Maybe I just shouldn't write, period
- Thread starter BooRadley65
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Some editors, like some humans, are sadistic and mean spirited, AND passive-aggressive to boot. In the grand landscape of editors you would be glad to work with again, is he one of them?
We touched on a bit of your difficulties back in March, yes? Then, you got out of a bad company scene, from those employers who seemed very weird.
After reading your explanation here, I would like to say a few things:
i) you know this already, but you do need to spend time really researching your industry in terms of pay scale and conditions. You say that the market has changed since the 1990s. How has it changed in the last 10-15 years? Does experience not count?
ii) part of the problem here is that you made an error in terms of job estimation. I have done the same. You might like to examine my recent posting about this related issue. Perhaps my editor knew what he was doing, and perhaps he didn't. You may have read the post and replies in the Trade and Custom Publishing forum before recent material was lost in the recent technical snafu with the new host company. But, I have since posted a follow up to that.
iii) in relation to the editor, implicit is your suggestion that he had an agenda which you only found out about later. My question is whether you chose not to enquire clearly about the specific article requirements because of a possible pending job offer? And the editor doesn't come off too well here - one who seems to like playing head games.
iv) you seem to correctly determine that perhaps your lack of assertiveness is a problem. But, this is counterbalanced with your expressed need to 'get back into the game, and up the industry food chain'
v) I think I remember reading in AW around 6 months ago or so, a technical writer saying that the tech writing field was in the doldrums, according to his experience.
If you have the burden of responsibilities, or for some major reason have to re-establish yourself, I don't think you can fault yourself for the difficulty.
Is there no-one in the business that you can talk to about your situation? From a professional industry body or some such?
After reading your explanation here, I would like to say a few things:
i) you know this already, but you do need to spend time really researching your industry in terms of pay scale and conditions. You say that the market has changed since the 1990s. How has it changed in the last 10-15 years? Does experience not count?
ii) part of the problem here is that you made an error in terms of job estimation. I have done the same. You might like to examine my recent posting about this related issue. Perhaps my editor knew what he was doing, and perhaps he didn't. You may have read the post and replies in the Trade and Custom Publishing forum before recent material was lost in the recent technical snafu with the new host company. But, I have since posted a follow up to that.
iii) in relation to the editor, implicit is your suggestion that he had an agenda which you only found out about later. My question is whether you chose not to enquire clearly about the specific article requirements because of a possible pending job offer? And the editor doesn't come off too well here - one who seems to like playing head games.
iv) you seem to correctly determine that perhaps your lack of assertiveness is a problem. But, this is counterbalanced with your expressed need to 'get back into the game, and up the industry food chain'
v) I think I remember reading in AW around 6 months ago or so, a technical writer saying that the tech writing field was in the doldrums, according to his experience.
If you have the burden of responsibilities, or for some major reason have to re-establish yourself, I don't think you can fault yourself for the difficulty.
Is there no-one in the business that you can talk to about your situation? From a professional industry body or some such?
Thanks Quiller and ATP. I guess nobody else bothered to respond, because it must seem that I am whining.
I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for responding.
Boo
I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for responding.
Boo
BooRadley65 said:
Well, I was going to reply, but not now that you've yelled at people for not bothering to respond. You posted this less than 14 hours ago. Why do you think you have the right to demand an immediate response? Some of us write. Some of us work more than one job. Some of us have families and pets that take up hours and hours of our "free" time. Some of us are regularly abducted by aliens. My point is that by berating people for not responding in what you consider to be a timely fashion, you certainly don't make people want to take the time to write out a thoughtful answer to your very long and somewhat complicated post. If you're that obnoxious to editors, no wonder you seem to have problems getting along with them.
<<Well, I was going to reply, but not now that you've yelled at people for not bothering to respond.>>
I don't think I yelled at anyone. In cyberland, don't you have to use the Caps Lock to indicate yelling?
