3 Invoicing Tips for Freelance Writers

By Felicia 6 years ago

Many freelance writers lead an eclectic professional life. One week, you’re writing promotional pitches for a locally-focused fast food chain; the next, you’re producing in-depth articles on the dangers of unhealthy eating. Furthermore, collecting payments from multiple clients can often prove confusing.  This is why writers are encouraged to utilize a number of practical tips when sending out payment requests. Putting the following pointers into practice will ensure that you’re able to collect client fees in a timely manner.

1. Be Prompt

Many writers are hesitant to send out invoices right away, as they feel it will come across as pushy. While this concern is somewhat understandable, it’s also very misguided. Most clients want freelancers to send invoices ASAP, since this enables them to process payments right away. The longer you sit on an invoice, the more likely you are to inconvenience a client. With this in mind, make a point of sending out all of your invoices within 24 hours of completing your jobs.

2. Be Professional

Even the self-employed need to exude an air of professionalism when dealing with clients – and this is particularly true when it comes to invoicing. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you use a professional template from http://www.aynax.com/ when putting together your invoices. The right template will enable you to succinctly break down the various tasks you performed, as well as how much time was spent on each task. This will ultimately make it easier for clients to understand exactly what they’re being charged for.

3. Be Even-Tempered

If a payment isn’t processed on the agreed-upon date, it behooves you to remain even-tempered. Flying off the handle and firing off a nasty email may make you feel better in the short term, but it may wind up costing you an important client. More often than not, late payments are the result of simple clerical errors and missed emails, so remember to maintain an air of patience and understanding when contacting a client about an unprocessed payment.

As is the case with any gig-based profession, freelance writing can be a tough way to earn one’s livelihood. However, if you’re able to attract a steady stream of regular clients and possess a solid work ethic, eeking out a living in this field is certainly doable. Whether you’re currently struggling as a writer or have a fair number of clients on whom you can rely, the pointers discussed above are sure to prove helpful when it comes time to collect payments.