Sonya 1Writing for Free?
January 21st 2010 22:27
As a website editor, I know how content decisions are made in companies. Here's the inside scoop: They want good content and are aware that poor copy does more harm than good. They also don't want to pay a lot for content, if they pay at all.
This can be frustrating for freelance writers. Why should you give away your services for free? You have bills to pay, and last time you checked the utility companies didn't accept words, not matter how well they were put together.
So does it make sense to write "for the byline"?
The answer is: There is no universal answer. Consider these questions:
If a company doesn't want to pay, what else do they offer in return?
Will they link to your blog or website?
Will they mention you in their newsletter?
Will working for them raise your profile as a specialist in your niche?
Find out what the deal is, what's in it for you. There are situations where some sort of barter deal might work out for you. It depends on the circumstances and, ultimately, on your bank balance.
This can be frustrating for freelance writers. Why should you give away your services for free? You have bills to pay, and last time you checked the utility companies didn't accept words, not matter how well they were put together.
So does it make sense to write "for the byline"?
The answer is: There is no universal answer. Consider these questions:
Will they link to your blog or website?
Will they mention you in their newsletter?
Will working for them raise your profile as a specialist in your niche?
Find out what the deal is, what's in it for you. There are situations where some sort of barter deal might work out for you. It depends on the circumstances and, ultimately, on your bank balance.
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