To be honest, I re-read my long, rambling post when I got home this evening--from a night job--and I thought it smacked of too much whining. When I saw that only a couple people posted back, I assummed that they may have sensed that in my post, also. That assumption was wrong, maybe, according to you.
<< You posted this less than 14 hours ago. Why do you think you have the right to demand an immediate response? Some of us write. Some of us work more than one job. Some of us have families and pets that take up hours and hours of our "free" time. Some of us are regularly abducted by aliens.>>
Your need to point this out makes me realize your last assertion may really be correct. Actually, I've gotten great responses for the few posts I've left here, and I just made an assumption on this one, period, based on my own feelings about what I posted this morning. Obviously, I was wrong.
<< My point is that by berating people for not responding in what you consider to be a timely fashion, you certainly don't make people want to take the time to write out a thoughtful answer to your very long and somewhat complicated post.>>
I don't think I've berated anyone, as I explained above. Or, let's say that was not my intent at all.
<< If you're that obnoxious to editors, no wonder you seem to have problems getting along with them.>>
You don't find your quote from above berating and obnoxious? I can safely say that I highly doubt you'd be teaching any "How to Win Friends and Influence Others" classes in the near future, yourself, eh?
I won't return the volley, because I truly do not know you, and I think my post really irked you--and maybe others--but it was not my intent. As well, I think you are a person that takes a lot of time to respond to folks here.
However, I did not deserve your flame.
I don't think I yelled at anyone. In cyberland, don't you have to use the Caps Lock to indicate yelling?
To be honest, I re-read my long, rambling post when I got home this evening--from a night job--and I thought it smacked of too much whining. When I saw that only a couple people posted back, I assummed that they may have sensed that in my post, also. That assumption was wrong, maybe, according to you.
<< You posted this less than 14 hours ago. Why do you think you have the right to demand an immediate response? Some of us write. Some of us work more than one job. Some of us have families and pets that take up hours and hours of our "free" time. Some of us are regularly abducted by aliens.>>
Your need to point this out makes me realize your last assertion may really be correct. Actually, I've gotten great responses for the few posts I've left here, and I just made an assumption on this one, period, based on my own feelings about what I posted this morning. Obviously, I was wrong.
<< My point is that by berating people for not responding in what you consider to be a timely fashion, you certainly don't make people want to take the time to write out a thoughtful answer to your very long and somewhat complicated post.>>
I don't think I've berated anyone, as I explained above. Or, let's say that was not my intent at all.
<< If you're that obnoxious to editors, no wonder you seem to have problems getting along with them.>>
You don't find your quote from above berating and obnoxious? I can safely say that I highly doubt you'd be teaching any "How to Win Friends and Influence Others" classes in the near future, yourself, eh?
I won't return the volley, because I truly do not know you, and I think my post really irked you--and maybe others--but it was not my intent. As well, I think you are a person that takes a lot of time to respond to folks here.
However, I did not deserve your flame.
First off, I just want to say I don't write for trade publications, although I do read along on the threads somewhat . . .just in case. So, you should take my comments with a grain of salt.
Anyway, I share your frustration with editors, for whatever type publication, asking expected salary/pay. Just seems like they could state a pay range up front and say "commensurate with experience" or some such. But, many places hit you with that question, so its good to have a pay scale of some sort worked out.
Plan ahead. Recently I quoted a job for $300 flat rate, and specified that price included one rewrite and anything further would be billed at $hourly rate. That way everybody knows up front to get the details included at the beginning.
One thing I was thinking when reading your post was that maybe the difference in the editor's expectations and yours were simply a misunderstanding on both your parts. Not completely understanding your market on your side and the assumption you did understand so not bothering to give many details on his side.
Just from what I've read on old posts, I thought when trade pub. editors give you contacts, they want those specific contacts in the story, so he may not have been out of line on that. . .probably just didn't voice it, thinking you knew (the misunderstanding thing mentioned above.)
