Making sure you get paid

Today's issue of WritersWeekly has a great article by Laura Bell about how freelance writers can make sure they get paid. This article got my attention because it has more real-life advice than most. Here are a few highlights:

1) Demand up front payment. I love this tip. And Bell is right — being able to do that is one of the advantages of PR work.

4) Don't be afraid to talk about money. It's true that many writers, especially newbies, hesitate to ask how much something will pay, and when they can expect payment. But hey, if an editor is going to turn into a jacka$$ as soon as money is mentioned, I want to know before I do the work!

7) Renegotiate low-paying jobs. This is great advice. Just because a job is advertised at a certain rate doesn't mean the client won't be willing to negotiate. If you are clearly perfect for the job, you have a good chance they'll be willing to pay more for your services!

The other tips were good, too, but these were my favorites. Particularly numero uno. It's difficult for a client to stiff you if they've already paid you in full!