And the biggest of all, trust your gut feeling when it comes to a client. More often than not I already thought during a discovery call that someone will be a problematic client. But you'll learn over time.

13. Create a freelance project checklist. Ensure you don't miss key steps, like sending expectation docs.

11. Contracts protect relationships, even with friends and family. Always insist on one.
12. Consider bartering with freelance friends. Document everything as you would with paying clients.

8. Charge a reactivation fee for projects paused over 6 weeks.
9. Use "production queue" language. Clients should know their place in line.
10. Charge an "expedite fee" for last-minute requests.

5. Use contracts with clear scope exhibits. Ambiguity is a your enemy.
6. Define terms in contracts. Specify what "pages" or other terms mean.
7. Share a 1-page "Expectations" doc with clients. Clarify mutual expectations and impacts of delays.

3. If billing hourly, send invoices every 2 weeks. It prevents surprise bills and allows clients to adjust.
4. Track time well. Once accurate, switch to flat fees. Hourly rates can undervalue your skills.