You’re a writer. A client asks you to do something unethical.
What do you do?
The short answer is that you say NO. And you put your response into writing.
Let’s say a client you’ve been working with for a while asks you to “reword” an ebook that’s selling well. You’ll find these kinds of writing projects on some of the outsourcing sites. Some writers manage to convince themselves that these projects are OK, because “others are doing it.”
Whatever your own opinions on this, let’s say that you think this is unethical.
If You Think It’s Unethical, It Is
Anybody can make an argument for anything, any time. You set your own standards and policies.
If a client asks you to do something which you consider unethical, give him a written response which says “No.” You don’t need to give reasons. You’re not arguing. You’re just saying NO!
Respond in writing, even if the client has asked you in a meeting, or over the phone. If you’re working with him on other projects, and something happens later, you want a record of who asked what, and what your response was. You’re covering yourself.
Of course, you’ll be professional and pleasant, at all times. Never be afraid to maintain your own standards however.
Should you keep working with a client who’s asked you to do something unethical?
If this is a longterm client, and the request was an aberration, yes. On the other hand, if this is a new client, it’s up to you.