You shouldn't consider this job a loss in terms of money, but think of it as experience of what to do and not to do on your next assignment.
Anyway, I share your frustration with editors, for whatever type publication, asking expected salary/pay. Just seems like they could state a pay range up front and say "commensurate with experience" or some such. But, many places hit you with that question, so its good to have a pay scale of some sort worked out.
Plan ahead. Recently I quoted a job for $300 flat rate, and specified that price included one rewrite and anything further would be billed at $hourly rate. That way everybody knows up front to get the details included at the beginning.
One thing I was thinking when reading your post was that maybe the difference in the editor's expectations and yours were simply a misunderstanding on both your parts. Not completely understanding your market on your side and the assumption you did understand so not bothering to give many details on his side.
Just from what I've read on old posts, I thought when trade pub. editors give you contacts, they want those specific contacts in the story, so he may not have been out of line on that. . .probably just didn't voice it, thinking you knew (the misunderstanding thing mentioned above.)
You shouldn't consider this job a loss in terms of money, but think of it as experience of what to do and not to do on your next assignment.
Boo, your post is totally welcome. Also, I understand that when you post something you feel a little vulnerable about, you wonder what is going on when people don't respond right away.
I actually lost a gig recently because I was asking for more than they were paying--and then I found out what they were paying wasn't bad. It wasn't top dollar, but it was mid-range. I would have been really upset if it was subject matter I wanted to write about! I learned a lot from the exchange, though.
I think this is the crux of the matter for you, and for many of us. It's about feelings of success being competely tied to the dollar amount you make. I can certainly relate to that!
But I think if you find people you can work with regularly, you can raise your rates little by little because you develop relationships with people and they grow to count on you and value your work.
And freelancing is hard--you may want to keep your eyes open for full-time as you continue freelancing.
I actually lost a gig recently because I was asking for more than they were paying--and then I found out what they were paying wasn't bad. It wasn't top dollar, but it was mid-range. I would have been really upset if it was subject matter I wanted to write about! I learned a lot from the exchange, though.
I think this is the crux of the matter for you, and for many of us. It's about feelings of success being competely tied to the dollar amount you make. I can certainly relate to that!
But I think if you find people you can work with regularly, you can raise your rates little by little because you develop relationships with people and they grow to count on you and value your work.
And freelancing is hard--you may want to keep your eyes open for full-time as you continue freelancing.
Whatever.
Post or don't post. I explained both of my posts, and it seems it's time for you, and whomever else, to jump on the "yeah, what she said' bandwagon
I think Tish was over the top with her reply, and I explained my follow-up post.
If this is going to be a "yeah, me too" thread, that's fine. I'll delete my posts.
Post or don't post. I explained both of my posts, and it seems it's time for you, and whomever else, to jump on the "yeah, what she said' bandwagon
I think Tish was over the top with her reply, and I explained my follow-up post.
If this is going to be a "yeah, me too" thread, that's fine. I'll delete my posts.
I'd just like to say that BooRadley65 has sent me a long snarky PM concerning my post. I suggest that this thread be closed so that he doesn't turn his unpleasantness on others.
<<Boo, your post is totally welcome. Also, I understand that when you post something you feel a little vulnerable about, you wonder what is going on when people don't respond right away.>>
Yes, I actually re-read my first post and felt that maybe I was whining too much. I have friends that will take writing jobs for free, so I guess--in that respect--I am doing okay.
So, when I ask some of my writer friends--who have been laid off, etc.--whether I'm being assertive enough, etc., they don't really have an answer.
Very vulnerable right now, and I have been for the past few months. ATP gave me some good advice, and I may try to find a mentor here in the Atlanta area.
