I have been very lucky with all of the publishers/editors I have worked with: they’ve always treated me fairly, been extremely professional and kind, and generally been fun to work for. My friends and family tend to respect when I say, “No, I’m sorry, I’m writing,” as being as important as anyone else saying, “Nope, sorry, gotta go to work!” Unfortunately, I know that a large number of other writers haven’t had such great luck. So when I came across this post at one of my must-check sites and thought it to be brilliant.
As a note, though, allow me to say that with all “rights” come responsibilities. You have the right to be paid fairly, but you have the responsibility to be reasonable and sensible about your pay. If you’re a new writer, or it’s a smaller publication, don’t expect Cosmo-esque paychecks. If you like a job, take it, and build a relationship with the editor. In my opinion, that is one of the best ways to move up the ladder. So really, look at these rights as being contingent on your having upheld some preemptive responsibilities.
Allow me to share:
The Freelance Writer’s Bill of Rights
1. You have the right to say no.
An editor asks you to write for exposure and you really just don’t want to? “No.” A source asks to see your article before you turn it in, and you don’t have the time nor the inclination? “No.” A friend keeps calling during your working hours because “you’re always free”? “No.” See how easy it is? You have the right to say no — and not feel guilty about it.
(Hope’s note here: But you also have the right to say yes. If you don’t mind writing for exposure, or are happy to show a source your article, by all means do so. You aren’t lessening yourself as a writer by saying yes. I’ve done it when I could, and never regretted it at all.)
2. You have the right to ask for more.
If an editor approaches you with an assignment that doesn’t pay what you would need to make it work, or asks for all rights, or offers a pay-on-publication writing contract, you have the right to negotiate for something better. The first offer from an editor is not the end of the negotiation, it’s the beginning. …continue…
