Freelance Writing Tips - July 26, 2007
Writer's Resources...
Should You Write an Article "On Spec?"
Many freelancers begin their careers writing for the web but have hopes of breaking into magazine writing. Online freelance writing is steady and it's easy for writers to snag regular paying clients. On the flip side, writers can earn substantially more money writing for consumer magazines. The downside is that more and more magazines ask writers to submit complete manuscripts "on spec." When an article is submitted "on spec" there are no guarantees that the editor will like the piece. If the editor buys the piece - GREAT! If the editor doesn't, you've wasted a lot of time.
Each writer must decide whether "on spec" assignments are right for them. New writers in desperate need of published clips may choose to submit these assignments. I suppose "on spec" assignments greatly benefit editors because they can evaluate a writer's style and tone, and they can pick articles based on how the writer develops the subject. On the other hand, should an experienced writer with several writing credits be asked to write "on spec?" Aren't clips or writing samples enough?
The problem with "on spec" articles is that they do not always benefit the writer. Writing is the only profession that request work "on spec." It can take several hours to research, write, and edit a piece, only to have the editor respond with a "No thank you."
Should You Write an Article "On Spec?"
Many freelancers begin their careers writing for the web but have hopes of breaking into magazine writing. Online freelance writing is steady and it's easy for writers to snag regular paying clients. On the flip side, writers can earn substantially more money writing for consumer magazines. The downside is that more and more magazines ask writers to submit complete manuscripts "on spec." When an article is submitted "on spec" there are no guarantees that the editor will like the piece. If the editor buys the piece - GREAT! If the editor doesn't, you've wasted a lot of time.
Each writer must decide whether "on spec" assignments are right for them. New writers in desperate need of published clips may choose to submit these assignments. I suppose "on spec" assignments greatly benefit editors because they can evaluate a writer's style and tone, and they can pick articles based on how the writer develops the subject. On the other hand, should an experienced writer with several writing credits be asked to write "on spec?" Aren't clips or writing samples enough?
The problem with "on spec" articles is that they do not always benefit the writer. Writing is the only profession that request work "on spec." It can take several hours to research, write, and edit a piece, only to have the editor respond with a "No thank you."
