You do not need six separate documents to protect your creative business. You need a single, well-structured contract that matches your working style. Learn what it looks like and why it’s the foundation for a thriving creative business.
Why client boundaries break down (and how to prevent it)
Most clients aren’t “bad”, they just are unaware or unsure of your boundaries. Why? Because your contract doesn’t hold up when things get messy. Learn how to write contract clauses that predetermine outcomes and protect your time, so you don’t end up renegotiating mid-project.
Copyright info in metadata + avoiding refund and reschedule drama
Hi Reader! This week, I met with a client who’s dealing with someone taking images from her e-commerce shop and using them to sell knockoff products on another site. As part of our conversation, I downloaded one of the images from her shop and noticed that she didn’t have the copyright information embedded in the metadata. And I suggested she change this ASAP. I suggested this because the removal or alteration of metadata copyright information is another available avenue for a lawsuit. And…
Refunds and reschedules without the drama
You finally booked the client, you blocked your calendar, and then they canceled last minute. Or they tell you they’ve changed their mind and they want their money back. Refunds and reschedules are common, but they don’t need to derail your business (or ruin your monthly revenue). Last-minute cancellations and refund requests feel unfair because […]
How systems help, new YouTube series + your weekly roundup
Hi Reader! This has been a busy week; Ozzy and I left Wyoming and are halfway south to Arizona for the winter. I got the chance to shadow some experienced pickleball referees at a tournament (where Ozzy and I also were able to cheer some of our friends on who were playing). Both Ozzy and I had our routine medical appointments. And I’m getting everything organized to host the Copy + Paste Legal Week again. It’s been a little hectic, to say the least. When things are busy like this, I am so…
How to stop late payments before they happen
Tired of chasing late payments? The problem usually starts with unclear or incomplete contract payment terms. Learn how to build payment protections into your contracts so you get paid on time and avoid awkward follow-ups.
How to stop clients from stalling your projects
Projects that stall can quietly erode your income, your calendar, and your creative energy. Learn how to use simple contract language to create momentum and keep clients engaged. You’ll also see how to build in consequences that prevent endless delays.
Email subject lines, Q4 legal tasks + your weekly roundup
Hi Reader! About a week ago, Rebecca asked if I’d break down the Washington Supreme Court case on Old Navy and their misleading email sale promo subject lines. This case opened a bigger can of worms than it closed. But it comes into play when crafting email subject lines, especially holiday promotions. As a reminder, the CAN-SPAM Act regulates email marketing in the U.S., but several states have stricter laws that must be followed if you are emailing people who reside in those states….
6 20-minute tasks you can do in Q4 to end the year strong
To close out the year, there are 6 legal tasks you should tackle in Q4 for your creative business. Learn what they are and how to do them.
Smartly hiring help + your weekly roundup
Hi Reader, First off, a huge thank you to the dozen of you that shared what you were stuck on, obsessed with, or curious about earlier this week. You sent some great ideas, and I’ve got lots to write about in the coming weeks. I’m starting with the challenge that Jane and Pam sent, because many of you might be in the same boat and are thinking about bringing on holiday help. For product-based businesses, the holiday season is crunch time, and when you make most of your sales. But that comes…
Stop guessing if she is an independent contractor or employee
Unsure if she is an independent contractor or employee? Click through to learn the test you’ll use to decide plus 7 examples.
The dangers of using “free” stock photos + your weekly roundup
Hi Reader! This week, I heard from a friend who got a cease and desist letter. What did she get the letter for? Using an image on her blog that she had downloaded from a “free” stock photography site. Sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay are great. They provide access to free images for almost any use. But they come with one huge potential pitfall, and it’s a “scam” I’ve seen dozens of times over the years. (And I got a letter for this exact reason a few years back.) How this scam works…
