Freelance writing is a career path that can open exciting doors and opportunities. Applying for these opportunities can be a thrill, but it’s fair to wonder if the opportunity you’ve discovered to earn money writing from home is legitimate.
No one wants to fall into the trap of being scammed, especially when a new career opportunity appears on the horizon, and one of the best ways to determine if you should proceed is by identifying the red flags. Learning the red flags to avoid when freelance writing can ensure you earn fair pay for your work and prevent scammers from taking advantage of you.
Read on to learn more about the red flags to identify and steer clear of scam writing job opportunities today.
Free work samples
One of the first red flags you’ll encounter when working as a freelance writer is a free work request when applying to clients. While it’s natural to start from the ground up, it’s best to do that by gaining experience starting and writing for your own blog or creating writing samples to add to a professional portfolio. It is normal for some firms to ask you to follow a test brief in the application process, but some will unfortunately, use this ‘application’ as a way of getting you to write for free
If you find a gig you’re excited about but that requests free writing samples that appear to be used for more than just an application, look elsewhere. The company is most likely looking for free content, and acceptance could result in high work volume for low pay. It’s also a red flag if the company pushes free work requests after accepting a gig with them.
No payment terms
A lack of payment terms after being hired by a client or company is a clear red flag to avoid when freelance writing. A quality client will be upfront and transparent about payment, setting clear expectations on when you should expect to receive the money you’ve earned with your work and time. The information provided should include the payment method and schedule before you move forward with writing.
They expect unlimited revisions
Quality pieces take time and research, and while it’s fair for a client or company to have expectations for the work you provide, boundaries should be set for revisions. A client who expects unlimited revisions without additional pay is a red flag, and it’s best to keep your distance.
The expectation can not only lead to unnecessary stress but also set the new expectation that each piece must be perfect to get paid. You’ll end up doing far more work for less pay than you’d agreed to.
Communication issues
Communication is essential to a successful writer-client relationship. A client who communicates too much is a red flag because it can lead to information overload or confusion, especially when you’re getting your bearings as a freelance writer. Avoid writing for a client who abuses access to you with frequent messages and requests, or who contently addresses client red flags head-on.
Messages from clients riddled with grammatical and spelling mistakes should be a clear red flag. The client or company should have a solid grasp of English, and recurring mistakes could be a sign of a scammer.
The last communication issue to look out for is a client who ghosts you. Nothing is as traumatizing when starting a freelance writing career as finishing a well-written piece only to discover that the client has accepted the work and ghosted you.
They refuse to sign a contract
Most freelance writing opportunities are contract-based arrangements. While the contract may have an end date, it offers some measure of security for both the client and the writer for the foreseeable future.
If a client or business is unwilling to agree to a contract with you, it’s a red flag. The lack of commitment can signal an interest in quality work at a discounted rate before discarding your services for the next freelance writer who applies.
Negotiate budgets or budget cautious
You work hard as a freelance writer to hone your craft and provide quality work. The quality of your work is the path toward new, exciting, and more lucrative opportunities. If a client gets shady about what they’re willing to pay you, it’s a red flag, and you should take notice. You run the risk of an unscrupulous client using smash-and-grab tactics to get high-quality written pieces without paying or paying you less than you’re worth.
Catching your first break as a freelance writer is invigorating, and it could be the first step in a long and successful career. Identifying the red flags to avoid when freelance writing can help you identify potentially toxic or stressful situations and prevent them. Use these tips to find quality opportunities to move your career forward.