It is always important to get credit for your work. Sometimes we feel this is not possible. At the beginning of a project and even in the middle, take a chance andstart a conversation about the project. Determine who will receive credit for the work.
As a freelance medical writer, I write this into my contracts. For the most part, my clients are happy to know about the guidelines for medical writing (ICMJE) and follow this ethical business practice.
Here’s a brief review of the ICMJE guidelines for authorship:
1) substantial contributions to conception and design, or acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data;
2) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and
3) final approval of the version to be published.
All authors should meet conditions 1, 2, and 3. Additional guidelines have recently been added to clarify who qualifies as an author.
These guidelines, while intended for medical writing, can be broadened for any project. For example,
1) substantial contributions to conception and design of project;
2) doing the project or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and
3) final approval of the finished product.
The most important thing is that if you contribute to the project your participation is acknowledged, so credit is given where credit is due.
Short tip–Make sure you get credit for the work that you do!