<<I actually lost a gig recently because I was asking for more than they were paying--and then I found out what they were paying wasn't bad. It wasn't top dollar, but it was mid-range. I would have been really upset if it was subject matter I wanted to write about! I learned a lot from the exchange, though.>>
That's what I can't get a grip on. Is $300 for my work, including re-writes, fair in this market? I don't know. I know that I spent about 35 hours in research (seriously) finding sources who would talk to me, along with writing the first draft. I know nothing about this topic, so I had to learn fast.
<<I think this is the crux of the matter for you, and for many of us. It's about feelings of success being competely tied to the dollar amount you make. I can certainly relate to that! >>
At my age, yes I do think about it. I'm not in my 20s anymore. I'm getting ready to move on to a full-time job, or something.
<<But I think if you find people you can work with regularly, you can raise your rates little by little because you develop relationships with people and they grow to count on you and value your work. >>
This has started to happen, but slowly. I just need more money, and I'm at a crossroads concerning that.
Thank you for taking the time to post.
Boo
Yes, I actually re-read my first post and felt that maybe I was whining too much. I have friends that will take writing jobs for free, so I guess--in that respect--I am doing okay.
So, when I ask some of my writer friends--who have been laid off, etc.--whether I'm being assertive enough, etc., they don't really have an answer.
Very vulnerable right now, and I have been for the past few months. ATP gave me some good advice, and I may try to find a mentor here in the Atlanta area.
<<I actually lost a gig recently because I was asking for more than they were paying--and then I found out what they were paying wasn't bad. It wasn't top dollar, but it was mid-range. I would have been really upset if it was subject matter I wanted to write about! I learned a lot from the exchange, though.>>
That's what I can't get a grip on. Is $300 for my work, including re-writes, fair in this market? I don't know. I know that I spent about 35 hours in research (seriously) finding sources who would talk to me, along with writing the first draft. I know nothing about this topic, so I had to learn fast.
<<I think this is the crux of the matter for you, and for many of us. It's about feelings of success being competely tied to the dollar amount you make. I can certainly relate to that! >>
At my age, yes I do think about it. I'm not in my 20s anymore. I'm getting ready to move on to a full-time job, or something.
<<But I think if you find people you can work with regularly, you can raise your rates little by little because you develop relationships with people and they grow to count on you and value your work. >>
This has started to happen, but slowly. I just need more money, and I'm at a crossroads concerning that.
Thank you for taking the time to post.
Boo
<<Anyway, I share your frustration with editors, for whatever type publication, asking expected salary/pay. Just seems like they could state a pay range up front and say "commensurate with experience" or some such. But, many places hit you with that question, so its good to have a pay scale of some sort worked out. >>
At first, I thought 300 bucks for 1500 words was pretty good, but I didn't take into consideration how long it might take me to get up-to-speed on the topic, nor how hard it would be to find individuals willing to talk about the "con" side of this issue. I was so perplexed by his critique of the first draft, that part of me felt like he realized this would be a longer piece.
If he ends up liking the finished piece--and I thought one re-write for free is appropriate--and wants me to write another one, I think I might talk to him about an hourly rate for research, etc. I don't know.
<<Plan ahead. Recently I quoted a job for $300 flat rate, and specified that price included one rewrite and anything further would be billed at $hourly rate. That way everybody knows up front to get the details included at the beginning.>>
Exactly.
<<One thing I was thinking when reading your post was that maybe the difference in the editor's expectations and yours were simply a misunderstanding on both your parts. Not completely understanding your market on your side and the assumption you did understand so not bothering to give many details on his side. >>
He's not really good on communication. It was evident, when we were on the phone. I suggested we get together in person, if there is a problem with the next draft.
<<Just from what I've read on old posts, I thought when trade pub. editors give you contacts, they want those specific contacts in the story, so he may not have been out of line on that. . .probably just didn't voice it, thinking you knew (the misunderstanding thing mentioned above.)>>
Yes, I tried several times via email and phone to contact this guy, but he never responded before my first deadline. However, I got in touch with him, finally on Friday afternoon.
