Freelance Writing

Working for Free

For beginning writers especially, working for no pay seems commonplace. Even more established freelance writers might submit to non-paying publications on occasion, depending on the cirumstances and the publication they are writing for. However, the question that often arises from people new to the field -- should I write for free -- meets with mixed responses depending upon who you ask.

Personally, if you are just beginning your career, submitting your work to non-paying publications may be beneficial to you in order to gain the exposure you need. As a novice writer, you will probably have to take low paying or non-paying assignments until you build up your resume and clips, but these markets are still a viable way to get your name out there in the writing community.

A few more established writers will tell you that writing is a profession like any other -- and writers are the only people who are repeatedly asked to work for free; no other proffession hires workers, only to tell them they aren't getting paid. This is definitely true, but in order to gain the exposure you need to approach the big names in the writing industry, you're going to have to go through some grunt work before you can reach the top.

Ultimately, you have to decide who you're willing to work for and which rates are acceptable to you. If you have any thoughts to add, please do so in the comments section! I look forward to reading your responses.

Best Wishes,

Denise

posted by Denise @ 12:34 PM