Writers have actually done that? How awful! I guess you can take heart knowing eventually they have to pony up the talent, which clearly isn't there if they're stealing. That Karma Bus is going to hurt like hell.

I've also had trouble with other writers copying samples on my website, changing the company name, and trying to sell them as their own.

I have sample packets, geared to the different things I do.

But I especially love the idea of telling someone who wants a sample that it's a $50 fee.

Clearly, you have mad skills. 🙂

I have written a client sample this year even though. I have almost two decades of writing experience, with some of the work in the public domain with my name on it. But, I was persuaded by the way she framed her request:
1. She stated very clearly why needed a sample. She short-listed me and someone else for the gig and I think we were neck to neck and she couldn't decide.So it was a test run on the actual job.
2.It was not a freebie. She offered the same rates as for the job.
3. She wanted us to be able to assess if we could easily work with her briefs. Turned out that her briefs are more thorough than most.

As a matter of interest, I initially lost out on the gig, but when a need arose again in the company, she hired me.

Thanks for the excellent example!

I recently had a prospect reach out via email & ask for a sample. I replied that I'm unable to provide free custom samples, and linked him to my portfolio & testimonials. We got on the phone later that week to talk about the project, and during the call he actually apologized for asking for the sample, and said that after he read my reply he realized he shouldn't have asked for free work! Some people are trying to take advantage of you when they ask, but many just don't think about it & don't realize what they're asking.