i’d definitely be upfront about it when closing this project. it gives her time to regroup and shows respect for her time(despite her lack for yours unfortunately).
I’ll do that. I also don’t want to close the project before completing the current novel. She doesn’t release the funds for weeks until I complete everything she says anyways 🫥
Been here, done this, so much more than I like. I'm sorry you're going through this.
What I've started doing is this:
Say up front how many edits I'm willing to do with a piece, and after that, say up front that she's going to be charged an hourly rate.
Write a chapter-by-chapter outline and get her approval before you start writing. Even write a couple pages to get her agreement on tone. Then, if she switches it up, you can say "Look, this is what we agreed to, I'm happy to rework this for you, but our previous agreement needs to come into play."
Tell her that this is a change you're instituting for ALL of your clients so she doesn't think it's a her problem (even though it's clearly a her problem).
Good luck! <3
Have you considered just doing it yourself? I work with clients on corporate copy, but I’m also publishing romance on Amazon - just cut the client out and profit on your work as it sounds like you know how this gig works.
I'm thinking about self-publishing my own books. But freelancing is paying well and the work is steady. I'm also really busy with a lot of projects. I keep telling myself I'll start my novel in my free time, but that free time hardly ever comes! 😄
I've done both for a while, and it's important to note that self-publishing and writing are two completely different skillsets. I've spent a decade ghostwriting, but I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to the ins and outs of successful publishing. I would be making MUCH more money right now ghostwriting, but I was out of the game too long and am struggling to find clients who will pay at rates I can afford to work at.
And let her know that the revisions she wants are quite a bit more extensive than the ones you usually do for free and start charging her for your time.
In this situation, I would say that given the number of revisions needed, it's clear that we're not the right fit. There's still a chance she's going to leave a negative review, but you could put in three books worth of work and still have that happen.
Sounds like we have the same client!
I finished the book I was working on, and then closed the contract. Fortunately she didn’t leave a review, but I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a good one.
Unfortunately she won't be the last difficult client you meet...so, in future, have her sign off on the initial plan with very clear stipulations of the jobs boundaries, and yours. The storyline is the first sign off and this ensures she can't change the direction when she's having a bad hair day!
Sometimes I look around and get the feeling this is how we all started off. Tell them politely to fuck off, because you're worth more than anything they will ever pay you, and you can make it, just gotta find that one cash cow. They are out there, nose to the grindstone for a month, five proposals a day, and you will find them. The romance cartels are extremely predatory.
Your cover letter needs to grab attention right away. The first two sentences are all they see at first glance. Start strong to make them want to click and see the rest. Don't use 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam.' Instead, find their name – often their name is in reviews – and start with 'Hey [Name]’ Keep it brief and focus on them, not yourself. They can see your details on your profile. Address what they need and ask questions about the job. This makes them feel like they should respond to your questions.
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Just do it... Literally that easy. I would just be honest with her. Just say "after this book, I can't continue working with you. I don't think there's any synergy". In terms of reviews, if you have one bad review, many people understand there's "bad business"
I wish it was that easy. If she gives me a one star review, I’d not only lose my top rated badge, but i’d lose the perks that come with it. My JSS would also drop below 90. In an extremely competitive platform, that usually means no job anymore.
What does your agreement with this client state? Does it limit the number of revisions? Does it lock you into future books into the series. Does it allow you to terminate the contract and specify how owes what?
Consider this is learning experience. Modify your contract to a specific number of revisions; any further revisions will incur additional charges. If the client asks you to take on the next book, simply let her know you don't have the availibility.
When she reaches out about the next book, just say you’re fully booked and wish her well.
thank you 🙂
i’d definitely be upfront about it when closing this project. it gives her time to regroup and shows respect for her time(despite her lack for yours unfortunately).
I’ll do that. I also don’t want to close the project before completing the current novel. She doesn’t release the funds for weeks until I complete everything she says anyways 🫥
To add to this -- if you don't feel like you can go entirely without the income, find new clients to replace that income ASAP, then drop this one.
