One publication kept a freelancer waiting two years for a $40 check, says this piece from Gawker. Another has owed a writer $14,000 since last spring. Several magazines are hiding from writers who call to ask where their money is.
And Gawker’s list is by no means comprehensive.
Writing for household name publications used to be as safe as money in the bank. Now, it’s become risky business. It seems that three or four magazines go out of business each month and several more are teetering on the brink.
Word of advice: if your assignment involves travel or other major costs, make sure your editor advances you the expense money.
Yes, it’s getting that bad.
– Anita Bartholomew
Ask The Editor
Gawker outs publications that stiff writers
Tags: freelancers, freelancing, magazine writing, magazines, writers, writing
One publication kept a freelancer waiting two years for a $40 check, says this piece from Gawker. Another has owed a writer $14,000 since last spring. Several magazines are hiding from writers who call to ask where their money is.
And Gawker’s list is by no means comprehensive.
Writing for household name publications used to be as safe as money in the bank. Now, it’s become risky business. It seems that three or four magazines go out of business each month and several more are teetering on the brink.
Word of advice: if your assignment involves travel or other major costs, make sure your editor advances you the expense money.
Yes, it’s getting that bad.
– Anita Bartholomew