So, I need some advice...

[Keith]

Well, life sometimes happens. While it's certainly possible the guy got what he wanted and ditched you, at least for me, the amount of money involved just isn't enough to risk ruining my reputation, so I'd give him (or her, I guess) the benefit of the doubt for a little longer.

You could switch to getting payment up-front. I usually do that (I routinely pay for beta reading, but do it myself for free) and don't remember that I've had any reader stiff me (it's been a couple of years now, though). Another alternative is half to start, the half just before you deliver the response.

Sadly, these things are all part of the wonderful world of business. All businesses allocate a certain fraction of their 'receivables' to bad debt, meaning they never expect to get paid. It's been a long time since I was in an accounting class, but I believe it was in the neighborhood of 4%. Businesses typically up their rates to compensate for the bad debts, so regular customers basically subsidize the deadbeats.

[Lynn]

Have your clients give you half up front and then the rest when you are done . Only send back the manuscript when you get the money. So sorry this guy did this to you.

[N.S.]

I find it interesting, Tabitha that you are complaining about lack of payment when I hired you for a small job you did not complete, explain, or return the funds I advanced you. Granted it wasn't a large advance, so I decided to it was more trouble than it was worth, but I find it unusual that you would complain about not getting paid by someone else. My recommendation would be buyer beware!