Spam! Exactly that.

In my mind there’s no such thing as an untargeted LOI.

An LOI without a purpose (other than to make a sale) is nothing more than spam. Why bother? Spamming someone is a good way to get blocked.

You, Paula, are the Queen of the LOI, so I’m not surprised! They work, but only if they’re targeted, from my experience. Is that your experience, too?

I did that when I was neck deep in deadlines. Thankfully my first assignment came with a three-week deadline.

Oh Gabriella, I love you! You said everything, right there. Do NOT work for free. EVER. I never did. I volunteered time, but that’s not for a client. That’s for a nonprofit. But dammit, you’re hurting yourself and every other freelancer who wants to make a living freelance writing. It sets that bar lower every time.

Amen! Thank you! Made my freaking day.

I swear, the number of times I’ve seen people offer “exposure” and very short-sighted writers accept the argument. You’re not just hurting yourself. You’re hurting the industry. Charge what you’re worth–and if it’s zero, find another profession.