|
Author: Yuwanda Black Article source: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/. Used with author's permission.
Right off the bat, I want to say that there is no right or wrong answer to this topic. A lot depends on your end goal — to get a job, garner publicity, build a portfolio, etc. However, there comes a time when every writer should say no to writing for free. Below are some issues that I've been pondering about freelance writing.
Issue 1: Content for websites. Content is king on the Internet and everyone wants something fresh and unique on a regular basis. If you are promoting a product/service and write articles to generate publicity, then by all means, give the content away.
However, if what you are selling is your writing skill and are not promoting anything, then don't give it away. You'd be better off doing a direct mail campaign and spending your time creating pieces for your portfolio — even if they are only make-believe companies.
One could argue that the reason good writing is taken for granted is so many give it away. I give a lot of content away, but only within the framework of WIIFM (what's in it for me).
Issue 2: Writing on spec: For those of you who don't know what this is, see this excellent primer article at http://inkwelleditorial.com/beginnersguideglatzer.htm This established freelance writer explains spec writing brilliantly. The bottom line, once your portfolio is complete with good samples, stop this practice.
The exception would be if it's a credit from a noted source that you really want. After all, who's going to turn down Fortune? However, I believe there's a big enough need for good writers that you don't have to sell your soul for one credit, even if it is a "biggie."
How many samples should you have? I advise between five and ten. Try to get them from different sources — eg, two newspaper, three websites, two brochure, one sales letter, etc. This will give your portfolio a range. Nonprofits, friends with small businesses, neighborhood shops — all are possible non-paid sources to build your writing credits.
A tip: Choose a small business and do the brochure, sales letter, etc. first. Then, send it to your target and ask if they would mind if you included it in your portfolio. I don't know any small business that would refuse a well-written promotional piece that doesn't cost them a dime. Bang, a legitimate credit!
Issue 3: Original Content & Rights: I don't believe in giving away original content — again, unless you are promoting a product/service or are just starting out. I am constantly amazed at the number of publications that want original content but don't want to pay for it.
An example. I write a small business column. An editor saw it and approached me to be a regular contributor to their publication, which is quite noted in business circles. The kicker? They didn't want my column but wanted me to contribute original content with no pay. I had to turn them down. I offered the column at no charge (since I already write it), but explained that original content outside of this without payment was not possible.
If you write, then you know it's not easy coming up with original content on a regular basis. Some subjects are so covered that nine times out of ten, new ground is never being broken. We are usually just putting a new spin on it. This costs brain cells! And, trust me, not everybody can do it.
So, the next time you put finger to keyboard, think about your objective. If we all stopped giving away our pearls of wisdom, then the pay level across the board would be raised. About The Author
May be reprinted with inclusion of the following: Yuwanda Black is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and syndicated small business columnist whose focus is controlling your destiny through small business ownership. Her most recent e-books, How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer and Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too! are available for immediate download at http://www.InkwellEditorial.com/bizguides.html Visit her on the web at http://www.EntrepreDoer.biz for a complete list of how-to, small business books and articles.
columnist@EntrepreDoer.biz
15 Quick Tips for People Who Dont Like to Exercise
We've all had days when we don't have the energy to tie our athletic
shoes, let alone bounce around in them. But exercise can give a daily
blast to your mind,...
Dealing With The Painful Loss Of A Loved One
Many times when a loved one passes those left behind might not immediately feel the effects of the loss. It has not 'hit them' or 'sunk in' yet. Sometimes it ...
How to Get a Knock Out Website!
Setting up an online business involves creating a well-planned company website to promote your Internet sales as well as your offline business. So the key task ...
Love and Courage
Perhaps these two concepts (love and courage) are the most important of philosophy as they capture the essense of life, in terms of its fundamental purpose and ...
St Valentines Day, Festival of the Matchmakers
Traditionally, mid-February was a Roman time to meet and court prospective mates and more than fifteen hundred years later we continue the tradition.
Advertising: 10 Powerful Secrets To Help You Sell Your Ad Space Like Crazy
If you want to sell more ad spaces, you must read
and use the secrets I am revealing here:
Entrepreneurs Ask: What Can a Virtual Assistant Do For Me?
Freeing your time is a key element in continued business success. Hiring a professional Virtual Assistant (VA) can free up your time and energy, allowing you t...
Novel Free-For-All Idea
Almost anyone who has tried submitting to free-for-all sites will say that they are no longer worth the effort as a traffic generating tool. Automated FFA submi...
Strategies to Help Boost Your Childs Self Esteem
Tips for parents to use to boost their children's self esteem.
Accepting Change
Well I've finally done it...I turned my heat on. After shouting at the kids that it's not cold and making them dress like they are outside, I turned on the heat...
Basic Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Choosing a first home can be a daunting task, but following a few key steps makes it a lot less confusing.
How to Develop a Local Traffic Base
Getting a loyal traffic base for your website is an important way in keeping your traffic high. People who like your website are also more likely to tell their ...
Fix And Flip - The Formula
Buy a house, fix it up and sell it for a profit. A great plan if you don't make the mistake most investors make.
What’s Your Style? A Guide to America’s Most Common Home Styles
Styles of houses vary across the country. From the New England Cape Cod to the Victorians of San Francisco, the choices are almost endless. Knowing which styl...
The Metamorphosis of The Brain: Raising Your child to be a Brainiac
Learn ways hasten the development of your child's brain so as to maximise his/her potential. Article first appeared in the May 2005 edition of the ZoneNet newsl...
Internet Marketing is Changing Right Before Your Eyes!
There's no doubt about it . . . Big changes are in the air! In the midst of all the usual scams and rip offs, there's a New Wave of Marketing techniques that ...
MLM Network Marketing
Tips On MLM Network Marketing
Look Out for that Great Accountant
There are many factors to be considered when you are trying to select the accountant who is right for you. In other words how to find that good one. Better stil...
The Memorable First Days!
The first few hours in this world, when we as babies drop out to mingle with the natural beauty and wonders, the first day in our life is the most important day...
The Power of Why: Setting Intention-Oriented Goals
Everyone - particularly business coaches like me - talks about goal-setting, and so it is surprising that surveys indicate 97 percent of businesspeople do not s...
Simply Wonderful Scented Sugars
Scented sugars are simply wonderful. They make great gifts, too!
The Best Network Marketing Company
The Best Network Marketing Company...
Predictions of Mayan Calendar Followers? 2012 is Just Around the Corner
Doom and Gloom Predictions of Mayan Calendar Followers? Is this really the end? My house will not even be paid off yet.
Traffic Exchange Strategy
For those starting out with their first website, finding visitors can be the most challenging aspect. Your site is new, so nobody knows about it. Fortunately ...
|
Print this page