When writing for free, there must be good reasons. However, often people write for free because they feel that it is a necessary evil for breaking into the writing business. Although there is some justification for “paying your dues,” you do not want to fall into this trap for any length of time. Bills need to be paid and food is needed to survive; writing for free will not accomplish these necessities of life.
Poor Reasons for Writing for Free
To See your Name in Print
- Assuming that the only way to see your name in print is to give your work away is not a good reason. If you can write, then why not get paid for your work? There is nothing like seeing your name in print and receiving a paycheck for your work!
Finding Out if You are Good Enough
- Markets that do not pay for written work is not a good test of your abilities. These markets typically accept what ever is forwarded to them and publish it just to have something on their website until something better comes along. The companies in this market, generally do not retain quality editors on their staff with the ability to adequate critique your work.
Polishing Your Skills
- When you approach writing for free tasks in this manner you need to consider your writing reputation. Your reputation proceeds you; your portfolio makes or breaks you! Polishing your skills is better served in critique groups.
Allegiance to Others
- Writing something for someone you owe a debt, is not a good reason. Once or twice is okay; however, someone who seeks free writing from you using this approach is not doing you any favors. Do not let a since of loyalty hold you back from your goals, because this loyalty is sometimes overused. Paying gigs come first!
Quality
- Most people, consciously or subconsciously, do not put there best effort into free work and often this shows in the final product. Remember – Your reputation proceeds you; your portfolio makes or breaks you!
Resources
- 10 Tips for Improving Your Writing Skills
- Freelance Writer Online Portfolio
- Freelance Writing Tips
- 10 Freelance Writer Job Websites
