Write for Free to Move into Publication

Writing for Free - Should You? Shouldn't You?

Should you write for free? It's a very controversial subject. I've read lots of articles with both pros and cons. Personally, I think a newbie should write for free as long as it helps them work toward their goal. So? what is your goal? To fill a void in your life? To leave your mark on the earth? There's nothing wrong with that. You probably have some urgent things to say and no one else will say them the same way. 

Writing for free is a great way to get started. This is how most writers begin. While it's true that people who have contacts can skip protocol and begin writing for large markets immediately, the ordinary person cannot. An editor's first question will be, "Where have you been published?" You should have a list as long as your arm. So where do you get that experience? You write for free. Here are a few ideas:

Write for ezines that pay in subscriptions (some will pay $5)

Write for your church bulletin

Write for bulletins or newsletters at work.

Go to your local newspaper and ask if they need someone to cover sports and/or political meetings.
(These are hard jobs to fill, and almost every paper needs someone in these positions.)

Write an article on odd things you see in the community. Sell them to the local paper. (Always take a pic. You'll get $10 for the article and $5 more for a pic.)

Write for Associated Content or eHow

You may be asking yourself, "But if I give writing references from local papers and bulletins, won't the editor know I've been writing for free?" Yes, they will, but they won't care. They'll know you've been out learning the market and that you must be some kind of a decent writer or no one would have published you.

As you see your articles go into print, clip and save them in a notebook. Don't forget to note the date at the top. You'll need that information later. These are called "clippings". I use a photo album for mine. It protects them and they're easy to go through. If you take writing courses and receive a Certificate of Completion, you may want to keep them in the same album. 

When you send your first piece to a magazine, don't make the mistake of saying, "My teacher said she liked this piece," or "I've never been published before, but I work hard at it," or "I belong to a writer's club and they voted this article as the best of the month." These are amateur remarks and any editor will recognize them as such.

If you don't have publication credits, avoid the subject altogether, but do write a short cover letter to accompany your submission. Give the short story on how you got into writing and what your goals are, and don't forget to thank the editor for his time.

In conclusion:

   Writing for free is a great way to establish writing credits. 

   Keep dated clippings in a scrap book, as you will need that information later on.

   Present yourself well. Remember, you're selling yourself.

   Have the audacity of a Rockefeller when you're seeking a job at a newspaper

Most of the time, you make your own chances in this business and learning to bluff your way through is part of the learning curve. Write for free and door will open!

About the Author:

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