“Hey, can you do this one more thing for me? It shouldn’t take more than a minute”.

Welcome to the wonderful world of scope creep. Scope creep is when you and your client agree to a project but over time the project increases in size (in other words, the scope of the project creeps upwards).

Here’s my take on scope creep: I’m okay with it if the rate is also increased to the same degree. In fact, I’m very happy when it happens because it means my per-project rate increases without me having to do any marketing, and I’m honored that the client trusts me enough to extend the parameters. However, I do know some freelancers who don’t like even this kind of scope creep because their time is tightly scheduled.

In my experience, it is extremely rare that the increase of rate is relative to the increase of scope. More frequently, the scope is extended without any expectation of an increase in rate. And, on occasion, the scope is extended with a rate increase but that rate increase is never relative.

While it can be tempting to say “oh sure, I’ll take care of that, too”, you need to fight against scope creep (or, AT LEAST fight the kind of scope creep where your rate doesn’t increase as well)! You set a dangerous precedent. If your project fee for 5 articles is $500 and you agree to do a 6th article for free, your effective rate is no longer $100 per article but $83.33 per article. And it’s something that your client just may demand in the future.

The best way to fight scope creep is to start early: Define the project clearly, even to the point of excruciating detail. Set up measurable limitations on the project. Don’t just say, “I’ll write an ebook” or your ebook will grow and grow and grow. And, don’t just say, “I’ll write an ebook of 50 pages” or your ebook will become denser and denser with input from the client. Instead, say, “I’ll write an ebook of 50 pages, each page containing approximate 250 words double-spaced in 12 point font plus a graphic, and 1.5 inch margins.

Another great way to fight against scope creep is to reduce the number of revisions you’ll allow, and be sure to define what you’re expecting to revise. For example, in the earliest version, you’ll want them to “sign off” on the message of the content. Then in a later version, you’ll want them to “sign off” on the content itself. Then in the last version, you’ll want them to “sign off” on the layout and design. This helps to make sure that they lock in what they want to say early.

Also, before the project starts, actively collect the research and information you need from the client. Set a start date and tell them that you need all the information before that date. It’s not the only scope-creep-fighting solution there is, but it works.

When someone does inevitably request additional work, respond quickly and professionally with a quote. For example, you might want to communicate with something like, “Thanks for that additional information, John. I’ve analyzed the ebook as we’ve currently assembled it and compared it to the new material. I believe I can include it for you and it will impact the page count by 5 pages, which will add an additional $250 to your project. Let me know if you’d like me to continue at this new rate and I will make the adjustment on our contract.”

If the scope creep is less “creeping” and more of a scope gallop, then you might want to say something like, “this is good content but I think we’re losing sight of the original goal of the project. I’d recommend that we continue under the original contract and complete the project as it is now and then create a second project with the new material, simply because it is too valuable to embed in the current project; it should stand on its own.”

Scope creep is a problem, and you WILL encounter it, but it’s one that you can definitely manage… and even profit from!