Astonishing Story of Unpaid Freelancers
Monday June 22, 2009
I love being on the Editorial Freelancers Association list. I get to "overhear" so much shop talk and wisdom from people who have been in this industry for three times longer than I have.
Recently someone posted this horrible story about unpaid freelance writers and freelance editors. It is absolutely heart-stopping, as these are people who have done work for big name publishers-- work that I would have dubbed "safe" in the past. This makes me afraid, very very afraid.
Ghastly, disgusting, and unethical are a few terms I can come up with for both companies mentioned in the article. Their callous disregard for writers knows no bounds!
Just another reason for writers to qualify their clients, maintain good communication, and foster honest relationships.
Thank God I don’t have clients like that!
Martha Roden
Martha Roden
Allena, thanks for finding this story. I’m a freelance writer who works directly with college textbook publishers to create supplements, so it’s good to see what’s happening in related industries.
I’m sharing the NYT story with my blog readers.
That’s why most of my clients pay up front. Only twice in my career have I been stiffed, and in each case it was by a long-term client who I never would have expected.
Allena, would you recommend that someone like me join the EFA, even though I don’t like in NY? I’ve been interested in that organization for awhile, but I couldn’t decide if it would be worthwhile or not, given that I live outside the NY area.
I would highly recommend the EFA to anyone who is serious about a freelance writing or editing career. I’ve been a member for 5 years and have definitely gotten my money’s worth!
The issue of payment during this economy hits close to home for me. One of my long-time clients (that I garnered through the EFA JobList, BTW) has some suffered some especially hard times recently, and while they’ve been quite slow to pay, fortunately for me, they HAVE paid.
In fact, I got a call today from one of the VPs/owners of the company to thank me for my loyalty and patience and reassure me that payment would be forthcoming, albeit in early August rather than July. It was disappointing to hear that; however it was nice for her to take the time to call and be upfront about it. It’s reassuring to at least know that my contributions to the firm are valued and that they do appreciate my work.
They’ve been quite loyal to me, so I’m doing my best to return the favor.
You need to put this on Twitter. We follow each other and I think this is a good one.
I’m curious about the amount owed. Are these pay upon publication assignments or balances owed? I’m not as educated on this part of the industry. It’s unfortunate that instead of being forthcoming and putting policies in place to prevent this from happening, companies abuse their “workers.” Leaves a bad taste in the mouths of freelancers.
Many writer may be unpiad but this profession is no poor at all.
Huh? (fahad’s comment).
Forgive me if this sounds snarky but poor iteration of the English language such as this comment points to a big problem in the freelance business today: “writers” such as fahad who cannot write grammatically correct English text for clients, and who charge $5 for 500-word articles to clients here in the US and thus take business away from those of us who are professional, experienced USA-based freelance writers.
For that matter, I also see too many “You, too can be a freelance writer – no experience necessary!” ads and blog posts and websites that are giving us professionals, and thus the freelance writing industry, a bad name.
I wouldn’t discourage anyone who wants to learn a new skill and venture into a new career; I did the same thing many years ago and there’s room for us all. I do, however take offense with anyone who states or implies that he or she can “be a writer” with none of the experience and education I’ve undertaken to develop my skills and provide my services for many years.
I’m not sure JuleS. It’s possible that there’s an outlet for everyone– he probably spins and makes plenty for his economy– and I don’t think that most native English writers bother to compete with him for those jobs… Or, maybe he writes in his own native language, not English?
Petula- yes– balances owed, not pay on pub. Many publishing or packaging places I have worked for have a 30 day turnaround– which they are upfront about– fine. But then, 30 days often stretches and stretches I’ve noticed
And yes yes yes to joining the EFA. Best move I ever made.