Here's a good reason why you should build up a good network of writing friends: you can stay up to date on which publications are notoriously bad at paying on time. "When I get new clients, I check their reputation if possible, which is one huge benefit of being part of different freelancers networks," says freelancer and guest MBToolBox blogger Annie Logue. "Not only can you look up reports on companies on membership sites like ASJA and the National Writers Union, but on public boards, writers will often talk about their experiences. A lot of my work comes from word-of-mouth, too, so I can follow the crumbs to the person who made the referral.

I've done work for some startups, and I have not yet had one stiff me (knock wood). If someone does work for a startup, they should go slowly and track the client's payment record.

It goes without saying that writers need to share their experiences, good and bad, with other writers. Only then will we all get the best possible deal."

If you're doing research on a potential new client, where else can you check on what other writers have to say? Well, first of all, of course, the mediabistro bulletin boards. Writers Weekly has a feature called "Whispers and Warnings," which tracks complaints writers lodge about clients. And, even though I'm not supposed to mention competition here, I have gotten lots of help from Freelance Success in this realm and you can too, if you're a paying member (as long as you still read MBToolBox.)