Freelance Writing Nightmares: How I Learned to Spot Bad Clients and Protect Myself

[Kayle]

Okay, I need to share this so others don't make the same mistakes I did. When I first started freelance writing, I was so excited to get ANY client that I ignored every red flag. I worked without contracts, accepted ridiculously low rates, and delivered work before getting paid. Guess what happened? I got ghosted. Multiple times. Hundreds of dollars of work, gone. I remember spending an entire weekend writing a 3,000-word white paper for a "startup founder" who seemed so professional. Sent it Monday morning. Never heard from him again. No payment, no reply, nothing. I was devastated. But you know what? Those lessons made me smarter. Now I have systems in place, and my freelance writing experience is actually enjoyable. Here's what I wish someone had told me:

1. Always use a contract. Even for small projects. Even for friends. Even if it feels awkward. I use a simple template from the Freelancers Union.
2. Get 50% upfront. If a client won't pay a deposit, they're not serious.
3. Trust your gut. If an email feels weird, if they're pushy, if they won't hop on a quick call—run.
4. Don't work for "exposure." Exposure doesn't pay rent. (Okay, maybe once for a nonprofit you love, but not for profit-seeking companies.)

I'm not bitter—I'm just smarter now. And I actually have amazing clients who respect me and pay fairly. The bad ones taught me what to avoid. Anyone else have freelance writing horror stories? Let's commiserate and learn together!

 

[PatrickRR]

My worst was a "client" who sent me a 50-page brand guide, required three rounds of revisions, then claimed my work was "plagiarized" (it wasn't) and threatened to sue me unless I refunded the deposit. I had a contract (thank GOD) and told him to kick rocks. He disappeared. The contract saved my butt. To everyone reading: CONTRACTS AREN'T OPTIONAL. Even a simple one-page agreement is better than nothing. Also, Kayle, your point about trust your gut is so real. Every time I've ignored that little voice, I've regretted it. Now I listen immediately. Great post!