want responsible client

Does craigslist have a responsible client section?

If not then I guess you'd have to talk to prospective clients and make sure they're not idiots.

You can run an ad in the Warrior for Hire section but you're going to have to decide if they're responsible. Exchanging a few emails and get a feel for how they do business. Find out exactly what they want and put it in writing so you're both clear on what's expected.

Get at least a 50% deposit upfront.

Rose

What do you mean by a responsible client?

I'm assuming you mean one that pays on time, easy to work with, etc. If that is the case then there is no way to know for sure what kind of client someone will be. As you gain more and more experience you'll start to get a sense for what clients are good and what ones will be a pain in the butt.

For me, I avoid clients who give such a detailed description of the article they want me to write that it's longer than the article itself will be. These clients will usually require endless edits and never really be happy with anything I write. And they'll try to get a discount when the article is finished. Clients who scoff at my rate but decide they want to "give me a chance" are ones I avoid. They'll also try to nickel and dime me when it comes to paying.

My biggest piece of advice: Get everything in writing!!! Whatever you agree to as far as the scope of the project, price, etc should be clearly spelled out in writing.

Good luck!