You can't avoid every negative experience in freelance writing. Having to manage clients is part of the gig – for better or worse.
But wouldn't it be nice to sidestep some of those landmines before they blow up your inbox?
Sometimes, there are tell-tale signs that a client may be more trouble than they're worth. Becoming aware of these red flags in job postings and writing contracts can go a long way in helping you stay out of bad situations.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these are 15 red flags I’ve learned to watch out for in freelance listings and writing contracts. Some are straight up deal-killers, while others are issues I want to see accounted for in our work-for-hire agreement or contract before getting started.
1. Vague requests or project descriptions
If a client can't clearly define what they want, it’s a huge red flag. Ambiguity leads to endless revisions and scope creep. Make sure the project details are crystal clear before you sign anything.
2. “I could do it myself, but I don’t have the time.”
It's important to remember that freelance writing is a skilled trade, deserving of respect and fair compensation. When a client underestimates this, it’s a red flag that they may not value your expertise.
3. “This should be easy…”
Again, this may be a person who thinks everyone’s a writer, and therefore your time and expertise are meaningless. See also: “I just need…” or “ Quick project if you know what you’re doing…” This can be a tactic to downplay the amount of work involved and avoid paying appropriately.
