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• Many magazines and even book publishers accept over-the-transom submissions from unpublished writers.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rule, you’ll have to submit the completed manuscript for it to receive serious consideration, but this is one way unpublished writers become published writers.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,

Subscribe to Abundant Writing News