Ever wonder what the “free” in freelance writer stands for? Is it free for freedom? Or free as in non-paying?
According to Dictionary.com, the word came from the 1820s meaning medieval mercenary warrior. And later referring to journalism in 1882. What a long way we’ve come from the original meaning. Or have we?
As freelance writers, we’re closer to a mercenary warrior (a courageous one who works for pay) then one that works for free, aren’t we?
Yet, I’m noticing more and more job ads requiring freelancers to write “on spec” (essentially for free) first.
MY CONFESSION:
I’ve been guilty of applying for several of these jobs. Jobs that ask me to write a blog or a short article for free. I’m always one of the top candidates when I’m asked to do yet another sample. And the end result? I typically don’t get the job.
WHaT Do YoU ThInK?
Have you ever written samples for free? What was the end result? And do you think it was worth the risk?
Hi Brandi.
I’ve been suckered a few times with the “send an article on spec” scam. It has never led to a paying gig for me, not once. The variation on this has been more effective: I will apply for a contract, the employer will then request a sample article for which I will be paid, and then we move on from that place. I’ve only been turned down for a position once with that method.
I believe it was Jenn Mattern who made the restaurant analogy: If you go to a restaurant, you don’t get to order a bunch of food and then leave without paying because you were just “sampling”. Treat your business the same way.
Wendy
Hi Wendy! I love love love that analogy! In general, I agree with you. There seems to be more scams on writing samples, then there are great gigs that come out of it. However, I have had a few successful jobs out of a few “on spec” situations. Doing so, helped me get my first article published in a national magazine. At the same time, I’ve also wasted time on publications and content sites that stiffed me. Guess the problem is I’m not sure how to weed out the serious gigs from the scammy ones. Any thoughts on that? P.S. I just checked out your site and I love it!
Hi Brandi. Writing on spec for magazines is a bit different, I think. They’ve always run their business that way. It’s the web guys you have to watch.
Glad you liked Girl on the Write!
Wendy