When a writer receives a commission for a job, whether it is for ghost-writing, article writing, or any other kind of writing work, it can be an exciting moment. The prospect of paid work; perhaps a step up the career ladder; possibilities of more work to follow; all of these can distract any writer from the job in hand.
It’s important not to lose sight of the basic questions that require answers in order to make sure that the job is done to everyone’s satisfaction. It’s also important the writer feels they were adequately rewarded for the task.
Contract for Writing Work
The first thing is to ensure that there actually is a contract. Writers should never be afraid to ask for one. No trustworthy editor, client, or employer will be offended by the deamnd for a contract, after all a contract protects both parties involved.
A contract should lay out all the business terms:
- What rights are required? World rights? Online rights?
- What are the financial rewards? How much is being paid for these rights?
- When do the rights to the work revert to the writer? A writer licenses his or her work to a publisher, and the license does not necessarily last for ever. The copyright is always the property of the writer.
- What exactly is the writer expected to supply? What type of writing is required?
- How long should the piece of writing be? How many words?
- How is the writer expected to deliver the work? Hard copy? Electronic files?
- When is the writer expected to deliver the work?
- When will payment to the writer be made? Half on signature, half on delivery? Payment on acceptance?
- How many re-writes or edits is the writer expected to do?
Beyond the contract, writers should have a personal relationship with editors, and should feel comfortable enough to ask further questions. No editor will ever be upset with a writer who asks for clarification about any point. It’s easier for everyone to avert possible problems if the writer is clear about the job in advance.
Briefing
Writers should try to get a good briefing from the editor in advance about the type of work they expect to be delivered, and they should take every opportunity to ask questions and make sure that they have a clear picture of what the editor is looking for.
Delivery
As well as getting the deadline for delivery, writers should ask how much time will be available for edits or rewrites, if they are required.
Payment
Writers should not be afraid to ask for details about how and when payments will be made.
- Will writers be expected to submit an invoice, or will payment will be automatic?
- Will payment be made by check, or made electronically?
- If payments are to made in instalments, when will the instalments arrive?
Further Opportunities
Writers should always be on the look-out for follow-up work. A relationship with an editor is a valuable thing. While a writer is working on one job, it presents an opportunity to find out about further jobs and future possibilities.
Find out more about the basics of freelance writing.
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