I suspect the primary problem is she’s having trouble paying, and is embarrassed. You might try taking advantage of that: I’d write her a letter (postal mail, hand-addressed envelope with no return address will help get it opened). Tell her you understand she may be in a predicament, budget-wise, and that while you’d like to give her a pass, your family relies on your income, as well. Reiterate your willingness to accept regular payments (a year of $40 monthly payments is better than no payment at all), because “I know you would pay for the work I’ve done if you had the means to do so.” Tell her you understand that she may need to receive income from your work before she is able to pay for it, and that you can accommodate that. But just so she knows you’re not a total pushover, withhold the piece of the final product that you do still retain. This has worked for me.
Karel Juhl Writing & Editing
kareljuhl.com