My client is asking for additional work for free

[bowie125]

Hi,

I edited and proofread my client’s novel for a very good price. I returned her heavily edited work, and advised her to make several changes. My client has just come back, having made the edits, and is saying she would be “immensely grateful” if I could go through and check parts of it again.

How do I politely say that this will cost more? It would take me about eight hours to go through all of the above again – and she hasn’t even released payment yet. I’m also worried about bad feedback if I mention additional cost…

Thank you.

[petra_r · Accepted solution]

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Amelia H wrote:

Hi,

I edited and proofread my client’s novel for a very good price. I returned her heavily edited work, and advised her to make several changes. My client has just come back, having made the edits, and is saying she would be “immensely grateful” if I could go through and check parts of it again.

How do I politely say that this will cost more? It would take me about eight hours to go through all of the above again – and she hasn’t even released payment yet. I’m also worried about bad feedback if I mention additional cost…

Thank you.

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Basically what she wants is proofreading.

Step 1 - writing

Step 2 - editing

Step 3 - proofreading

Step 4 - proofreading again

Personally, I think proofreading is done by someone other than the person who did the editing.

But if the client wants you to do it, you can write to her enthusiastically and name your price.

"Hi Jenny, yes, of course, I'd love to do the proofreading for you! It would take me about 8 hours, and the price would be $ XXX.

If you'd like to set up a new milestone for it, I can get started straight away."

That way you are essentially saying "No" to free work without saying "No" at all, and without accusing the client of asking for free work.

The client can then either pay or decide that she does not need you to do it after all...

[bowie125]

Hi Petra,

Thanks so much!

I appreciate your answer and all of the help you always give freelancers on here.

[kfarnell]

This happens a lot with fiction because you're usually dealing with someone who is on a tight budget and inexperienced with hiring editors. The way I resolve it is to specify two or three complete passes (depending on the text) as milestones for the quote. (With the second and third at a lower rate because I'm familiar with the text.) Then if they're set on saving money they can ask for a single pass but you've already given a price for further passes if they change their minds - which they usually do.

[wlyonsatl]

Whatever your approach is, do not start work on another milestone until your client releases payment for the work you have already done.