Has any one else had trouble getting invoices paid when working as a freelance journalist? How have you overcome it?
Essential Writers » Financial Issues
Getting paid for freelance work
(9 posts)-
Steve
InactivePosted 1 year ago # -
Hi Mike,
one thing I sometimes saw when working as a features editor and receiving invoices from writers was a standard paragraph stating: "Payment is required within 30 days of publication of the work. Late payment will be charged according to the 'Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1988."
I have no idea what this means, but it sounded sufficient authoritative to make me pay as promptly as possible. Definitely worth looking into!Posted 1 year ago # -
graham
InactiveHey, Mike, if you're a writer you probably won't be paid till it's published, but if you're editing or prod-editing, you should get it at the end of the month or whenever their salaried staff get paid.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredI've worked for my fair share of companies who have been terrible at paying. I think it's often best to phone up and speak to someone in the accounts department as they can't ignore you unlike an email or letter than can just be forgotten about or "put to one side".
Posted 1 year ago # -
One common mistake people make is not reading their contracts properly. Many companies will state in their contracts that they pay '40 days after invoice received' or something similar, so it's best to check that out first, and maybe send a quick email to the accounts department to make sure everything has been received.
Posted 1 year ago # -
This doesn't help the many freelancers who don't receive contracts... In fact, I think I've only been given contracts for about ten per cent of the freelance commissions I've completed.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've had massive issues with this, particularly as I work mostly in alternative culture magazines. One in particular, Dazed and Confused, I have been chasing for almost a year and a half for payment...
In the end, it is a matter of persistence with these people, though don't alienate your employers - that's one thing no freelancer can afford.Posted 1 year ago # -
emily
InactiveIt gets sooo frustrating! Sometimes I seem to spend more time phoning and emaling companies who owe me money than I did one the piece I'm trying to get paid for! And why is it that the bigger a company is the more unwilling they seem to be to pay up??
Posted 1 year ago # -
emily
InactiveIs anyone else having trouble getting paid by media companies hit by the credit crunch? I've seen two of the magazines I write for close, which means I'm unlikely to get the money they owe me. If you have any hints on how I can claim this money I'll be very grateful.
Posted 1 year ago #
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