Over on Anne Wayman’s forum, the discussion of whether a writer should take a writing test is making the rounds. Are we really expected to prove beyond our published work that we can write?
The answer – sometimes. While I don’t believe a test will tell you any more about the work ethic of the writer than a tuneup of your car would tell you your IQ, there are some projects that are unique enough to warrant a small (and the operative word is “small”) test of a writer’s prowess in that area. A for-instance: Suppose you manage to get an interview from a client who writes about eye surgery techniques. What do you know about eye surgery? That’s the question the client wants to know. Because of the specificity of the topic, it’s well within the rights of the client to want to know if you, the writer, can handle it. Remember, this isn’t a 2,000-word test. It should be small – 500 to 750 words – and show that you can manage the content and the delivery to that very specific audience. If your potential client is of the ethical variety, there’s a good chance you’ll be offered some form of payment for your troubles.
Mind you, not all “tests” are worth taking. A lot of clients toss a “test” at you without knowing how to handle what they see. If it’s a general topic – brochure writing, website writing, etc. – your published clips should be enough. If not, feel free to turn down any test you feel isn’t going to show the client any more than you’ve already proven through your clips. Better yet, agree, but agree with a small fee. (I’ve charged $50 for a small test, and I’ve flat-out refused to take long, involved tests.)
Some tests, in fact, are pseudo-tests. I remember one I was expected to take that was to test my editing skills. I was to edit a chapter of this person’s book – not a deep edit, but an overview of my thoughts and how I would fix it. After talking with other writers, I realized each one received a different chapter to “edit” in the same way. That, folks, is a sleazy way of getting a freebie. Be aware that these people do troll the job boards frequently enough to hit the radar of savvy writers. I guess the payback for this “client” is the mishmash of a book that resulted from so many differing opinions.
I’ve come across my share of ads from scammers who ask for test or trial articles, not to hire a writer but rather to get their own project done for free through a number of gullible writers.
I can’t say I’d never do a test under any circumstance, but more often than not I avoid those gigs. Then again, I’m not an editor.
Nice to find your blog.
Nice to be found, Amy! Thanks for posting. Hope you make it a habit. 🙂