Freelance Writers: Why and How to Ask For & Get Paid Up Front

Freelance writers exist in a global society. Many work for clients all over the world. As long as you have an internet connection and a cell phone, you’re good to go. This globalization has changed the way many freelance writers do business. In particular, it’s changed the way many get paid.

In the past, many freelance writers received the bulk of their business from referrals. Hence, there was no need to ask for, and/or expect payment up front. However, in a global economy, you could be taking a huge risk if you don’t at least ask for partial payment up front.

Freelance Writers: How to get paid before you start a project?

Many freelance writers feel funny about asking for partial payment up front. They tend to be very laid back about it because they’re more concerned about landing that next writing job. But, if you don’t take a firm stance with your billing and payment policies, you could be setting yourself up for failure.

If the above is how you run your freelance writing business, it’s easy to change. How? Simply make getting a partial payment up front a "company policy" - and never waver from it.

When you make payment a company policy, you remove yourself from the equation. So, it’s not you (the freelance writer) asking for payment up front; it’s your company’s way of doing business that demands it. Businesses understand company policy and accept it as such. No haggling or explaining is needed.

If you have no idea of how much to ask for up front, following are some standard freelance writing payment policy plans from which to choose.

Freelance Writers: Standard payment policy plans from which to choose

The 50-50 Plan: With this plan, you get paid half up front, and the other half once the project has been completed.

The 30-70 Plan: With this plan, you get 30% up front, and 70% once the project has been completed. FYI, there’s also the 35%/65% split as well.

The 30-30-40 Plan: This is a rarity and is usually used on complex projects that can stretch on for a few weeks or even a few months. Payment is 30% up front, 30% upon acceptance of a first draft; and 40% on completion.

Writers: The ease of building a worldwide client base

As a freelance writer, you can market for work from anywhere in the world. From New York and Atlanta, I’ve worked with clients in Australia, Canada and the England. Except for a few emails, I never talk to or interact with my clients.

Given this, it’s transparent how easy it can be for freelance writers to get taken advantage of. While the vast majority of businesses are ethical, implementing a pre-payment policy like those outlined above will ensure that you receive compensation from those who are not.

About the Author:
Yuwanda Black is a freelance SEO writer and the author of How to Make $250+/Day Writing Simple, 500-word articles. Ms. Black says, "You can work from home as a freelance writer in your pajamas, getting assignments from clients all over the world. I do it every day." Learn more about how to start a successful freelance writing career.