Stop thief! Baby creative professionals get robbed online every day

by angela.booth on November 29, 2006

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Shoemoney posts great advice in “Prepare To Be Robbed On The Internet”:

You should not only prepare to get robbed online you should count on it. If you are a designer for gods sake watermark your images! Then ONLY AFTER money has exchanged hands send the real images.

This advice applies to writers too. Taking creative output from a freelance writer or freelance designer is like taking candy from a baby for business people.

I know I’m being totally negative, but you need to be realistic.

So, please, never:

* Tell a client precisely what you’ll do in your copywriting quote, or send specific samples which can be copied. Some sneaky clients just want the format, wording and structure so they can swipe the outline and text of, for example, a professional tender or proposal;

* Give a magazine editor the names of your sources before you negotiate a contract and kill fee (never!);

* Be desperate. (This one is vital. Desperation is like blood in the water to a business shark. Always be prepared to walk away, always.)

Once you’ve done the work: SEND AN INVOICE. If the date for payment passes, start dunning your creditor. Like immediately. Some writers wait months to send reminders. Seven days should be your limit, then start writing and calling.

Many writers hesitate to do this. Heh. Why? You’ve done the work. Just like any contractor, you need cash flow. Business operates on the faith that goods and services are exchanged for money. Never be afraid to ask (politely but firmly) for the money you worked for.

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