payment issue

[ThisOldHag]

I've been working with a US based magazine for a couple of years who, for the past 5 assignments, have not paid me. Had it not been for my tax accountant I would not have known that the funds (several thousand dollars) had not been received. Their response thus far has been 'we'll get to it, just hold off a little'. Any suggestions how I (based in the UK) could get my outstanding fees from them would be hugely appreciated.

[Amanda]

Hmmm, slow-paying has been the order of the day lately! Based in Seattle, I'm still a member of the UK's National Union of Journalists, international chapter. A rep just helped me pry a thousand quid from a major newspaper in Blighty...

Unfortunately, the US has no advocate so awesome.

Maybe try to secure a contact in the accounting department. Then email/call/send a registered letter noting the pile-o-unpaid invoices. I'd be sugar-pie sweet: "I understand the recession hurts us all, but I undertook this work in good faith that accounts would be settled in 60 days (or whathaveyou). Should you need to delay prompt payment, let's talk about how to cope best: as a sole proprietor, I can't float too many outstanding bills before the collector beats down my door. But I'd be happy to chat about payment plans, though – my usual one involves a $50-100 baseline fee (depending on how pissed you are), 10% compounded interest and a renegotiated contract.

Ninety percent of the time, I've received a cheque quick-sharp with the tactic. One PR firm paid in three-month installments with apologies. And all the companies have commissioned more work (guilt or gratefulness for an easy out: you be the judge?!?).

Hope you get your due soon! Cheers, A.
_____________________________________________
http://www.amandacastleman.com
Instructor for http://www.writers.com/castleman.html
and a 2010 Rome spring workshop for http://www.travelwritingclass.com

[John]

Just curious, why did you agree to do four more assignments if the publication hadn't paid you for the first one? Getting paid now is going to be at least five times more difficult.

[ThisOldHag]

Just curious, why did you agree to do four more assignments if the publication hadn't paid you for the first one? Getting paid now is going to be at least five times more difficult.

The other assignments all came in within 2 months...

[ThisOldHag]

Hmmm, slow-paying has been the order of the day lately! Based in Seattle, I'm still a member of the UK's National Union of Journalists, international chapter. A rep just helped me pry a thousand quid from a major newspaper in Blighty...
_____________________________________________
http://www.amandacastleman.com
Instructor for http://www.writers.com/castleman.html
and a 2010 Rome spring workshop for http://www.travelwritingclass.com

Went down that route initially, but they've still not paid. I've now got the CIoJ involved.