tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post4370668116435750545..comments2023-10-26T11:34:38.322-04:00Comments on Ask Allison: Working Without a NetAllison Winn Scotchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820208316115681320noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-41790268588895307142008-03-10T14:09:00.000-04:002008-03-10T14:09:00.000-04:00Working on a handshake is all well and good until ...Working on a handshake is all well and good until the publication folds or your editor leaves. Then, you really need to have proof of the assignment and terms.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes corporate clients don't use contracts. In that case, I just send them an email spelling out the terms and saying that simply responding to my email will confirm the deal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-52131755504542197932008-03-09T16:32:00.000-04:002008-03-09T16:32:00.000-04:00As a new writer I gave an editor my article withou...As a new writer I gave an editor my article without a contract, but they were reputable and sent me a contract and paid me promptly. The editor did, however, state in his e-mail that "he wasn't worried as he already had the article". I got the hint and now want a contract or e-mail agreement at least before sending an article.<BR/><BR/>Patricia<BR/>http://secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com/Patricia Robbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09077127934947422705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-27752733445608631202008-03-07T10:34:00.000-05:002008-03-07T10:34:00.000-05:00For some clients, particularly the newspapers I wr...For some clients, particularly the newspapers I write for, I work without an actual contract. We just spell out the terms in e-mail, and it isn't a problem.<BR/><BR/>However, once I started working on something -- a bunch of web content -- for a large company. I kept asking for my contract, and it never arrived. When it finally did, the terms were frightening and the company refused to budge. I refused to sign, and the whole project became a complete nightmare. I learned my lesson! If I had read the contract in advance I would have never started on the work.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01314762767471166697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-78920835725672494542008-03-06T22:43:00.000-05:002008-03-06T22:43:00.000-05:00I've heard some editors/agents say that the publis...I've heard some editors/agents say that the publishing field is 'one of the few honorable professions left.' Some have even said that they don't use contracts any further than 'handshake basis.' I believe Lori Perkins Agency works like this. Is this something we should avoid like the plague?<BR/><BR/>- JadenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31033821.post-29244388581483933922008-03-06T20:54:00.000-05:002008-03-06T20:54:00.000-05:00Yes, in the past I've worked without contracts. Fo...Yes, in the past I've worked without contracts. For quite a while, there were no problems. Then a couple times I didn't get paid, and like most of us, I learned by experience to get it in writing. I was writing to put food on the table by then, and I just couldn't afford to write without being paid. Experience is a great teacher! 8-)Kristi Hollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01480214912307187314noreply@blogger.com