#14958
Contracting Experiences From Hell
So you've got a contract. The client seems reasonably well heeled and reliable (or you have an agency that can run interference for you). All you have to do is produce and collect, right? Not necessarily! As the following anecdotes show, having a good contract and having your professional ducks in a row are important at all stages of your client relationship.
Hilp, Robin. STC Williamette Valley (2002). Careers>Freelance>Contracts
#14957
In an economy that is constantly changing, many technical writers are (or have thought about being) contractors. Being your own boss certainly does have a certain cachet. But is it for you?
Turner, Gordon. STC Williamette Valley (2002). Careers>Freelance>Contracts
#22049
This is an example of a typical agreement used for freelance writing assignments. Not that there is specific limitation of rights granted to the “buyer.” In no case do you want to sell blanket rights to your writing. It may be necessary to do it, but make every effort to negotiate a first national rights condition. If the clients wants more, get them to pay more.
#23029
How to Write Your Own Contract 
This presentation is designed to help independent contractors write their own contracts. Before attending the presentation think about your current approach to using contracts in your business.
Costanzo, Louis C., Richard H. Weiss and Joanne Smestad Claussen. STC Proceedings (1996). Careers>Freelance>Contracts
#15160
LOA 101: Intro to Letters of Agreement
Answers some common questions about Letters of Agreement, documents used by independent contractors to define the specifics of particular projects.
Frick, Elizabeth A. 'Betsy'. Intercom (2002). Careers>Freelance>Contracts
#30452
Spec Work Can Damage Your Business
Speculative work, or free pitching, 'spec' for short, is considered unethical among leading graphic design associations around the world.
Airey, David. DavidAirey (2007). Careers>Freelance>Graphic Design>Contracts
#30453
That Monster called Free Pitch
No matter what you call it, Spec Work, Free Pitch, etc the concept is the same. I'll get a handful of designers or studios to come up with a handful of concepts for my website, and the winner gets my business. Great concept? No! There are no winners here.
Burke, Miles. MilesBurke.com.au (2007). Careers>Freelance>Graphic Design>Contracts
#14147
Twenty Questions for Your First Day on the Job as a Contractor
It's hard enough your first day at work as a permanent employee. There are forms to fill out, introductory meetings to attend, tools to learn. But people are likely to cut you a little slack at first, while you come up to speed. Then there's your first day as a contractor. You're expected to hit the ground running, ask what you need to know, and get productive as fast as possible. How can you minimize your initial minutes of floundering around, and get to work quickly? The sets of questions below, while by no means comprehensive, will help you figure out how your new environment works. They are grouped, but not prioritized.
#24145
Working as an Independent Contractor
Working for yourself can be a blessing and a curse. Independent contractors ('ICs') enjoy more freedom and control over their work than employees do -- and they can earn more money, too. But they also have to contend with deadbeat clients, self-employment taxes and the higher cost of doing business on their own.
Usborne, Nick. Excess Voice (2002). Careers>Freelance>Legal>Contracts