<<You shouldn't consider this job a loss in terms of money, but think of it as experience of what to do and not to do on your next assignment.>>
I appreciate the response. I will do just that.
Boo
At first, I thought 300 bucks for 1500 words was pretty good, but I didn't take into consideration how long it might take me to get up-to-speed on the topic, nor how hard it would be to find individuals willing to talk about the "con" side of this issue. I was so perplexed by his critique of the first draft, that part of me felt like he realized this would be a longer piece.
If he ends up liking the finished piece--and I thought one re-write for free is appropriate--and wants me to write another one, I think I might talk to him about an hourly rate for research, etc. I don't know.
<<Plan ahead. Recently I quoted a job for $300 flat rate, and specified that price included one rewrite and anything further would be billed at $hourly rate. That way everybody knows up front to get the details included at the beginning.>>
Exactly.
<<One thing I was thinking when reading your post was that maybe the difference in the editor's expectations and yours were simply a misunderstanding on both your parts. Not completely understanding your market on your side and the assumption you did understand so not bothering to give many details on his side. >>
He's not really good on communication. It was evident, when we were on the phone. I suggested we get together in person, if there is a problem with the next draft.
<<Just from what I've read on old posts, I thought when trade pub. editors give you contacts, they want those specific contacts in the story, so he may not have been out of line on that. . .probably just didn't voice it, thinking you knew (the misunderstanding thing mentioned above.)>>
Yes, I tried several times via email and phone to contact this guy, but he never responded before my first deadline. However, I got in touch with him, finally on Friday afternoon.
<<You shouldn't consider this job a loss in terms of money, but think of it as experience of what to do and not to do on your next assignment.>>
I appreciate the response. I will do just that.
Boo
BooRadley65 said:
I think not--unless you're being hired as a researcher.
Doing the research necessary to write a piece is part of the job.
Sassenach said:
Right. I guess I need to either ask for an hourly rate, or try and estimate the time it might take me to write the next article and negotiate a rate accordingly, period.
Boo
BooRadley65 said:
I can't offer much advise about salary negotiation', because that is still problematic for me. And i'd really love to get some input from experienced freelancers who have "gone up the food chain".
However, what I do suspect is that your inexperience in that particular subject was your undoing, not the editor seeking to use/abuse you.
1. You say the editor assumed you would include a particular source.
In my experience, that is not unusual. For example, if an editor asks me to write a trend article about teledensity in Africa, I have to speak to Intelsat, Vodacom and MTN at least.
No one tells me this, but Intelsat infrastructure carries 80% of voice traffic in Africa, mobile companies have increased teledensity considerably. And between them MTN and Vodacom ( both mobile companies), have presence in more than 20 countries.
It is assumed I know this and therefore, their take on trends is important. By the same token, an article without their input does not give sufficient context.
2. Despite the hard work you put into the piece, your inexperience in the subject must have showed in some way.
I could be wrong of course, but I have been there many times. And because I didn't know the subject well, I would give facts that should be minor prominence, or extensively quote a minor player in the sector. This lowers the credibility of my story - who cares what Joe Soap, who has 2% market share thinks?
So the editor sees this, and it's true the facts are there, but they don't paint the picture he had in mind, and he stops paying attention and starts saying "I don't see such and such a thing," even though it is there in the article. Somewhere!
3. You say the research took long
That is not the editor's fault. Essentially, he gave you a more demanding assignment assuming that you can handle it in the shortest possible time, making the payment worth your time. You didn't, which lowered your earnings.
The solution I propose is not to quit freelancing/ writing for this market; you should evaluate whether you want to write more articles in that particular subject and are willing to put in the effort to do just that.
I attend as many trade conferences and seminars as i can, and meet speakers/ delegates as potential sources. Because people tend to be more relaxed at these events than when you try to get first intro via a secretary, I'm able to introduce myself at lunch/tea and make an impression for the future contact. That gets me their card, which has an email address and cellphone number.
