CPP Client Management & Freelance Business 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client sends you a 50-page document but the contract specified 30 pages. What is the most professional first step?
- Complete all 50 pages at the original rate to maintain goodwill
- Notify the client of the discrepancy and discuss a revised fee before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Proofread only 30 pages and return the document without explanation
- Refuse the project entirely
Correct answer: Notify the client of the discrepancy and discuss a revised fee before proceeding
Alerting the client to scope creep and renegotiating terms before proceeding protects both parties and maintains professionalism.
Question 2: Which clause in a freelance proofreading contract protects you if a client publishes a document containing an error you did not catch?
- Indemnification (limitation of liability) clause (Correct answer)
- Non-disclosure agreement
- Kill fee clause
- Work-for-hire clause
Correct answer: Indemnification (limitation of liability) clause
A limitation of liability clause caps your financial exposure if a missed error causes the client harm after publication.
Question 3: A new client asks for a sample proofread before signing a contract. What is the standard professional practice?
- Decline all sample requests as unprofessional
- Provide a free sample of up to 500 words to demonstrate your skills (Correct answer)
- Proofread the entire document for free as a demonstration
- Ask for full payment before any sample work
Correct answer: Provide a free sample of up to 500 words to demonstrate your skills
Offering a short paid or unpaid sample (typically up to 500 words) is an accepted way to demonstrate competency without giving away extensive free labor.
Question 4: When should a freelance proofreader issue a kill fee?
- When the client submits the manuscript late
- When the proofreader withdraws from the project before completion
- When a client cancels a confirmed project after work has begun or been reserved (Correct answer)
- When the final invoice is overdue by 30 days
Correct answer: When a client cancels a confirmed project after work has begun or been reserved
A kill fee compensates the proofreader for time reserved or work begun when a client cancels a confirmed project.
Question 5: A client insists on changes that contradict the agreed style guide. What should the proofreader do?
- Implement all client changes without comment
- Implement the changes and add a stet note flagging the style deviation (Correct answer)
- Refuse to implement any changes that violate the style guide
- Terminate the contract immediately
Correct answer: Implement the changes and add a stet note flagging the style deviation
Implementing the client's preference while noting the style deviation in a comment keeps the client informed and documents professional judgment.
Question 6: Which payment structure is most commonly used by freelance proofreaders for longer projects?
- Full payment after delivery only
- 50% deposit upfront, 50% on delivery (Correct answer)
- Monthly retainer regardless of output
- Hourly rate with no deposit
Correct answer: 50% deposit upfront, 50% on delivery
A 50/50 split—half upfront and half on delivery—balances cash flow protection for the proofreader with risk mitigation for the client.
Question 7: What information is essential to include in a freelance proofreading invoice?
- Client's personal address, invoice number, payment terms, itemized services, and total due (Correct answer)
- Only the total amount and your bank details
- A breakdown of every grammar rule applied
- Your educational credentials
Correct answer: Client's personal address, invoice number, payment terms, itemized services, and total due
A professional invoice must include identifying details, an invoice number for tracking, clear payment terms, itemized work, and the total owed.
CPP Client Management & Freelance Business 2
A client sends you a 50-page document but the contract specified 30 pages.
What is the most professional first step?