All About Bad Deals
NEWSFLASH: bad deals are not worth it! One thing I see over and over again with writers is this:
They want it so badly that they’ll accept almost anything.
An “opportunity” lands in their inbox. It sounds exciting, even flattering. It sounds like this might finally be the thing.
Then, because they don’t want to miss out, writers don’t ask questions. They don’t push back. They don’t stop to think whether the deal actually helps them advance in their careers.
Here’s the truth many writers don’t want to hear: A bad deal is often worse than no deal. YES REALLY!
“Too Good To Be True” Usually Is
We live in a world where some people are desperate to be picked. That desperation can be preyed upon.
If something feels off, rushed, vague, or weirdly secretive, trust that instinct. Especially now, in the digital era, where you can do so much yourself …
You can make films on your phone.
Or you can publish your own work.
Make your own podcasts or audio dramas.
You are in the business of ‘I.P’ – intellectual property. You can control this. It’s possible to build an audience without waiting for permission.
So, when someone asks for control, ownership, or exclusivity in exchange for “exposure” or “experience”?
Pause. Interrogate it.
Because walking away is always an option. Never accept bad deals because you’re afraid of not getting picked.
You’re Worrying Far Too Much. Really!
Another thing that holds writers back? Fear.
- “I don’t want Twitter to yell at me.”
- “I don’t want to get it ‘wrong'” (whatever that means)
- “I don’t want someone important to say, ‘Who the hell do you think you are?’”
But here’s what actually happens most of the time: if someone’s not interested or dislikes your writing, they ignore you. That’s it: no public shaming. No blacklist. No career-ending humiliation.
But sometimes – this is the wild bit – people do reply. And that’s okay, too. Most people who take time out of their days will tell you they like your work, but even those who say they don’t? Well, that’s the price of visibility.
What’s more, those few people who are most vocal about not liking your writing will usually be doing less than you.
As I always say on this blog and the B2W social media: You are going to get criticised anyway, so you might as well do the f&@k you want!
The Ultimate Power Move
Knowing what you want and why you write is the ultimate power move … not least because it means you can protect your vision.
I recently had a two-hour meeting with a very experienced producer. For two solid hours he asked me:
- Why this story?
- Why you?
- What’s your lived experience?
- If you don’t have it, why are you drawn to it?
Again and again. Digging. Probing. Stress-testing the idea.
The reason he likes working with me? Because I can answer those questions. That’s not about confidence. It’s about clarity.
You Can Leave. Even After You’ve Signed
This one shocks people. You can say no. You can say “I’m done.” You can get out of contracts.
Even if you’ve signed documents, there are usually ways out:
- Through your agent
- Through an entertainment lawyer
- Through a strongly worded letter that says, politely but firmly, get lost
Writers often think contracts are magical blood pacts. They’re not. They’re agreements. And agreements can be challenged, renegotiated, or ended. Don’t stay stuck out of fear.
MORE: 10 Tips On Getting An Agent (Or Doing Without One) by Julian Friedmann of Blake Friedmann Literary Agency, London
Careers Aren’t Linear (And Subgenres Die)
I didn’t start out being discerning. I took work that helped me learn. Some of it wasn’t brilliant. Other work was … fine. Some of it was actually good.
I learned how thrillers work. I learned how male-driven genres function. Plus I built skills. And then, when that particular subgenre collapsed around 2016–17, I didn’t collapse with it.
Because skills transfer. Always. The industry shifts. The writers who survive are the ones who adapt.
Ask For Help. You Might Just Get It
One of the best things you can do is ask – not demand, not pitch aggressively – but ask.
I once asked a serious, experienced producer if they’d be willing to help me. Not only did they say yes, this person also became a mentor. For free. Because I asked and because I didn’t behave entitled, weird or demanding with it. I was ‘coachable’.
Over time, I started helping THEM. Now we are colleagues. See how this works???
That’s it. No secret trick. No hustle nonsense. Just asking.
MORE: Hey Writers: Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy. Here’s How
Final Thoughts
You are not powerless. You are not trapped. Nor are you ‘lucky’ just because someone noticed you.
Ask questions. Walk away from bad deals when needed. Build your skills.
And remember: you’re allowed to take up space in this industry.
If you want more straight-talking advice like this, you know where I am.
