There is a pervasive idea in freelancing that writing for free is a legitimate avenue to finding paying work. In downturn economies and tough times, like trying to find work during a pandemic, taking any assignment sounds better than turning one down, even if the assignment is on spec or without pay. Don’t fall prey to this idea. It is false.
Could you get your doctor or dentist to agree to see you without payment? How about your plumber, Joe? Would he unplug your toilet for free? What if you told him about the poor economy or lack of jobs in his field? What if you used payment as a lure to get a free sample? Do you think your gardener would cut your lawn for free so you could see how great the grass would look if she’s the one to push the mower or weed your flowers? Not likely.
Only creative fields hold to this idea of checking quality by demanding free samples. And when I say samples, I am not talking about past work, but new work written to the client’s specification. No other professions do this. But you can regularly get graphic designers to mock up designs for consideration. Pastry chefs to provide cake samples. Writers to provide copy for review before payment. It’s a weird expectation placed on those with creative skills.
Granted, there will be times when you will need to write for free. It is built into the job description. But the instances are specific and limited. There are more times when demanding payment for your work is the right course. Here is a breakdown of when to write for free:
Times to Write for Free
Writing on Spec
This is fine if you are talking about writing a screenplay, play, or novel. These are expected practices and standard. It would be difficult to sell a novel without the agent or publisher being able to read it. There may be times when you will write for spec for a client, but the terms should be clearly defined as to what you are providing, when, and under what conditions you would be paid. Do not write for spec without a hard contract governing those terms. Otherwise, you are simply working for free with no recourse or hope of payment.
Choosing to Write a Blog or Other Personal Work
Work you do on your own is always free until you sell it. If you don’t finish that manuscript or blog or whatever you are working on, you cannot sell it or profit from it. That is on you and in your control. The difference here is that it is completely your decision.
Volunteering Your Writing Services for a Cause You Support
It is great to put your skills to work for an organization or cause you support. This, again, is your decision to provide copy for free. As long as writing for free is your decision, without coercion, it is likely a good idea. See the second part of this blog series for reasons why it might not be ideal.
You Have an Opinion You Want to Share
Like writing a blog, the age-old Op-Ed is a good place to write for free. It gives you a platform to share your opinions. While this may not be a great way to find paying work, it is an avenue to share your writing and ideas. And it is your decision to write an opinion piece.
In Your Journal/Diary
Your private writing will always be free, but that does not make it any less important. Most writers find value in a daily practice. This is a great place to demonetize your writing and find benefit.
The next blog will cover when it might make sense to write for free and when you definitely should demand payment.