Glad it all worked out mike.. I think I'm going to have to try this "I'm concerned" tactic of yours.. I always feel like I've done something wrong when a client drops contact with me.. and honestly, I just wish they'd tell me what it is that I've done so that in the future I can avoid doing that same thing with other clients

Something to add to the writing contract checklist : Will the corporate contact be there for the duration of the project?

As a follow up...

My "I'm concerned" tactic actually did work.

Things are good now with the client.

Mike

Mike, I have experienced this same situation several times and my policy is as follows:
If I have the full retainer and it's just a matter of getting revisions and closure with the client, I email a few times, then call before sending a final email that I need to start a large project the following week. So I will need to hear from them by (whatever my deadline date is). After that time, I will have to charge by the hour for revisions.

If they still owe me money, I send an email saying that if they have any changes or revisions, to let me know by XXX day. Otherwise, I will consider the job complete - bill forthcoming.

I hope that helps~

Have you solved this problem? ...I think you must contact the higher level person of that new person. If it is not working, than if it is possible you probably have to visit that person in the office directly, so he has no more reason for being silent.

Something to add to the writing contract checklist: Will the corporate contact be there for the duration of the project?

I think you should first contact your ''handler'

Hey Mike, this is disturbing and I hate it when it happens because it makes you feel like you've done something wrong. I think that most writers overall aim to please and it is unfair not to hear anything when we've worked really hard. I had the same problem when I submitted a feature I had worked really hard on, and it turned out the mag was in the middle of being sold. So the entire staff and editorial needs changed. They dropped my piece a year later (after telling me it was running in the next issue over and over again) and never told me! I really let the managing editor , who ironically ended up staying, have it on the phone.

In any case, if you continue to call and not hear, I suggest you send a letter from a lawyer, with a deadline and a timeframe, because you need to get paid and money is the bottom line. Also, as others suggested, have you called the CEO or owner?

Aha! the old Texas hold-em technique, or perhaps it is that age old Principled Peter the conscious incompetent at work or maybe it could be the infamous if I didn't think of it it is a bad idea syndrome.

Anyway, all of these cast of characters can be brought into focus if you deliver WIFM to the then current decision maker.
Yes, Whats In It For Me, works and gets them thinking that you are on the same page as they are and that they can profit by approving the order. When they see an easy to get reward, human nature will kick in and the odds are that they will release that hard earned check to you.

Mike, it is all about being on top of things and having alternative, think on your feet, answers that will induce buyers to say aha to themselves, smile and then hand over the check.

Owen
mentor-one@usa.net

Michael,

It depends WHY I think they're being unresponsive AND whether or not they've paid me any money and owe me any more.

You mentioned you've already tried your "I'm concerned" tactic, but you don't mention what the result was.

Depending on how serious the situation was, I'd be inclined either call the guy or gal again and simply say, "I'm concerned and imagining all sorts of things like...", or even go above their head to his or her boss.

Something else you might try, again depending on your relationship with her, is contacting the lady on maternity leave and asking if she's aware of any problems and how she thinks you ought best to approach the company (since she probably knows the culture better than you do).

This form of words can help, too:

"Just a quick note about the work I've been doing for you.

I've been talking to another client this week who's coming on board with me, and the initial phase is going to tie us up for at least 45 working days. This means when we start with him the week after next I will be fully committed with work until the end of November at least.

Since we've been working together, I wanted to give you the opportunity to get use of my time to finish the white paper.

He knows this and is prepared to wait and/or take a slower lift-off.

Anyway, I have to make some decisions by the end of the day on Friday, so I can start the ball rolling next week. So, if you want me to get finish your project now, I'll need a firm commitment from you by Friday. I've got your draft in way ahead of schedule and even though I've asked you for comments, I've not heard anything yet.

If I don't hear back from you by Friday, no worries, I'll bill you for the outstanding balance and we can pick it up again at the end of November."

Ultimately, I've found simply issuing a bill for the balance of the project and sending it to accounts can work wonders ;-).

Warmly,

Jon

Send candy?

Seriously though, it might be time now to contact other people in the organization for some support on this.