are there any books out there that give tips about how to correspond with clients.

ANSWER:
There's one book called How to Negotiate Higher Design Fees that's very good on that subject... the bottom line is everytime the client says "oh can you... " say yes then tell them how much more it's going to cost.


for example, what to do if a client has put a project on hold due to lack of funds but still ownes you money

ANSWER:
Tell them that you understand their problem and ask them to send you $100 a month until the project gets going again and they finish paying you... but don't release any files. The longer you wait to get paid, the harder it will be to get paid.


or how to write winning descriptions of your work when you present it to them.


ANSWER:
Explain how effective the work you did was for other clients... "with this ad, they sold out their product in 3 hours"

or...tips for making people go with you as a designer opposed to the cheaper person down the streeet with no degree. basicly just general client communication tips and tricks. any books? any advice?

ANSWER:
Lots of people can design... but not many designers communicate the "value added element" . I sell my skills by promoting more than just my graphic design abilities. " I can help you with your copywriting.. I can help you with....

Also communicate that you are an artist... not just some person that knows the programs.

When the graphic design community went through the change over to the computer, every designer was in competition with "techies" that knew the programs but couldn't design.. it took a couple of years for people to smarten up and realize that graphic design is not a pretty picture and words.

hey
im not sure if this book will address all of your questions, but its really a great resource and definitely has some good insight on client relations and the business side of things in general. its called "How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul" by Adrian Shaughnessy
check it out! hope it might help...
best
b.