How to Fire a Client
If you have clients who offer ongoing work, such as publishers and packagers, there will occasionally come a time when you have to fire them.
Sometimes this is because you ignored a red, red flag.
Other times it’s because you’ve moved on to higher-paying clients, less demanding clients, more fulfilling work.
Don’t Burn Bridges with Clients
But it’s always awkward to know what to say when you need to part ways. At least for many people it is. Early in my career, I had a tendency to burn my bridges and bask in the warm, rosy glow of the flames. In other words, I’d say exactly why I would no longer work with them. (“Your payment processes suck and you have no idea how to tell the difference between talented authors and hacks who couldn’t find a story with both hands and a flashlight.”)
I don’t recommend this approach, despite its entertainment value. Here’s what I do recommend when you’re not trying to solve a problem but are moving on:
* The “I’m so busy” approach. This is the approach I take if I think I want to end my relationship with a client but maybe I’ll need work from them down the road, also called “hedging my bets.” When a project comes in from this type of client I say, “Oh, thanks for thinking of me. Unfortunately I am fully booked right now but do keep me in mind in the future.” You can do this forever or until they stop reaching out to you. This works best with clients that are intermittent and not big anchor clients.
* The “Here’s a referral” approach. For clients that have been good to me and that I’ve done a fair amount of work for, but I’m just pivoting or have found a better-paying client, I will go with: “Thanks for thinking of me! I’m not doing copyediting/working in this genre/whatever much anymore, so I will have to pass but my colleague NAME is and I know she’d do an excellent job for you. She can be reached at CONTACT INFORMATION.” While many clients will already have a roster of other freelancers they can turn to, some won’t and they’ll appreciate the referral (as will your colleague) and in any case it creates a sense that you don’t want to leave them in the lurch.
But If You Do Want to Burn Bridges, Here’s How
* The “Here’s the truth” approach. This is a version of “burning your bridges” but more neutrally stated: “This is the fourth time payment has been delayed past 60 days. I can’t continue to work with you under those conditions. I have enjoyed the projects, and I do hope you understand.” Sometimes saying the truth matters for your own self-esteem.
Freelance clients are not employers and you don’t have to give them two weeks’ notice or take on their problems at the expense of your own wants and needs. That’s one of the delights of freelancing.
