Writers' Weekly: Why you shouldn't work for free.
written by Julie R. Neidlinger 1 comments link this post
If you're a writer and aren't signed up for the Writers' Weekly ezine, you simply need to remedy that. There are a million reasons why I appreciate what they do for writers, but one thing that stands out in particular is the fact that they don't run ads or endorse freelance or writing jobs that don't pay. And to back it up, they listen to the complaints of writers who have been taken advantage of and do research to find out just what's going on. Any magazine, publisher, web site, editor, etc. found to not be fully above-board or to be misrepresenting themselves in ads is taken to task, documented fully on the Writers' Weekly forum in the "Whispers and Warnings" section, no holds barred.
Why the refusal to run ads that don't promote paying jobs? Good question.
I know that there are people who fall into the "I'll do my writing or art for free because exposure is important."
I used to be one of those people. I was desperate for a chance to get my name out there; I needed to see my writing or art in some published or used format just so I knew it was "valid." But you know what's come of all those instances of free exposure? Nothing. I've never seen a single thing from them, whether it be allowing my art or writing to be used for charities or ezines or newspapers - nothing.
I got to thinking about what "exposure" was exactly, and whether it was something I needed. I've come to the conclusion that exposure is a blanket term for making people aware I exist but doing it in a non-targeted way. No target, no results. My successes have been targeted, not broad, and in no way fell under the "I just need some exposure" umbrella. Besides, what kind of audience is tuning into freebies? Are they really going to be future paying customers?
Maybe I don't have children to feed, but I do have bills to pay.
I like Angelo Hoy's response in one particular instance to a publication that wanted writers to submit articles for free: To be honest, if you can't afford to pay people to work, you shouldn't be in the publishing business.
I agree. If a bunch of writers get together and make their own publication and do their own writing and are willing to do it unpaid because its their own baby - that's one thing. But in this day and age, no writer or artist should have to get carried away handing out stuff for free for exposure.
Why?
- Get a blog. Plenty of exposure, all of your work in one easy spot, edited and set up as you want it. Everything about your work, everything important, is under your control. No one else. My best practice, my best exposure, has been right here on my own blog and web site. Really. Of course, do a good job with your blog.
- If you give stuff away for free for too long, your work is cheapened. It isn't worth much because people can get it for free. I've learned this very hard lesson with my art. If you're willing to give it away, people keep on being willing to not pay for it.
- Too often the only exposure free-will writing or art gives you is exposure to more places that want your stuff for free. You'd be surprised how few times paying gigs come out of free work.
- The kind of company you'll be keeping in free publications and other free gigs simply isn't going to be top-notch. "Exposure" gigs are where writers and artists try their wings. It isn't where a professional garners paying jobs of noteworthy quality. Don't let your good work be overshadowed by the shabby neighbor next door.
- What other profession or job is expected to be honored to work for free? So why should you? If someone wants what you create, they can pay for it. Your time and effort is as valuable as theirs.
Just some thoughts on working for free. Don't shoot yourself in the foot just because you're desperate. I've been there, and I sure miss my feet.
Labels: writing
Copyright (c) Julie R. Neidlinger 12/23/2005 05:02:00 PM
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1 Comments:
I've been published a grand total of 4 times. All paid, though the pay in every case was miniscule.
I agree completely: no writing for free. Recently, some local shop owners asked me to write lengthy copy for a two page spread advertisement. I did it for no money but insisted on a byline (which you hardly ever see in an advertisement and especially not in that particular biz to biz publication). I've felt guilty about breaking my "never write for free" rule ever since.
Never again.
By 
Jim, at
December 30, 2005 10:35 PM
