I would like to know the different ways people who freelance book jobs and charge for jobs.
Does anyone "hold" time for clients?
If the job goes away do you ever charge cancellation fees?
If so, how do you charge?
Does anyone freelancing use contracts for large jobs.
What criteria do you place as a "rush" order?
etc...

Thanks

if by "hold" time, you mean got down in a calendar that you might have work coming in during certain weeks, then yes

no cencellation fees. while cancellations are a pain in the ass, and can cost you work, you want to stay flexible and adjust to client's schedules. if you run into two or three consecutive cancellations, however, it might be worth your while to mention some sort of non-refundable payment upfront. either that or stop talking to said flakey client

rush orders by my definition are anything that would require you to work odd hours (weekends, nights), lose sleep, and/or push other jobs to the side

You can try a "right of first refusal". Hold the date for the client until you get another request for the same date. If you get another booking for that date, tell the first person holding the date that you have a request for that date and allow them to commit or release you so you can take the other booking. If the first person commits to the date, then it's a contract. Be sure you explain all this up front to the potential client or have it written in the contract.

k