The Definitive Guide to When to Write for Free....

Some writers turn their nose up at the prospect of penning pieces for no pay.
They contend that doing so cheapens our profession, while enriching the businesses of deadbeats that build their success off of free labor.  And I don't disagree that there is some legitimacy to this argument.
In fact, it's been a topic that's been hotly debated in writers' forums for years.
So consider this a sequel.

As for me and where I stand?
Well, I have certainly paid my dues over the last decade as a writer; as such, I don't feel the need to take on free assignments that promise to promote me and "build my platform" by publishing my work.
Been there. Done that. Bought the teeshirt.

Still, there are times when I will provide my professional services without a fee.
You should too. It all depends on a few important factors.
Today we'll examine and explore some of these.

So, if you suffer from the "freebies hebeejeebies," here's a guide to decide what work to take and what to pass on, in the overall scheme of things.

CASES WHEN WRITING FOR FREE MAY BE WARRANTED...

• Blogging Guest Posts  

Over the years, I have been approached by several guest bloggers to contribute to their sites. And I'm happy to do so, if the request is reasonable and the site is quality.
Why? I see it as a form of networking and building relationships in the blogosphere.
It also provides important links to expand your fan base and increase your Google Page Rank.
Additionally, blogging typically requires a small investment of time, as posts can be as brief as 250 words. When possible, blog for top sites that have a decent amount of traffic for it to "pay off" in terms of readership.

• Anthologies

These collections of short essays and poems by different authors are projects that "reward" writers with travel opportunities, fun book signing events, and free promotions. Some pay. Some don't. I've been a contributor to almost a dozen to date.
One that I participated in a few years back initially started out as non-paying, but later I pitched the publisher, and she actually hired me to do some marketing and Blog work that ultimately paid a pretty hefty sum.
Be strategic. Think ahead.

• Writing for important causes-"Passion Projects"

Call me crazy here, but pay doesn't always have to be monetary.  At times, it can be really cool and gratifying to use our talents and gifts to champion important causes, increase awareness of timely issues, and serve as an advocate for those in need. Think of it as feeding the soul. If lawyers can work pro bono in special situations, why can't we? :-)

•  Assisting start-ups to STand up

Start up businesses many times are not able to pay freelance professionals simply because they're operating on a wing and a prayer; the money just doesn't exist in the budget yet.
Before I accept these types of assignments, I try to do my homework, though. I research their website, their advertisers, their market, to try to assess their true ability to pay. Not a bad idea for you either.

• Building your portfolio

Everybody's got to start somewhere. And if you've got no clips, you've got no chance of having a successful, profitable career in writing, my friend. My point here?  If you're just starting out, free work can definitely pay off in strengthening your writing skills, building relationships with editors, and establishing a record of publishing credits.

• Short term projects to get your foot in the door in new arenas

I once read somewhere about a romance novelist and self-help writer who wanted to break into the radio talk show business badly, but didn't have the background experience. Though he's hugely successful now, rumor has it that he worked for free for about 6 months to make a name for himself  in the industry, and to show how he could increase the station's ratings. Now he has another career to fall back on. Pretty smart.

What should you take a "pass" on?
Anything that potentially poses itself to be a strain or drain on your time and creative resources.
Anything that compromises your belief system or work ethic.

Summing things up here...

When you come to think of it, most of us have been able to benefit from the "free" services of other professionals in some point in our creative careers. Whether it was a veteran writer who provided advice as a mentor, and didn't charge us, or a friend who "donated" art work or photos for our Blog projects, when we were struggling and broke.
When the situation dictates, maybe you should too.

Pay it forward...

Keep in mind that turning down free work can actually be costly. So, choose wisely.


Your turn.
Make a comment. It won't cost you. :-)


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net