- Joined
- Oct 23, 2012
- Messages
- 269
- Reaction score
- 7
- Location
- Roosendaal, Netherlands
- Website
- www.paulhorsman-author.com
I need some advice.
In august I hired a full-time freelance editor (I'll name no names yet, but he was a -verified- respected pro for many years with several reputable houses).
We agreed he would start on Sept 8, turnaround about a month, 50% paid in advance.
In the meantime he soured on freelancing, got himself a job and a baby, went to two book fairs, and is about to publish his own novel. And I'm still waiting for my edit. It was a 2nd opinion and I said from the start I was in a hurry, as the book had just been published.
On Oct 15 I emailed about an ETA and the next day I got a reply, he was 2-3 weeks behind, but 'expected to have something for me early Nov or maybe sooner'. He did mention he'd chuck off part of the second payment for being late.
Nov 10 I emailed again, less patient, that I had said it was a rush job and that it was taking far too long. I got no reply.
Now I know patience isn't my strongest suit, that in part is why I self-publish. But the whole thing is going into its 12th week and that's a bit much for a freelance job. By now, I've lost my trust in him.
So on Nov 20 at 14.00 hrs his time, I emailed him to voice my (polite!) dissatisfaction, and told him I canceled our agreement and wanted my money back before Nov 27.
As yet no reaction.
The delay can be a matter of too much at the same time: new job, new baby, too many clients, his own book. All understandable reasons, and I would've accepted some delay, but 7 weeks overdue is no longer acceptable.
I'm willing to way till the 27th. If he returns the money, all will be well. If not, what more can I do? Give his name to Preditors & Editors? What else?
In august I hired a full-time freelance editor (I'll name no names yet, but he was a -verified- respected pro for many years with several reputable houses).
We agreed he would start on Sept 8, turnaround about a month, 50% paid in advance.
In the meantime he soured on freelancing, got himself a job and a baby, went to two book fairs, and is about to publish his own novel. And I'm still waiting for my edit. It was a 2nd opinion and I said from the start I was in a hurry, as the book had just been published.
On Oct 15 I emailed about an ETA and the next day I got a reply, he was 2-3 weeks behind, but 'expected to have something for me early Nov or maybe sooner'. He did mention he'd chuck off part of the second payment for being late.
Nov 10 I emailed again, less patient, that I had said it was a rush job and that it was taking far too long. I got no reply.
Now I know patience isn't my strongest suit, that in part is why I self-publish. But the whole thing is going into its 12th week and that's a bit much for a freelance job. By now, I've lost my trust in him.
So on Nov 20 at 14.00 hrs his time, I emailed him to voice my (polite!) dissatisfaction, and told him I canceled our agreement and wanted my money back before Nov 27.
As yet no reaction.
The delay can be a matter of too much at the same time: new job, new baby, too many clients, his own book. All understandable reasons, and I would've accepted some delay, but 7 weeks overdue is no longer acceptable.
I'm willing to way till the 27th. If he returns the money, all will be well. If not, what more can I do? Give his name to Preditors & Editors? What else?