A Freelance Writing Gig? No Thanks!
When was the last time you turned down a freelance writing gig? If you’re just starting out I know it’s hard to imagine turning down work, but believe me it happens.
Here is a list of reasons for turning down freelance writing work:
- Too Much Work – The best of all reasons. It’s entirely possible that your cup runneth over. If you’re already putting in 14 hour days to keep your head above water it may be in the best interest of your business and your current clients for you to turn down work.
- Underqualified – This requires close introspection and honesty. If the job is out of your league, admit it and move on. If you dive in, there is a good chance that you will not be successful and your business, credibility and reputation will suffer. As well, chances are you’ll feel guilty and your self-esteem will take an unnecessary hit.
- Work You Don’t Like – If long-tailed key words drive you buggy, don’t take that kind of job. It really is that simple. Some folks will say that you should suffer through any kind of job and in terms of making income that is probably the case. If you are in this for the long haul however, consider tightening the belt for another month and find some writing to do that you enjoy. Life is too short.
- Bad Client Indicators – In the first communication with the client, you see signs that they are going to be very difficult to work with. These signs include ambiguity about the assignment, the client using the words “limited budget”, lots of talk about previous hires that didn’t do what the client wanted, an obvious lack of understanding about the process or an unrealistic view of the time or cost of the project.
- Voo Doo Vibes – You may not be able to put your finger on it, but the hairs on the back of your neck are sticking straight up and you’ve got more red flags than a local communist party rally. Don’t question your gut. Be wise and don’t take the job. You may never know why, but that doesn’t matter. Just go to bed each night feeling relatively certain that you have saved yourself some heartache by letting this one slip on to some other poor soul.
As you mature as a freelance writer, the times that you need to turn down work will become clearer and the heartache will diminish. If you need to carry that thought with you as you turn down work as an early freelancer then so be it. Freelance writing assignments are like appetites. Jerry Seinfeld says it doesn’t matter if you ruin your appetite, there’s always another one waiting in line. I think there’s a lot of wisdom in that.
What’s your story? Have you ever turned down a freelance writing assignment? If so, then why did you turn it down and how did you feel about it?
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Debra Stang | Oct 19, 2010 | Reply
I hate turning down work, but I have turned down a few jobs. I said no to a couple of them because the pay was terrible for the amount of work required. I’ve also said no to offers to do screenplays. It’s just not my area of strength. Finally, I’ve said no to a few clients who wanted me to write things that were racist, homophobic, promoted child abuse, etc. (Those were the easiest “NO’S” I’ve ever said.)
Walker | Oct 19, 2010 | Reply
Yes! I turned down a job that looked promising initially, she wanted more than our original deal so I offered to let her amend the contract but when she didn’t do so, I let the job go.I felt she was intentionally trying to take advantage. And, most recently I took a job I wish I hadn’t. It seemed a good price, but I underestimated the time needed. The client wasn’t as clear about his expectations so it was a tense time for me. I did more than called for and felt a little cheated, but…. Live and learn.
And, on the flip side, I was just recently approached by a large blog’s editor who had seen my work elsewhere. She has invited me to write 3 posts for them as a trial. I’m pretty excited about this one!
Allena | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
I got to the point where I didn’t like working for individuals, even those that could pay well. Give me a non-profit, college, publisher or other company any day.
I also have a minimum $150 project fee, to make those SMALL projects (hr or less) still WORTH my time, but I stopped accepting those, too. In reality, I won’t bother with a project that’s less than $500 these days (unless it’s long term and the potential TOTAL is up there).
Steve | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
George:
Any project that asks me to do a “test” writing is out, as well as any in a field\subject that I have no interest in.
Allena: Project minimum fee? Something new for me to consider.
Steve
tumblemoose | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
Hey Walker,
Sounds like you’ve got this figured out – good on ya!
From what I’ve seen of your writing and your personality, I imagine those big job requests will just keep rolling in,
Oh and your new home looks nice. I went over and subscribed via email. I’m looking forward to you showing up in my inbox!
George
tumblemoose | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
Hi Allena,
Thanks for stopping by. I like the idea of a minimum project fee. It sounds like it worked out well for you.
Cheers
George
tumblemoose | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
Steve-a-rino!
I’m with ya. Test? Sure. Test 50 bucks into my Paypal and I’ll write ya a hundred words
George
tumblemoose | Oct 20, 2010 | Reply
Hi Debra,
People actually wanted you to write on those subjects? Wow. See, I think you’ve turned down work for all the right reasons. Anytime I’ve taken on something I knew wasn’t my strength it was total disasterville. Learned me lesson.
Great to have you here.
Cheers
George
Jael Strong | Oct 24, 2010 | Reply
Turning down extra money is very difficult! Of course, having too much work is very difficult too… What a problem to have…