Doomed Magazine Warning Signs
8 Indications that a Publication Might Go Out of Business
Oct 12, 2008
Ideally, when a writer submits an assigned article and invoice, the publication pays immediately upon acceptance, sends a copy of the magazine for the writer’s files, and makes another writing assignment with that person. Unfortunately the publishing world isn’t always an ideal place to work.
Assuming the writer submits original, high quality work on assignment and with accurate invoices, the publisher needs to honor the agreement. When writers notice any of the eight warning signs below, they should stop submitting new material and work toward getting paid, because their money and future assignments may be in jeopardy.
Track Record of the Publisher
1. It’s a new publication.
Freelance writing for a new publication comes with a high risk factor. Even with solid financial backing, seemingly steady advertising, and a talented staff, most new magazines fold within the first year of publication. Don’t burn bridges with other editors when something new comes along because it might not last.
2. The publication schedule has been disrupted.
Whatever the reason, an unreliable publication schedule indicates trouble with the publisher. If the first issue is delayed or subsequent issues miss regular publication dates, then be wary because there’s trouble ahead for the writers.
3. Editors keep quitting.
When personnel run for the exit door, it’s a sure sign of a shaky business. It might be that management adopts unfair or unethical business practices or that payment is somehow misrepresented. Companies that treat their employees well have loyal employees.
Communication Problems With the Publisher
4. Suddenly invoices need to go somewhere else.
Maybe it’s a switch from the editor to the accounting department, or from the local to the corporate office. Whatever the excuse, when invoices get shuffled from place to place and person to person, then payment delays can be expected. Well-established businesses should already have payment procedures in place.
5. Editors adopt more impersonal methods of communication.
When editors change from friendly in-person meetings and telephone calls to impersonal emails, faxes, or letters, it means they have something to hide. Unless they offer a reasonable explanation for the change, assume they are avoiding writers because the publication is in trouble.
Delay in Payments From the Publisher
6. Kill fees are ignored.
When writers do the research, write the assigned article, and submit the package on time, editors should respect them enough to pay a 50 percent kill fee even if the article is not used for reasons unrelated to the writer or his/her work. If a publication offers no kill fee or suggests that it be ignored “just this one time” that should be a red flag that more of the same will follow.
7. Invoices are misplaced.
Creating duplicate invoices because the originals were misplaced, lost, or tossed in the trash also indicates that a publication might be folding. When a publication goes out of business, management and regular staffers get paid first, and freelance writers and photographers may have to fight in court to get moneys owed. Publishers do this because they know that most people won’t go to the trouble of taking them to court.
8. More than one payment has been late.
One late payment along with an explanation and apology can be forgiven. A pattern of delayed payments accompanied by excuses should not be tolerated. It’s time to cut ties with the publisher when payments are irregular. Editors and publishers who value their writers prove it by paying them on time.
For more information about being a freelance writer, read The Literary Agent Interview, Getting Motivated to Write a Book, and Business Card Recycling.
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