Lots of clients you will come across as a freelance writer offer little to no monetary payment. Instead, they usually offer 'exposure.' There are only two instances where I would recommend doing this.
1) If you're just starting out and are desperate to find a client. This can help you find clients who are willing to pay. Fair warning: it probably won't.
2) If you're just starting out and need a portfolio builder. I have only ever worked for one client who paid below my minimums, and that's because I wanted the experience the job offered (and because it was a fun project.) Portfolio builders are good if you're looking to specialize in a different type of writing. If you're just looking to have something to show a prospective client, write for yourself and show them that.
So why not write for exposure, you ask? If it can help, why aren't I doing it? Here's why.
1) Most clients who offer exposure over money don't know what they're doing. Anyone who asks for professional work for exposure either has next to no budget or no clue. Either case, it's not the sort of client you want to work for.
2) You don't ask a plumber or a roofer to do half a job for free to see if they're any good do you? The same is true of freelance writers. You can't expect a writer to do a lot of work for free to see if they're good. That's what resumes and samples are for.
3) The people who pay the least typically demand the most because they don't know what the hell they're doing.
4) You can spend the time you use writing for free looking for a paying gig.
5) Think of writing for free as an unpaid internship. Can you afford to take it without compromising your financial situation? If the answer is no, don't do it! If the answer is yes, you need a time management class. I have yet to meet a working full-time freelance writer who claims to have enough free time (or motivation) to write for exposure.
6) Be honest: wouldn't you rather get paid? So would I.
Along with offering exposure instead of payment, many prospective clients will ask for an inordinately large number of samples and/or a trial period, during which you do not receive payment. Again, I highly recommend passing on jobs that require unpaid trial periods and boatloads of samples. You needn't write a new sample for each gig you apply for. If you find yourself doing this, STOP! The only circumstance under which you should be writing a boatload of samples for clients is if you have none to offer. If that's the case, go back to your day job and write more BEFORE you try to be a freelancer. Getting off on the right foot as a freelancer requires that you already have a portfolio of material to offer clients as samples. Think of it this way: would you show up for a 'regular' job interview without your credentials? Same thing.
NEVER write on a trial period. People who ask for unpaid trial periods are just looking for free content. Good luck getting picked up after the trial period. Be prepared to hear something like "The position has been adjusted" or "We don't think you're a right fit for the job." The jist of it will be: thanks for the free work sucker, now hit the bricks.
Let's recap, shall we?
1) Do not write for exposure unless you are new/desperate or you really like the material and want a new resume builder.
2) Have your samples ready before you try to start freelancing. Think of it as your interview credentials; the stuff you wouldn't walk into an interview without.
3) Do not write new samples for clients unless a) you think you will need the sample later on or b) it's your dream gig.
4) NEVER write for a trial period. Chances are very high you will get stiffed and waste your time.
5) Find yourself another job if you think you have enough free time to write for free. If you have the time to write for free, you have the time to find a paying gig.
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