Section 1.1: The Call Request

When a potential client suggests, "Let’s hop on a call," it might seem harmless. However, consider this: your time is incredibly valuable. Engaging in phone conversations detracts from the time you could spend on your writing.

I’ve encountered numerous professionals—lawyers, doctors, and engineers—who, despite their high earnings, expect me to jump on a call without any compensation. My suspicion is that they want to gauge your personality rather than your writing skills, which should be the focus.

If you believe the opportunity is promising, respond by stating your hourly rate and requiring prepayment. This will quickly filter out those who aren’t serious about the collaboration.

If you’ve worked with them previously and they offer a larger project, avoid rushing to a call. Email can be just as effective for communication. Ask for the necessary materials to review and only follow up with questions if needed. Alternatively, request a recorded video that you can watch at your convenience to maintain control of the situation.

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Section 1.2: The Unpaid Test Article Trap

Let’s emphasize this crucial mantra: your time is priceless. Your writing samples should sufficiently showcase your skills, eliminating the need for unpaid test articles.

If you lack samples, consider building your portfolio through your blogs or personal websites. Initially, I shared links to my posts, which gradually led to published samples I compiled on Clear Voice.

Still, I’ve fallen into the trap of unpaid tests before. While I now possess numerous samples, many remain unpublished. Remember, reputable clients want recent work with your name attached. If they request unpaid drafts, take that as a warning sign; they might not offer fair pay.

The unfortunate reality is that some companies may exploit your unpaid tests, selling them under someone else's name. If you choose to write a test piece, make sure you’re aware of the risks.

Section 1.3: Micromanagement in Style Guides

While style guides are essential for maintaining a brand's voice, they can also be a red flag for micromanagement. If a style guide is filled with excessive rules and threats regarding plagiarism detection, proceed with caution.

A company that insists on detailed outlines and meticulous color-coding may not be worth your time. I once had a client who used my questions without crediting me, raising serious concerns about their respect for writers.

If you receive an overly controlling style guide, consider moving on. Such clients can create unnecessary back-and-forth that may not be worth the effort.

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Section 1.4: The “Do This First” Request

A common misstep is when a client asks you to complete extensive preliminary tasks before discussing pay. In one instance, I was asked to review hundreds of pages before getting basic information about the job.

When clarity is lacking and you encounter unreasonable requests, it’s often best to walk away. Always seek to understand the job details upfront.

Section 1.5: The Tempting Subject Line

Beware of emails that start with "We want you to write for us." This phrase can be enticing but often leads to more hoops to jump through.

Unless the email confirms your hiring, pay, and includes a brief for your first assignment, don’t get lured in. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.