Writing For Credit Only?
When writing gig posters don’t want to pay writers, or don’t have the money to pay writers they try to justify the lack of pay by assuring you you’ll at least be building writing credits. The theory, I guess, is that if you’ve got writing credits it will be easier for you to get writing gigs that pay. It’s interesting, because the people who pay low rates make the same argument.
The question is, do you need writing credits to get a paying gig?
I say “no, you don’t.” Here’s why:
- Many magazines and even book publishers accept over-the-transom submissions from unpublished writers. As a general rule, you’ll have to submit the completed manuscript for it to receive serious consideration, but this is one way unpublished writers become published writers.
- More than a few gigs want a sample, which is something you can put together to send along. If it’s good enough, you may get the gig.
- You probably have writing credits you’re not aware of. See: No Clips? No Problem!
- You can publish yourself on line with a website. See: All Writers Should Have A Website!
The real reason editors, publishers and other employers of writers want clips is they want to be reassured you can, in fact, write well and write what they need written. There are lots of ways to demonstrate that without writing for no pay.
On the other hand, a couple of articles that are published in something that means something – that is, is respected – can help, but one or two is plenty to get you started. Far better, imo (in my opinion) to spend your efforts learning how to market yourself for pay.
Write well and often,
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POSTED IN: Business of Freelance Writing, Freelance Writing Jobs, Musings From A Freelance Writer, Notes from a Writing Coach
2 opinions for Writing For Credit Only?
Copywriter Underground
Nov 13, 2006 at 12:28 pm
I agree. The “do it for free/next-to-nothing” folks aren’t interested in your career.
If you feel you need a clip, pick your own target, write about a topic you understand, and try to get paid for it.
I’ve been a copywriter for 20 years, and I still hear the “do this job cheap and plenty more will follow” pitch.
I feel for it a few times in my younger days, and it was never true.
Remember, you’re providing something of value, and you need to get value in return.
Anne Wayman
Nov 14, 2006 at 8:29 am
“Remember, you’re providing something of value” - Amen to that!
A
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