Common Errors that Kill a Writer-Client Relationship

Writers jump for joy when they land a new client that promises on-going, paid work. But when the client abruptly ends the relationship with the writer, the writer is left with a lingering question: Why? Aside from the lingering question, the writer has also lost a source of income that he or she depended on to pay the bills and feed his or her family. This article will answer that lingering question, and the next time a writer-client relationship blooms you'll know how to water it so that it continues to grow instead of dye.

Why did the client abruptly end the relationship with the writer? The answer could lie within the following eight common errors -- errors the writer could've made but didn't realize those errors may have been what killed the writer-client relationship.

- Although the writer's work was of great quality and contained little or no errors, the writer often missed his or her deadlines or failed to complete the assignments on several occasions.

- The writer kept his or her deadlines, and many times he or she turned in the assignment long before the deadline. However, the client constantly had to correct grammar and spelling mistakes. Solution: Don't miss your deadlines, but ALWAYS take the time to proofread your work for mistakes before turning the assignment in. If time allows, let the article set for a couple days and then return to it with a fresh set of eyes. You'd be surprised what mistakes you'll catch by following this piece of advice.

- At times, the client asked the writer to change a few words or sentences, but the writer refused to corporate with the client's requests every time, which made it almost impossible for the client to work with the writer.

- The client requested a rewrite from the writer on many occasions, but the writer refused. It's understandable if the client requested numerous amounts of rewrites, but two or three rewrites should be acceptable. I always offer my clients at least two free rewrites and I let them know I charge for any extras. I make this known upfront, before the writer-client relationship begins.

- When the writer-client relationship began, the writer and client entered into an agreement where the writer promised the client that he or she would not disclose any personal information about their relationship or the nature of the work. However, the writer failed to keep the agreement, and was always disclosing information without the client's approval.

- Sometimes the client would ask the writer to come up with his or her own ideas and write about them, but the writer was never able to brainstorm an idea to write about. Therefore, the writer constantly depended on the client to provide the ideas for him or her.

- The writer failed to communicate with the client about the assignments he or she was given. Tip: Always let the client know if you discover new information that might cause your article to veer off in another direction. Discuss any new developments with the client, and keep the client updated on the progress.

- The client told the writer they needed the article to be so many words, but most every time the writer failed to give the client the agreed-upon length. Moreover, the client advised the writer to follow a specific guide (AP Style, Chicago Manual, etc.) for each assignment, but again, the writer failed to provide what the client asked for.

If you avoid these eight common errors, then you should be able to maintain a successful, long-term writer-client relationship, and you should never have to dwell upon the lingering question of why again.