”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with e

Feel free to publish in your Free print or online publication. Please keep the entire resource box intact. Thank you!

Each week day brings a pack of mail from banks offering me and mine low introductory rates that are meant to pull us in and commit ourselves, right before the rates go up.

Writers face similar ‘bait and switch’ techniques when applying for writing opportunities. Last month I was contacted by a website owner who was looking for a writer experienced in producing e-zines. I submitted samples, wrote several emails, and had two evenings of instant messaging before she agreed to try me on, but with one caveat. She offered me a one-time, low, low introductory rate.

Only the rate wasn’t in my favor.

She asked me to write only four short articles and said that she would start with that low, low rate for me. After I had proven my worth, she would double that rate for the second issues, then bring it up to fair market for the third.

I researched and wrote, answered several emails, and even rewrote some of her own writings for her. She asked for a list of ideas for the next three issues. I complied with a list of 30 ideas. Her answering email said, “Is this all?”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with ev

riters face similar ‘bait and switch’ techniques when applying for writing opportunities. Last month I was contacted by a website owner who was looking for a writer experienced in producing e-zines. I submitted samples, wrote several emails, and had two evenings of instant messaging before she agreed to try me on, but with one caveat. She offered me a one-time, low, low introductory rate.

Only the rate wasn’t in my favor.

She asked me to write only four short articles and said that she would start with that low, low rate for me. After I had proven my worth, she would double that rate for the second issues, then bring it up to fair market for the third.

I researched and wrote, answered several emails, and even rewrote some of her own writings for her. She asked for a list of ideas for the next three issues. I complied with a list of 30 ideas. Her answering email said, “Is this all?”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with e

try me on, but with one caveat. She offered me a one-time, low, low introductory rate.

Only the rate wasn’t in my favor.

She asked me to write only four short articles and said that she would start with that low, low rate for me. After I had proven my worth, she would double that rate for the second issues, then bring it up to fair market for the third.

I researched and wrote, answered several emails, and even rewrote some of her own writings for her. She asked for a list of ideas for the next three issues. I complied with a list of 30 ideas. Her answering email said, “Is this all?”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with e

the second issues, then bring it up to fair market for the third.

I researched and wrote, answered several emails, and even rewrote some of her own writings for her. She asked for a list of ideas for the next three issues. I complied with a list of 30 ideas. Her answering email said, “Is this all?”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with e

”

If any of this sounds familiar, thanks for the sympathy. If it doesn’t, then keep reading.

To avoid getting caught up in these unsatisfactory offers, heed the warning signs:

Complains about bad luck with other freelancers. Does your new client whine about his dissatisfaction with everyone he has hired? Don’t think you will be the one who satisfies him with your stellar charm and flowing prose.

Offers to double or triple the initial fee IF your best effort suits. Never happens because that’s part of the con. You can give your best and your client will find so many problems with it that your first assignment will be your last.

States “If I had the time I’d write it myself.” If samples of her work has your third grader giggling over the spelling and grammatical errors, walk away. This is the person who will be editing your work?

Demands 24-hour availability. Phone calls at 2 a.m., instant messages every 15 minutes, dozens of emails daily. Your client might even ask you to quit a project or job. Mine did after she found out I worked part time. “You work for me now,” she said, as if the $60 a month would buy me a new lifestyle.

Avoids giving direction. “Give me your best ideas,” your client demands. His response to your proposal? “Hmm, that’s not what I want.” Unless your client is a three-year old or your mother-in-law, you don’t have to take it. Besides, this gives your client the perfect reason not to pay…after you’ve done the work. You just never ga