What Are the Risks to Being an Essay Writer?

- Common Risks

Sad but true: being a freelance essay writer is not a life devoid of hassles. Although it is true there are so many advantages to this work, there are unfortunately some risks that accompany this profession. Let’s take a look at the primary issues that can arise.

Risk of Not Getting Paid and How to Avoid This Problem

Upon occasion, you will lose money because a client will either not pay for a project or else will take back the money s/he already paid. Both situations are bad, but there are some remedies.

First, you can avoid the risk that a client will not pay for a project by never – and I mean NEVER – writing anything that hasn’t been paid. Plenty of times, clients will wheedle and promise and beg and all but swear on their mother’s heads that they will pay for the paper a week after you send it to them. Never ever believe it, and never ever agree to it. Amazon doesn’t send stuff until they get paid, and neither should you. In fact, you should never write a word of anything until the payment has been received.

Handling chargebacks is something a bit trickier. A chargeback is when the client pays for the model paper and receive the model paper, then files a claim with PayPal or their credit card company claiming they never received said model paper. In these cases, you can file a rebuttal explaining your side of the story, but be aware that the vendor (who, in this case, is you) usually loses. Your next step is to inform the client that if you don’t receive repayment within a certain amount of time (by Western Union, so they can’t take it back), you will plaster the paper all over the internet so it will be flagged for plagiarism if used. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. But be aware that a chargeback is an occupational hazard, and factor it into your overall operating expenses.

If you’re working with a legitimate company, these situations should not touch you – you should not be held accountable for clients’ unethical behaviors. But if you’re working for yourself, it’s important to watch out for these things.

Risk of Slander and What to Do About It

There are forums online that exist to allow clients the chance to discuss various companies and independent writers – forums that can be your best friend or your worst enemy. When former clients are singing your praises, you’ll see a definite jump in business. However, all it takes is one disgruntled client to slam you on some forum for your reputation (and your sales) to take a big hit.

As with other situations, the best solution is prevention. Cultivate a firm, kind, friendly, professional demeanor with all clients, and do not deviate from this persona. Even the most cranky clients will usually respond positively to a professional who does not rise to their bait, but keeps his or her cool. Attempt to solve all conflicts as amicably as possible, and resist the temptation to say what you really feel – that will almost always come back to bite you in the butt.

Occasionally, though, some situation will escalate, causing an angry client to rant against you online. You want to monitor the forums in case something like this happens, because your best bet is to respond. Keep your tone even-keeled, keep the content on point and impersonal, and show yourself to be the consummate professional while you explain why the client is misrepresenting you in the situation. You will come out ahead.

Risk of Extortion and What to Do About It

Luckily, this risk is easily handled. First, what is it? Well, many freelance essay writers are also teachers, professors, and other professionals in the field of education – a field that can tend to look down upon those who engage in academic writing. If a client finds out about this – and if s/he is so inclined – s/he can threaten to let your school or university know what you do in your spare time unless you complete work for free.

This is why many freelance writers use pseudonyms. It is also why most will not divulge personal information to clients, no matter how much they ask. It is better to be safe than sorry in this case – keep your information private (as it is irrelevant to your work in any case), and you won’t have to worry about extortion.