Wanna learn how to structure a longform feature? Join me on July 23 @ 4:30 p.m. Eastern for an in-depth live tutorial on how to build, organize, and write a longform narrative feature! This will be a deconstruction exercise of a published story. We’ll analyze it as a jumping-off point and go into detail about what it takes to write at that 3,000+ word count, then I’ll show you how to use those tools and techniques in your own writing.
Today we’re getting straight to the point.
Your assignment is simple: All you have to do is send an email. That’s it! It probably won’t even take you 15 minutes!
For years, one of my main hobbyhorses around freelancing has been getting paid what you’re owed no matter what — in particular, chasing down payments you’re owed. Especially when the publication is dragging its feet, or an editor has ghosted you, or it’s just been too damn long since the story was published.
The fact is, you did the work and you need to be paid for it, even if it feels like the time has passed or you’ve already written off payment for that assignment. Because truly, it’s never too late to follow up on a payment you never received, even if you’ve followed up multiple times and heard nothing in response.
Case in point: In 2018 I wrote an article for Harvard’s NiemanLab about best practices for writing pitches. (If you’ve ever been to one of my pitching workshops, you’ve surely seen it before.) I signed the contract, I was in their system, and I had an agreed-upon rate with the editor. I filed, we edited, and the story was published, but a month passed and I realized I hadn’t been paid for it. So I followed up asking about payment, but I didn’t hear anything back. Knowing how busy editors are, I let it slide for the time being and followed up a month or so later. Nothing back. Another follow-up a few months later, nothing.
The FWT store is officially open!
At long last, I’ve just launched the Freelancing With Tim Store! This is the spot where you can access recorded workshops, including sessions on Travel writing, launching newsletters, using social media to find work, and much more. I’ll be regularly adding new workshops and other products to it, but take a look around and pick something up if it looks interesting!
At this point I was ready to write it off. I was just happy to publish an article I was passionate about in an exemplary publication and work with a fantastic editor on it. I knew that was the wrong path to take, but I was ready to move on.
Cut to two and a half years later and I was on yet another Twitter crusade encouraging freelancers to follow up on late payments no matter how old they are, and I tweeted this:
Now, to be clear: I absolutely did not, and still don’t, hold any ill will toward that editor or the publication. They were utterly wonderful and helpful once they realized the oversight, as are most outlets in this situation. And, as someone who has been on the editor side of this, I understand that sometimes things do fall through the cracks regardless of how hard you try not to let them. (I even still feel bad about a few super late payments that I screwed up as an editor at The Times; in fact, an old freelancer of mine at the time saw that tweet and reminded me I was over a year delinquent on paying them for a story. Profuse apologies and immediate payment followed.)
SO. This is all to say: Please do yourself a favor and spend 15 minutes today writing a follow-up email to an editor who is overdue on paying you. Need a little more motivation? Think of it this way: By not (tactfully and kindly, but forcefully) requesting an overdue payment, you’re essentially giving that publication — or, more accurately, that publication’s corporate overlords — an interest-free loan for the amount you’re owed. Nope, no thank you, hard pass.
Now fire up those emails and go get fking paid!!!!
Oh, a few other things …
A few posts for paid subscribers lately: The exact text of a pitch sold to STAT for $1,800; Freelance careers are built in the gaps; The only pitch format you'll (mostly) ever need; A handy guide to sorting out your sources for a pitch. If you’re interested in upgrading, just click below!
Got a pitch that sold recently? I’d love to feature it in a future edition of our #pitchesthatsold series! Email me at [email protected] and put “#pitchesthatsold” in the subject line. Can’t wait to see ’em!
How much were you paid for your last assignment? Feel free to contribute to our ongoing freelance rate database here. I’ll be publishing updated results of this survey next month!
Got a question about freelancing or the wider world of journalism? Let’s hear it, and I may feature it in a future Q&A post! Fill out this form with your question(s).
I offer one-on-one coaching! Is your story falling apart and you need a second set of eyes on it? Want a seasoned perspective on a pitch you’re kicking around? Interested in talking about careers and/or building your freelance business? Maybe just want an edit on a story draft? I’ve got you covered! Click below to book a one-on-one coaching session to talk about pitches, story ideas and development, editing, careers, or anything else you might need help with! (Paid subscribers get 33% off any one-on-one session.)