I also write in a niche area so my effort is concentrated in getting the attention of a small group of people. When you publish regularly on the same subject, people start taking note of you, which makes getting sources to speak to you easier.
The strategy worked really well for me. 12 months ago, I'd never written a telecoms-related article. I didn't even know/care how many operators we had in the country, never mind what everyone in the continent was doing.
Now it's my area of specialisation and the market (including their PR poeple) know it
Which helps me get stories my editors want.
Per Page or Per Job?
I think planning is required. Taking a job and quoting rate per page seems kind of dangerous to me for exactly the reasons stated in the thread above.
Raise the rate if you're not an expert on the topic?
Personally, I hate writing. I think we should all just throw sticks.
I think planning is required. Taking a job and quoting rate per page seems kind of dangerous to me for exactly the reasons stated in the thread above.
Raise the rate if you're not an expert on the topic?
Personally, I hate writing. I think we should all just throw sticks.
Thank you to all that took the time to give me some great advice. As well, my apologies to anyone I offended with my second post.
The latest is that I finished the re-write, and it was even longer than the first draft!!
However, it included everything that the editor said he wanted. The bad part is that I took a look at my contract, and there were some things slipped into it that I didn't see the first time.
This is a valuable and painful lesson. He added a third page, and after I had signed the original contract, when I met with him, he said, "Oh, I need you to initial this last part. It's just a recap of everything we discussed, and what's in the contract."
So, I initialed it and didn't even really read it.
Yep. I know. I've already kicked myself on that one. So, basically it says that if he doesn't like the first draft, that I'm to do infinite re-writes and that it is "commonplace" to do so. As well, it's considered part of the price for the job. This is my fault, for not being vigilant about the contract.
And I have just seen another thread, where someone posted the going rates for all sorts of writing. Let's just say I feel as if I should have signed "Forrest Gump" at the bottom of the contract.
I'm trying to be optimistic that he will like the rewrite, and I'll get the money for this. However, after reading the fine print, I am not so sure that will be the case.
We'll see. I just want to move on from this. Thanks, again, for the feedback.
Boo
The latest is that I finished the re-write, and it was even longer than the first draft!!
However, it included everything that the editor said he wanted. The bad part is that I took a look at my contract, and there were some things slipped into it that I didn't see the first time.
This is a valuable and painful lesson. He added a third page, and after I had signed the original contract, when I met with him, he said, "Oh, I need you to initial this last part. It's just a recap of everything we discussed, and what's in the contract."
So, I initialed it and didn't even really read it.
Yep. I know. I've already kicked myself on that one. So, basically it says that if he doesn't like the first draft, that I'm to do infinite re-writes and that it is "commonplace" to do so. As well, it's considered part of the price for the job. This is my fault, for not being vigilant about the contract.
And I have just seen another thread, where someone posted the going rates for all sorts of writing. Let's just say I feel as if I should have signed "Forrest Gump" at the bottom of the contract.
I'm trying to be optimistic that he will like the rewrite, and I'll get the money for this. However, after reading the fine print, I am not so sure that will be the case.
We'll see. I just want to move on from this. Thanks, again, for the feedback.
Boo
Thanks for giving the followup post, Boo. I was wondering what happened. Sounds like that editor will do to watch. Good luck on him accepting the rewrite. Hard as they are on us, those painful lessons tend to stick with us. Glad you're moving forward.
Ugh!
Boo, that totally sucks.
Here, have a hug.
I guess it's all for learning.
When you finish, what are you going to do if they talk about another project?
Boo, that totally sucks.
Here, have a hug.
I guess it's all for learning.
When you finish, what are you going to do if they talk about another project?
Good Word said:
Hi Good Word! Thanks.
Well, I am not sure it will even get that far. Right now, I'm just preparing for the worst.
I mean, he may call and say he liked the second draft, but I'm not hopeful on that, given what I re-read in the contract.
