
for a variety of freelance professions.
Click here for
related information and products from Nolo
Copyright 2006 Nolo |
