by Leo Wiles
09 August 2017
Not being paid sucks! Especially when it’s such a big gig. I am assuming that 20,000 words meant that you were unable to chase, write or deliver other work, which makes this payment critical, I’m guessing. In an ideal world, you’ll have already discussed a payment schedule at the time of writing the contract. And with 20,000 words as the brief, you may have either opted for a retainer and split your fee into 5,000 word instalments or per round of edits…?
My preferred method with a piece this big would have been to split my invoice in the following way. Something up front – discussed as a retainer or project deposit fee, if you like. Later, a percentage per-round of edits with the final balance being payable on publication – or better still, when the client signs off. That way you’re not left in no man’s land when some internal cock-up means the report doesn’t see the light of day for two years.
If however you’ve only negotiated a one off payment, I am a great believer in sending my invoice along with the copy (or in your case, the first draft). While I would prefer cash on delivery, the reality is at least by attaching both documents you KNOW they have your invoice and if it’s not paid or they’re stalling you’ll know they’re a schmuck to avoid in the future.
Right now though, even if you haven’t put payment options into play, it’s time to pick up the phone and say, ‘Hi. While I understand you’ve got your internal sign off process I’d like to see 75 percent of payment with 25 percent on final sign off’. It may not be the best scenario, but at least you should see some money come in and you’ll have learnt an incredibly valuable lesson.
Another way to handle late payers who are too lucrative to is by investing some time schmoozing the accounts department before the next gig. To do this, find someone accountable you know on a first name basis, whom you can CC direct. Not only will accounts be on alert to pay your bill, it stops you being the whiny freelancer whose calls/emails they can dodge. It also means the payment evolves into a beautiful internal beef with no blow back for you.
What do you do about payment when you’ve filed copy, but there’s no sign-off in sight?
