Sometimes we run up against an issue that we can’t see our way to solving. Such is the case of one writer, who asked for anonymity, and her current client. I promised her I’d ask my blog readers to help her figure out how to deal with this situation. I have my own ideas, which I passed on to her, but maybe you have some wisdom for this writer (whom we shall call Connie). Here’s Connie’s story:
For quite a few years my husband, who is a graphic designer, and I, a writer, have put together a magazine for a client’s property firm. We work with his marketing woman, who … does the flatplan, gathers the materials and liaises with the local retailers and other organizations who are featured in the mag. It’s our job to turn those raw materials into something readable and engaging. For the first year, we did a fantastic job and we were both very proud of the magazine that we created.
And then, the consultant was called in.
This consultant is not a journalist or an expert at all in publishing. She is advising my client on his retail strategy, something my client believes she is “the best in the business” at. We were summoned to a meeting with the consultant and asked to bring examples of our portfolio – in short, to explain ourselves.
The consultant then went away and came up with some ideas for how the magazine could be “improved.” Her conclusion? It looked “too professional.” (Well, what else could she say?!) Her vision was that the magazine should convey a charming amateurishness, like a parish magazine. It should have a range of voices (i.e. hers and her other
clients’ . . .)
Well, it’s certainly achieved its goal of amateurishness! The magazine has since turned into a dull, unreadable series of rewritten press releases, mixed in with articles written by people who are verging on illiterate (or their first language isn’t English) and commissioned by people who can’t commission. My job is to come in at the last minute to make the copy look like less of botch job (for none of the contributors ever delivers their offerings on time or to word count – always two days before we go to press).
Each issue has become increasingly soul-destroying and I’m at a loss as to what to do. Part of me wants to share my views honestly with the client, but since I’ve never been asked for them, I feel uncomfortable doing so. Part of me wants to just ditch the job, but, hey, what freelancer wants to turn down paid work in this environment? (Though actually, I’m pretty swamped at the moment, but my husband is less so).
Oh, and the whole thing is complicated by the fact that the client is also a personal friend. What would you do, Lori?
So, dear readers, what would you say to help Connie?
I would lay the first, excellent issue in front of the client, alongside a newer, crummier issue. Then I would ask her to give her immediate input as to which was the more readable version. What she, personally, is drawn to, not what some "expert" says.
Then tell her that you are not the right person to produce the newer version; you feel that it does not meet your standards for quality, and you cannot in good conscience take her money for an inferior, unreadable product. Tell her you treasure her as a friend, and you really can't have something on your conscience if your friendship is to continue. You can give her your highest quality work, or none at all, but either way, you want to continue having her as a friend.
Sheesh. I sound like Ann Landers.
I totally agree with Eileen, especially as she has phrased it much more diplomatically than I would.
It also points out to the importance of the clause you put in your contracts, Lori, about no third party interference.
I would do as Eileen suggested, and tell the client you consider this meeting your resignation.
The work's out there, even in this economy. Continuing to work for this client on something that is below your own standards only pulls you down. It hurts your overall portfolio and the ability to get the quality of work you deserve.
Give the client one chance to see the light; then dump the client.
The ultimate phrase was "soul-destroying." No job is worth that, not even if it pays a ton of money. We freelance so we feed our souls, not destroy them.
Thanks, Eileen and Devon. As you point out, Devon, it's why I have contracts voiding any relationship that suddenly includes third parties. Nothing kills a project faster than a client placing trust in a non-professional. I'll never understand it – they pay writers to write, then let their non-writing friends, relatives, acquaintances, colleagues, busboys, valets give them writing advice and basicall rip apart tons of hard work and collaboration.
Eileen, I think your advice is spot on. Since this is a friend of Connie's, it's a good idea to take it to her directly and express concerns about the quality. And I'd add listen to the client's response. It could be that the client is happy with the new direction. If that's the case, Connie can then give her regrets and wish her client well working with the consultant.
If you keep it about the quality of the product and NOT about the people or personalities involved, you're showing your client real concern for his or her end product. It's NOT personal – it can't be. This is business and should be treated as such.
That would be "basically" with a y. Fast fingers. 🙂
Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to ponder my problem. I'll report back!
Connie.