5 Signs You Should Turn Down a Writing Project
A freelance content writer spends a large part of her day networking, sending emails, and following up with past clients, all with the intent of bagging new content writing projects. Despite such focussed efforts, there are times when a writer must say no to prospective new work and turn down a writing project. Though it may sound bizarre, saying ‘NO’ sometimes is the most sensible thing to do.
I know how difficult it can be to let go of a writing job when you spend every waking moment building your writing business and establishing yourself as a freelance writer, hoping to get your hands on long-term, high-paying new assignments.
However, it is equally important to sieve through the opportunities that come your way and take up those that are right for you, politely saying no to those that are not. But how does one take a call on whether to accept or turn down a new writing gig?
Much of this clarity comes with experience.
ALSO READ: How I Broke Through Stereotype Mindsets in my Freelance Writing Journey
I remember how, during my early days of freelance writing, I took on projects that didn’t fit because I wasn’t sure whether to turn down a writing project. Now that I am older and hopefully a bit wiser, I understand how important it is to turn down projects that are not right for me.
5 SIGNS SAYING NO TO A WRITING PROJECT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO
So how does one spot a “not-worth-my-time” kind of inquiry?
Here are some signs to watch out for –
1. Outside your Skill-Set and Expertise
This one is relatively easy to judge. Say you are a travel writer and specialize in writing travel articles, travelogues, etc., what if you receive an email from a prospective client whose project involves hardcore technical writing, and excessive research on topics you care nothing about?
If I were you, I would politely decline the project rather than struggle with the topic and deliver a substandard document.
2. Client Lays Down the Terms, Leaving NO Scope for Discussion
Occasionally, you may hear from certain headstrong clients who lay down their terms in the very first email.
Right from specifying how much they will pay you for the project (which is usually peanuts and an insult to your craft), to making it very clear that they will pay for the content you deliver, only if they like it.
Some even demand free sample articles on topics of their choice. More often than not, such clients aren’t open to discussion or dialogue.
Again, if I were you, I would seriously reconsider taking this any further. Here’s why –
- I am an independent contractor, running a professional service. I am not their full-time employee, and therefore, I do not necessarily have to agree with the terms and guidelines they set.
- Since they have written to me with their requirements, they should give me the opportunity to submit a formal proposal. I firmly believe that the backbone of any successful freelance writing association is clear, open, and effective communication and mutual respect (something that’s apparently missing here)
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3. Client NOT Willing to Provide Relevant Information
Some customers are unresponsive and do not respond to questions; others are unsure what they want. In either case, it is the content writer who faces flak for not delivering content in tune with the client’s expectations. If a client does not give you a clear idea of what they need, asks you to research everything (even the topics you should be writing on), or refuses to answer your questions, beware.
4. Client Does Not REVERT after in-depth Discussions
Such a scenario is far too common. After all the project details have been discussed and agreed upon, the client suddenly stops responding. In the absence of a final go-ahead, you end up wasting time waiting for them to revert. Sometimes, they come back after months of silence, asking for the content to be delivered urgently – a tricky situation to be in, for sure.
5. Client Negotiates a LOW Rate at the Promise of a Bulk Content Writing Project
This is a more recent yet growing trend that I’ve been noticing a lot these days. The prospective client writes to you requesting a price quote. When you write back, they tell you the project is extensive, with 5000+ words required, so you should offer a bulk discount.
Let’s look at this for what it seems to be –
– They do have a large project and would like you to give them a good deal.
– They do not have a large project and simply want to negotiate a low rate in exchange for the promise of a large project.
If a client really does plan on giving you that ‘large’ project at the bulk discounted rate you are offering, they should also be willing to make an advance payment for the entire project and not just a small portion of it. Any dilly-dallying on their part should raise warning signals in your head.
Believe me, I’ve been there. More often than not, this is just a tactic to get the lowest possible rate. It saddens me to see clients spend a fortune on advertising and other marketing activities, yet when it comes to content writing, they use bargaining tactics to get the lowest possible rates. Take a stand; decide for yourself what your writing is worth. Do not sell yourself short. Respect your craft, and others will follow suit.
Also Read: Why We Struggle to Say No
CLOSING THOUGHTS
At the end of the day, it is not easy to turn down a writing project or assignment. However, if your gut tells you something is amiss, trust those feelings and make a decision that is best for you. Saying no may save you a lot of time, which you can use to work on the right client and project.
What are your reasons for saying no to a project? Tell me about it in the comments section below, and thanks for reading!
