Things You Should Never Do As a Writer

There aren’t rules for being a writer. No requirements to get the job. No employer or client requires a certification, test or degree. But there are things every writer should avoid to be successful. Most of them are common sense, or perhaps common business sense. Others are industry specific.

Here are some of the top things you should never do as a professional writer.

Never:

Take on a project for “experience” with no pay
This is a controversial one. Some people think it’s a great idea. Others do not. I am firmly in the “Not” category and here’s why: No one expects other professionals to do this. They expect to pay a fledgling attorney or store owner the going rate regardless of experience. If they choose to hire the person or patronize the shop, then they expect to pay the fees associated with those services. It is only in the creative fields this is an issue. It speaks to the value people put on the creative fields. I, for one, believe artists, writers and other creative types should be paid for their work.

If you don’t have samples, working for free may seem like a great idea. My advice is to only accept a job like this if a) you would volunteer your time to the cause anyway or b) you fully support the project and don’t care about the money. Never take a “job” like this if you are desperate or feel like you must to get samples. Find someone who is willing to pay you for your time. It may take a bit longer, but it’s worth it. Plus you won’t be undermining the profession and the rates writer’s need to run a viable business.

Reduce your rates for a gig unless there is a compelling reason to do so…
and it better a be good one
This is like the point above. You shouldn’t do anything that could undermine your ability to be successful as a writer. This means reducing your rate to something that is not sustainable. Look at it this way: If someone asks you to write an article for a magazine for $25 and it will take you 3 hours to research and interview subjects for the piece and another 5 hours to write and edit the piece, then they are offering you $3.13 per hour of your time. Is that worth it? It’s not even minimum wage! The only reason to do this is if you are doing it as part of a charitable contribution to a cause you believe in and want to support. Otherwise, find other work. Know what your time is worth and your absolute minimum hourly rate. Use that to determine which jobs are worth your time. This is also an issue if you want to write for any government agency. They will require you to offer rates lower than any other you are paid by others. This means any reduction in your fee will be applied to ALL government jobs, plus an additional 10%.

Undersell your services for the market
Here’s another money-related issue. You have to know what your market will sustain. If you are using old rates or ones from another state, you could be undercutting the market. Yes, you’ll likely get more jobs, but you will be undermining the industry for the area and underselling yourself. Find out what the local market rates are and figure out where you fit into that structure. Of course, make sure you use the rates for someone with commensurate experience.

Oversell your experience and rate
Do not inflate your experience or lie to prospective clients. They will find out and it will be messy. Also do not over-inflated your rate for the market or your experience. If you are a newbie, admit it and charge a rate at the low-end for your market. You can always raise your rates as you gain experience.

Plagiarize
This one is obvious. Never offer a client words that are not yours without proper attribution and credit. Not only is plagiarizing against the law, it’s unethical and a slap in the face to all writers. Respect your industry and keep your work original.

Overlook copyright and libel laws
You have to know the laws that govern both copyright and libel. You can learn all about the first at copyright.gov and the second at legaldictionary.net/libel. Knowing the law is the only way to protect yourself and your clients.

Ignore local regulations about businesses
As a professional, you need to know the laws and regulations governing businesses in your county, state and country. There are many regulations, laws, licenses and other details to learn. The best way to go about it is to contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or Small Business Administration (SBA) office. They have people who can guide you through the process.

Work without a contract
Working without a contract is the fastest way to get burned. Contact an attorney to set up a contract template you can use with clients. This will protect you should a client refuse to pay. You contract should include a variety of clauses on payment, legal actions, copyright, and more. A contract is your only legal recourse. Don’t be talked out of it. I know it sounds obvious, but it’s easy to let slide. I did that once because I was working for a friend of a friend who was leery about signing a contract. I let it slide. I shouldn’t have. Refusing to sign a contract should have been a red flag. Needless to say, I never got paid for that project, despite putting in months of work. If I’d had a contract, I could have taken him to court. It was a costly mistake.

Be rude to a client or agent
I know it’s common to take to social media to vent rage these days, but it is death to a business. The publishing world is a small one. Trash an editor or agent online and they will find out. You will suffer the consequences, not only from the person you trashed, but from others in the industry who will no longer trust you. Clients are the same way. This is the easiest way to get blackballed and lose work. Don’t do it. Always treat clients, agents and editors with respect no matter how much they irritate you. Vent in private. Or do as my mama always said and don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice.