How to Secure Your Freelance Payment: Proven Strategies to Avoid Getting Stiffed

by Ewan MacKenna, co-founder Writers’ Bloc and veteran freelance journalist.

As writers, we pour our hearts and souls into our work, weaving stories that captivate and inform. Yet, nothing shatters this creative bliss faster than chasing payments overdue.

Especially chasing those low-value payments for months on end – it’s demoralising and infuriating.

It Happens to Us All – But It Shouldn’t!

Unfortunately, many of us have found ourselves in this frustrating position, hounding editors and accounts teams for the compensation we rightfully deserve. If you’ve ever felt the sting of a late or missing payment, you’re not alone. It’s time to reclaim our worth and avoid the pitfalls that leave us unpaid and undervalued.

I remember the excitement of being invited onto a prominent European radio station. After two appearances, the agreed fee of €50 seemed fair (just about) for a few moments of insight. However, six years later, and after dozens of ignored emails and endless departmental hand-offs, it became clear that those appearances would never materialise. Ultimately the experience was more costly in time and frustration than any financial benefit.

Then there was the television appearance in 2019. The agreed €100 fee never materialised despite numerous reminders and provided banking records. The company’s response? Their computer systems showed the payment was made “to someone”, leaving me holding the bag once more, feeling betrayed and de-valued.

I have similar examples for commissioned articles that I delivered too.

I’ll spare the companies involved any blushes, but it is clear that this is not viable for anyone trying to build a career as an independent writer, journalist or contributor.

These experiences are not just mine. They are shared by many freelancers who find themselves caught in the tedious cycle of chasing payments.

Steps to Take: Reduce Instances of Non-payment for Work Completed

So, what can you do when faced with these situations? Here are practical steps to help you secure your payments:

1. Contact the Right Person:

Start by reaching out to your initial point of contact, whether it’s an editor or producer.

If you receive no response, escalate to the accounting or payment departments.

Often, it’s an oversight or a processing delay that a simple reminder can resolve.

Remember: these editors are also under an enormous amount of stress, and have fewer resources

or staff members to assist, compared to even a couple of years ago.

2. Document Everything:

Keep meticulous records of all communications, contracts, invoices, and agreed payment terms.

A detailed paper trail will strengthen your position if you need to escalate the issue.

3. Follow Up Strategically:

Persistency is key. Follow up regularly but strategically.

Use a polite yet firm tone, reiterating the agreed payment terms and your completed work.

Set clear deadlines for responses and next steps.

Polite persistence often resolves simple oversights.

4. Escalate Gradually:

If the accounting department is unresponsive, move up the chain of command.

Contact senior editorial management, or the legal department, if necessary.

Sometimes, higher-level intervention can expedite the payment process.

5. Leverage Legal Options:

Assess the cost-benefit of pursuing legal action.

Sometimes, a formal letter from a lawyer can prompt quicker payments.

Evaluate whether the financial and emotional investment is worthwhile for you.

6. Utilise Industry Support:

Seek assistance from industry organisations that offer guidance and legal resources for payment

disputes.

They can provide valuable support and sometimes intervene on your behalf.

Ultimately, each situation requires a personal decision.

The key is to establish a precedent of being paid for your work, reinforcing your value and the integrity of the freelance profession. Doing this both strengthens the community overall, and directly helps other freelance journalists and writers; it sets a precedent for them too, amongst publishers and broadcasters.

If You Don’t Value Your Work, No One Else Will

Navigating the challenges of freelancing can be daunting, especially when it comes to getting paid.However, by being proactive and strategic, you can protect your earnings and maintain your professional dignity. Remember, your time, your talent and your output are all valuable. Never let anyone diminish that.

If you found this helpful, please share it with a fellow freelancer who might benefit. Together, we can foster a more respectful, equitable and fair industry for all independent writers, where everyone gets paid on time and in-full (wow, what a concept).

Happy freelancing!

A Note on the Author:

With over 20 years of experience as a freelance journalist, writer, and award-winning author, Ewan has navigated the ups and downs of the industry. Having contributed to numerous publications and penned multiple best-selling & award-winning books, Ewan is passionate about helping fellow freelancers succeed in their writing careers and get the recognition they deserve.