WHEN IT'S OKAY TO WRITE FOR FREE

As a professional writer you should expect to get paid, but there are times when writing for free can advance your career. Writing articles in your local newspaper can get exposure in your local community, which is especially helpful if you’re seeking clients there. Just be sure that the paper includes a short biography that tells people what you do and gives them a way to reach you. Practice writing a short (2-3 line) promotional piece about your writing business and send it with every article you write—whether you’re getting paid or not. The paper may not use it if they’re paying you, but insist that they do if you’re not getting paid.

For instance, when I lived in one spot, I often wrote feature articles for a business newspaper simply for the exposure. I would include a paragraph that said: “Kay Kennedy is a Tacoma writer who creates newsletters, brochures, and other written materials for business and corporate clients. Contact her at: xxx-xxxx.” As a traveling writer, I give them an e-mail address or direct them to my Web site.

When writing for free, make sure you let readers know who you are, what you do, and how to reach you.

Another reason to write for free is to get your first byline. Also to get your name in front of readers who might like your style of writing and contact you for a project they have in mind. Or to get your name in front of prospective agents, magazine editors, or publishers. I have also written free articles for newsletters of organizations that I belong to, or serve on the board. I consider those as a volunteer service, but the exposure certainly doesn’t hurt my business, either.

As a new writer, you’ll probably want to seek free publicity to help your business grow. As you build your business, you’ll know when it’s no longer profitable to write for free.