@ProfessorVerb your reply reminds me of a couple of times I've had an early morning issue to address pre-coffee. On occasion, a client will need something changed in a hurry (but they're all in a hurry, right), and I feel like a bumbling idiot while answering questions before my brain has been caffeinated!

While I have general terms, like most freelancers, I make it a practice to make what is and is not included in a order clear with my clients. A reiteration, I find, is helpful. And most clients don't read all the TOS or FAQ, so this reiteration protects us both... for the most part. ;)

A good rule of thumb when vetting freelance writers, Smiley73. Sadly, a degree from the most prestigious university means nothing when it comes to writing qualities. As I'm sure most of us have seen, holding a Masters or PhD means nothing in the grand scope of excellent writing. When I worked "a real job" (mocking some of my naysayers), I came across upper level execs whose writing skills were elementary at best. Sure, some snub us freelancers--especially academic writers--but the fact remains the same: some people just can't write!

Same here. I may work 24-hours straight, but then I can rest and pick back up when I'm ready. Being able to set my own schedule is one of the things I love about freelancing, other than it being the perfect setting for introverts, like me.. ;)

@Smiley73 is right: "Don't just go making claims like the one you made if you are not willing to explain yourself."

I'm a freelancer, and I also refer clients to others when I'm overbooked or get a request I can't handle, so when I see reviews or feedback on potential alliances, I want honest info.

I've experienced a few "liars" who used multiple email addresses to get a first time discount but in the end, they have to live with the lie. I accepted the order and pay, albeit at a lower cost to the customer. Still, it was more than the zero I probably would have received if I had called them out. ;)

I see this one is for returning customers. Is there one for new customers?

Positive nod sent to you. ;)

Personally, these are the ones I find most ridiculous. I no longer work with any company or client with these terms, but these are some I learned the hard way in my earlier years. ;) Of course, these are not new to those who've been writing for a while or even hanging out in this forum. Just sharing my pet peeves.

- Those that require unlimited free revisions and the writer will not be paid until the customer is happy. We all want happy customers (happy = return customers) but let's be honest... some (not all, just some) will never be satisfied.

- Unfair penalties for slight deadline delays. Some will cut a large % from the writer's pay even if the deadline is only a few minutes late. I pride myself on meeting deadlines, but we're all human and an occasional delay shouldn't result in a major deduction. Some do not pay at all if the deadline is missed even by minutes. Of course, if a writer is constantly late, that's a different matter, but you get what I'm saying. :)

I agree with Smiley73 (ref: essayscam.org/forum/es/buyessayonline-warning-cheated-5992/#msg77788): Hence the unlimited revision offer.

A legit company with professional English-speaking writers would never offer unlimited free revisions. As writers, we are human and mistakes like everyone else, but for the most part clients can tell when the issue is human error or actually poor quality.

It's been a while since anyone asked, so I'd like to know if anyone has recently tried and what are your views now? Have the programs improved? Recommendations? I'm a fast typist but my brain is even faster. ;) Side note: I used to see commercials for Dragon a lot but haven't in quite some time, which tells me its popularity may have waned. ??

@FreelanceWriter explained it best. I'll add: unless an assignment specifically calls for combining past assignments to complete a current/final assignment, always assume you many NOT reuse your past work. I know it sucks, but it is plagiarism and not worth the risk. :)

The legit academic writing companies, though few and far between, take the time to review applicant samples and verify resumes. Yes, that means the services cost more, but as we all know, if an offer or price is too good to be true, it probably is. Sadly, Smiley73, your comment is partially correct. Those companies that take on under-educated writers and pay a few dollars per page are even less likely to care about their clients. Companies that value those who work with/for them are more likely to care about the outcomes for their clients. This includes setting limits on free revisions. As a freelancers, I don't mind revision requests within reason. I'm only human and make mistakes like everyone else. I'd be lying to say I never forget something or err in my writing. However, I refuse to work with any company that offers unlimited free revisions and I personally only offer 2 free revisions (within reason). I also refuse to work with any company that will not pay its writers until the customer is satisfied. As most here can verify, many clients simply cannot be satisfied. If we worked under those terms, we'd all go broke! Having said this, I love this industry but I do see negatives in how freelancers are treated by companies that care more about the bottom line than those who do their work for them and those who bring them business (the customer). After all, if a company's writers are happy, it will show in how the interact with clients and, in turn, will yield satisfied clients. Just my 2 cents and we all have our own stories and experiences--good and bad. :)

That's how I feel, too. I also find that in everyday conversations, I have unique insight sometimes because of all I've learned through the research. So, not only are we making a living, but we're helping others and expanding our minds. A win-win for all! ;)

I see you've received several replies on this already (most concurring), but I will add my two cents. You learned a valuable lesson but if this person took the product without paying, they do not own the product. You do. You have the right to do with your project as you see fit, including publishing the paper. Either way (post or not), I'd never start without 50% up front and the balance before delivery. If the client wants to see your work first, and they have paid the 50%, let them see half the work. :) Freelancers like us rely on being paid for the work we do. At least this way, you won't lose as much if they don't pay for the second half. I'm sure this is nothing you don't already know.

I've been writing in the academic field for 17 years. I love it! There's pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the bad. One thing I've learned is when you find good clients and/or a good company to work with, give them your best and be on time. That's how I've maintained my freelance jobs. :)