When payments are delayed and late fees ignored, freelance journalists may struggle with cash flow. Here is how to protect yourself
Getting paid as a freelance journalist should not be that hard, you may think.
Yet late payments and broken contracts are common for freelance journalists. The industry has failed to adapt to modern payment systems, often at the expense of freelancers.
Tom Taylor, in an article for Journo Resources, interviewed a number of freelancers about their experience and rounded up tips on how to best protect yourself.
Always agree the terms of your work in writing, talk to other freelancers about their experience, and for each gig, estimate how many hours it will take for you to complete the commission and calculate your hourly pay. If necessary, your union can help, such as the NUJ or British Association of Journalists.
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