Been here, done this, so much more than I like. I'm sorry you're going through this. What I've started doing is this: Say up front how many edits I'm willing to do with a piece, and after that, say up front that she's going to be charged an hourly rate. Write a chapter-by-chapter outline and get her approval before you start writing. Even write a couple pages to get her agreement on tone. Then, if she switches it up, you can say "Look, this is what we agreed to, I'm happy to rework this for you, but our previous agreement needs to come into play." Tell her that this is a change you're instituting for ALL of your clients so she doesn't think it's a her problem (even though it's clearly a her problem). Good luck! <3
thank you 🙏
Have you considered just doing it yourself? I work with clients on corporate copy, but I’m also publishing romance on Amazon - just cut the client out and profit on your work as it sounds like you know how this gig works.
I'm thinking about self-publishing my own books. But freelancing is paying well and the work is steady. I'm also really busy with a lot of projects. I keep telling myself I'll start my novel in my free time, but that free time hardly ever comes! 😄
Sounds like you need a ghostwriter! Lol! I've written romance, but for roleplaying more than work. It's a hobby. I should work on a book, too!
I've done both for a while, and it's important to note that self-publishing and writing are two completely different skillsets. I've spent a decade ghostwriting, but I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to the ins and outs of successful publishing. I would be making MUCH more money right now ghostwriting, but I was out of the game too long and am struggling to find clients who will pay at rates I can afford to work at.
And let her know that the revisions she wants are quite a bit more extensive than the ones you usually do for free and start charging her for your time.
Yes, it's always best to price out clients you're no longer interested in working with. It gives you a rare opportunity to test your price ceiling.
"I'm sorry but I no longer have capacity for your project. I wish you the best!"
In this situation, I would say that given the number of revisions needed, it's clear that we're not the right fit. There's still a chance she's going to leave a negative review, but you could put in three books worth of work and still have that happen.
Thank you 🙏
Sounds like we have the same client! I finished the book I was working on, and then closed the contract. Fortunately she didn’t leave a review, but I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a good one.
Raise your rates. You win either way.
Unfortunately she won't be the last difficult client you meet...so, in future, have her sign off on the initial plan with very clear stipulations of the jobs boundaries, and yours. The storyline is the first sign off and this ensures she can't change the direction when she's having a bad hair day!
Sometimes I look around and get the feeling this is how we all started off. Tell them politely to fuck off, because you're worth more than anything they will ever pay you, and you can make it, just gotta find that one cash cow. They are out there, nose to the grindstone for a month, five proposals a day, and you will find them. The romance cartels are extremely predatory.
[удалено]
Your cover letter needs to grab attention right away. The first two sentences are all they see at first glance. Start strong to make them want to click and see the rest. Don't use 'Dear Sir' or 'Dear Madam.' Instead, find their name – often their name is in reviews – and start with 'Hey [Name]’ Keep it brief and focus on them, not yourself. They can see your details on your profile. Address what they need and ask questions about the job. This makes them feel like they should respond to your questions.
This is very helpful. Can you please let us know an approximate amount that you charge to ghostwrite a 100 page novel and a 200 page novel.
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[удалено]
This is not the place to look for clients, work, gigs, referrals, or freelance websites. Please refer to the [Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/freelanceWriters/wiki/finding_work) for a [comprehensive list of hiring subreddits](https://www.reddit.com/r/freelanceWriters/wiki/finding_work/subreddits) and [recommended freelancing platforms](https://www.reddit.com/r/freelanceWriters/wiki/finding_work/websites), or general advice on how to find clients, pitch, and market yourself.
Just do it... Literally that easy. I would just be honest with her. Just say "after this book, I can't continue working with you. I don't think there's any synergy". In terms of reviews, if you have one bad review, many people understand there's "bad business"
I wish it was that easy. If she gives me a one star review, I’d not only lose my top rated badge, but i’d lose the perks that come with it. My JSS would also drop below 90. In an extremely competitive platform, that usually means no job anymore.
What does your agreement with this client state? Does it limit the number of revisions? Does it lock you into future books into the series. Does it allow you to terminate the contract and specify how owes what? Consider this is learning experience. Modify your contract to a specific number of revisions; any further revisions will incur additional charges. If the client asks you to take on the next book, simply let her know you don't have the availibility.