Should You Write For Free?
June 5, 2005 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
Folks just getting started in freelance writing often ask if they should write for free. I just posted an article on the subject where I list a few reasons why you may want to write without getting paid. But when the topic comes up for discussion, those of us with more experience generally discourage the practice.
What’s interesting to me is how often, based on our encouragement, the questioner will ask for pay and actually get it. Oh sure, there are all sorts of sites and new ‘zines out there that won’t pay you, but often, if you’re dealing with an individual they will if you ask.
Keep it simple when you ask, saying something like, “Sure, I’d love to do that and I’ll only charge you $250 for it.” In sales lingo, that’s an assumptive close – you’re assuming they will agree. It doesn’t always work, but it will get you paid more often than you think.
Write well and often.
Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision – for those who want to get a book written.
I prefer something like: “I can have it for you in a week for $350 or in two weeks for $250. When do you want it? (alternative close)
good point… alternative close takes the assumptive close a bit further