I've decided that if he calls and says, "Well, it's almost there, but you still need to add some things," or whatever, I'm going to calmly tell him that when I signed onto this project, it was a 1500 word article for $300.00 dollars. For me, that was a fair rate for that length-- a business article.
I thought I could write that with no problem, and with minimal research. However, with what he said he wanted in the article--he decided, after I signed the contract, that he wanted two case studies included as part of the article--there was no way it was going to be 1500 words.
However, I signed the contract, so I felt one re-write should be gratis.
I'll tell him that I misjudged the research time I'd need to competently write on the subject, but I've now spent well over 45 hours on research and one rewrite, and it's well over 3,000 words. So, if he wants another rewrite, we need to re-negotiate the contract, or he needs to pay me the kill fee, full fee, or whatever.
I just cannot continue to spend time on this, for the amount we agreed on for 1500 words. That was used up a long time ago.
Either that, or if there are only minor edits he wants me to make, I'm prepared to tell him I can spend two more hours on it, and then I need to move on.
It's just when I re-read the contract, it's set up for him to take my work for free, if I don't consent to keep re-writing into infinity. It's a very smarmy contract, on that last page. Up until the last page, it's a standard contract.
The one good thing is that it's actually a very good representation of a white paper, period. I have a company interested in speaking with me about a full-time job writing white papers, so--depending on how this goes--I might be able to just use it as an example.
I'll let you know what happens when I finally speak to him about the latest re-write. I have two other deadlines this week, so I cannot devote a lot of time for another re-write for this guy. The other clients actually pay, and pay on time, and I seldom have any edits to make.
I just have a sick feeling about this one, but I could be surprised. He could love the re-write, I could get paid and go my merry way. But that's like thinking a Democrat could win the next Presidential election. It's a great idea, but I doubt it will occur.
If he wants me to ever write for them again, then a new contract will have to be in play, and I am asking for an hourly salary, or a fairly researched flat fee.
I will draw up my own contract, period.
Thanks!
Boo
I don't know how long you've been in the business, but from what we have all seen clearly is your inexperience.
In the first instance, it does pay - literally and figuratively - to thoroughly read your contract. By doing so, you would have saved yourself a lot of time and grief. And saved yourself time here. However, all vets. have had to start at the beginning, so no fault is ascribed.
Might I suggest that you do more homework - the finer points of contracts and copyright; negotiations; marketing. There are plenty of resources found on these within the archives of the business-related forums such as Trade and Custom Publishing, Business and Technical, and some material in the Freelance forum. There are also good books found on Amazon.com concerning these areas. Or, depending on your finances, you can probably get quite a number via your local community library.
One good online resource is found at www.writing-world.com.
In the first instance, it does pay - literally and figuratively - to thoroughly read your contract. By doing so, you would have saved yourself a lot of time and grief. And saved yourself time here. However, all vets. have had to start at the beginning, so no fault is ascribed.
Might I suggest that you do more homework - the finer points of contracts and copyright; negotiations; marketing. There are plenty of resources found on these within the archives of the business-related forums such as Trade and Custom Publishing, Business and Technical, and some material in the Freelance forum. There are also good books found on Amazon.com concerning these areas. Or, depending on your finances, you can probably get quite a number via your local community library.
One good online resource is found at www.writing-world.com.
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Yes, ATP, we all have differing levels of expertise in writing and contract negotiation.
Comments about some of the resources available are useful. Rude comments about levels of experience are not. If it goes without saying, it's better not to say it.
Comments about some of the resources available are useful. Rude comments about levels of experience are not. If it goes without saying, it's better not to say it.
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Some here have the very unfortunate mindset of mistaking bluntness and directness for rudeness. I have never claimed, nor would I ever claim to be politically correct.
I suggest that these same people re-read JG's introduction to newbies.
I suggest that these same people re-read JG's introduction to newbies.
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