How To Create and Uphold Client Boundaries as a Freelance Writer

Are your clients hounding you at all hours? Do they expect instant responses on Slack? You became a freelancer so that you wouldn't be beholden to a boss, but it feels like you live to please your clients.

Enter, boundaries.

How do you create them?
How do you uphold them?
How do you decide what they should be?

Let’s dive into some ideas about how to create and uphold them (so you can take control of your business.)

Set clear expectations upfront

As freelance writers, it’s our job to keep scope creep in check. You can avoid bending over backward for clients by taking preventative measures. Start the right way by setting clear expectations.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, but…how?”

Anytime a client reaches out, send them an onboarding email. Your onboarding email can include your office hours, your workload availability, an overview of what it looks like to work with you, your rates, and more. Always also be sure to ask questions about the project's scope, such as turnaround time and budget.

Not only does an onboarding email set clear expectations from the get-go, but it also helps you weed out incompatible clients. If they don't feel you'd be a match, they'll ghost you or politely inform you they'll seek help elsewhere. If they do, they'll answer your questions. You can decide whether the client (and the project) is a good fit.

“I explain to my freelance writing clients this is a partnership. It's not just all about me running the show. It's about us working together to deliver the value they need.”

Once someone has signed a proposal, from there you can send them another email asking to schedule a kick-off call. Don't be afraid to include your expectations for communications ahead of this call, either. For example, you might promise to respond to emails within 48 hours unless on vacation. In return, you can advise the client to do the same.

Be selective about projects (when you can)

Don't overcommit. Boundaries help you produce quality work. We understand it's a privilege to be able to pick and choose. When you start as a freelancer, you take the projects you get. But it doesn't have to be like that forever. Here are a few pointers on how to select the suitable projects and keep your workload manageable:

Find your niche. You'll have more targeted clients once you've chosen a specific subject matter or expert area. You'll only write about what you know and love with a niche.
Delegate to other writers. If you have too much on your plate, you can refer projects to different people. It's good karma! This might result in opportunities later.
Ask yourself if it's worth it. Do you have the time to meet your client's expectations? Is the pay fair? If not, don't do it.

Be firm

Direct communication during all client communications is essential. If you don't tell people about your boundaries, they aren't necessarily at fault for violating them. Maybe it's their first time working with a freelance writer. Maybe they don't understand the difference between an in-house employee and a freelance writer.

Afraid of retaliation? Worried you'll be fired for being too firm? Don't give in to your fears. You deserve boundaries, just like everyone else.

“Boundaries aren't about keeping people out. They're about giving people guidelines, so they understand how they're going to get the most out of the relationship.”

But how to be firm? Remove detractors from your conversation. People, especially women, tend to minimize their wants and needs with vocabulary like: "Well, I think—," "I don't know if—," "Sorry, but—."

Cut them out. These phrases make you seem wishy-washy. Your initial conversations establish the tone of the relationship between both parties moving forward. Wishy-washy words or unclear communication shifts the dynamic so that the client has room to misinterpret. Or worse, the power to take advantage.

Teach people how you want to be treated.

Tips for damage control

Maybe you didn't communicate your boundaries. Maybe the client doesn't respect them. Regardless, you'll need to do some damage control. Here are some in-the-moment tips for dealing with violated boundaries:

Don't let resentment build. Express yourself appropriately before your anger has reached a boiling point. Remember to be firm and direct.
Ask for what you deserve based on what you delivered. You were supposed to work a maximum of 10 hours a week. But you've ended up logging an average of 15-20. Value your labor. Make sure they compensate you.
Refer back to your onboarding email or any documentation of your original agreement. Beware of scope creep! If your client isn't sticking to the agreement, copy-paste the relevant portions of the document into an email. This is what you agreed to. Make them stick to it.