18

May

7 Lies Freelance Writers Tell Their Clients

There are times when a writer may be behind on a project or is suffering from writer’s block and  having a hard time getting the project done. Something like this may warrant a little white lie to get a bit more time while not angering the client. These are the desperate measures  writers take in order to keep their writing jobs.

Computer Problems

This has happened in reality, and most of us have a back up computer, but some of us don’t and if this has happened to you, you might use it as an excuse, as it is quite plausible.

Didn’t receive the Message

Ever had a writing job where the client is too hands on? Sometimes in order to finish, you may have to “ignore” messages just to get the first draft done, clients will always be happy with a copy of something even if they rip it apart.

Personal Issues

This one is difficult as well, because sometimes it is true, but when you are battling a tough case of writer’s block, it is still true in a way so it is a very small white lie, and most reasonable clients will accept this. Once. So be careful with this one.

Misunderstood the Assignment

Sometimes this can happen, but when you use this  as an excuse it is often because as writers, we may have underestimated how much work would be involved, so we haven’t had enough time to do the proper research.

Unknown Deadline

Sometimes when juggling multiple writing jobs you may miss the deadline, and as this is more of a newbie sort of thing, most of us don’t use it very often, but it does happen, and it can be useful in a pinch, in particular if the client has already established rapport with you.

Lost the Document

This has happened to so many of us. You neglect to save the document and before you know it, you have lost it completely. This little white lie works when you are having one of those procrastinating types of days. It affords you a bit more time, but not too much, so most of us use this one sparingly if at all.

Still Working on it

Yes, I know, this may seem too obvious or even valid, but it is sometimes accepted from the client because it is true. They don’t have to know that you’ve just started, as long as you can get it in on time and the way they like it.

Okay, so I don’t really recommend using any of these white lies as they just add more stress to the process, but hey, I can’t tell you what to do. Many of these things have actually happened, so most clients are reasonable about accepting them, but try to be honest in your dealings with your clients, it makes for better relationships, as well as repeat work!