I remember my first “real” magazine gig. It was for Highlights for Children and it was a piece I was writing on spec (for those new to freelancing – that’s a piece you write that the magazine reserves the right to reject without pay). Not the best solution for breaking into “the big time” but acceptable given my beginner status.
Since then, I’ve been asked to spec one or two articles for new-to-me publications. Frankly, unless it’s a topic I’ve not handled before, I won’t. I have over 200 published clips by now and if my clips don’t prove to the clients I can write, we’re not compatible. At some level in your career, you should assume that barring any new or unusual subject matter, you shouldn’t have to prove yourself beyond your track record.
My reasons why:
– The scum who create chaos. Unfortunately, there are a few pseudo-clients out there whose sole intent is to trick you into doing the work for free. Too many of the “edit this chapter” or “write us a brief, 12-page article on this topic so we can gauge your writing ability” requirements clog the bandwidth. No one is ever getting hired for those jobs as everyone who applies and is uninformed on how these jerks operate will supply a very specific sample, thus negating their need to pay any writer for any work.
– The background I have already. I have a lot of experience writing in several industries. I’ve never written for say construction directly (indirectly, yes), but the technical background I have makes it pretty darned easy for me to transition to a new area. If a construction client can’t view both my environmental construction articles and my work with new builders and see that I get their industry, they’re not going to trust me.
– The time it takes away from ongoing work. Time is money to a freelancer. If I have to give up 15 hours of my time for a well researched, interviewed article, I need to receive payment. I can’t afford not to.
– The pay involved. If they expect a full-length, unpaid article, the pay had better be worth it in the end.
Will you work on spec? If so, what’s your limit? If not, why not?
7 responses to “Spec-ulating”
If it's a topic in which I don't have clips, I'll consider it, and if it's a legit, major publication, and not a Craig's List Ad, I'll consider it. I very rarely do that anymore, though, because I have enough clips that they should be able to tell from the clips if I'm a good fit.
I offer to negotiate a one-time rate for a project-specific sample — and make sure it's not a full article. Legit clients will often agree; the scammers won't.
I think that's a better solution, Devon. And you're right – legitimate sources of employment only.
I know someone who's writing a story on spec and it's because the editor isn't sure the topic he (the editor) suggested will amount to a story. I might agree to do some digging on spec, but I'd stop short of writing a full story on it. Maybe a short outline showing it's legit.
I absolutely will no longer write on spec. I feel my portfolio is strong enough to illustrate what I'm capable of, even if it doesn't contain an item that is the exact topic the prospective client is looking for.
I will edit on spec, but no more than 2 pages, just so the author can get a feel for fit.
Like you Lori, early on I did a couple of spec pieces. But only for larger, established publications.
Today I might consider a spec piece for a huge publication outside of my main areas of focus. But I have been known to laugh when newbie editors suggest I write on spec. I'm thinking, "Um, hello – did you even read my query? I've sold more than 600 articles!" Seriously, when the writer has more professional experience than the editor, laughter should be the first response.
I never work on spec. Period. I have a great portfolio. If you can't tell from that, then you're a high maintenance client and I don't want you.
I once wrote a great promo that did very well for a client. Six months later, they came back and asked for one … on spec! I pointed out that I had already proven myself, and asked why they were asking for spec work. The client admitted it was just because they could – so many people were willing to do it. I will not be among them.
I would never consider writing on spec if they came to me – hey, you came to me, buddy. I didn't go to you. Someone approaches me, we discuss it and we agree a contract.
I do write short stories on spec because unless you're a famous novelist (or short story writer), that's the nature of the beast. And I will write on spec if I'm approaching them – although I may say "here's what I can do, please feel free to publish it – at your usual rates – and/or let's negotiate a commmission".
Fillers and readers' letters are also on spec, but again, that's how it goes, apart from when I had an arrangement with a magazine to provide XX fillers per issue.
Usually, though, I'll approach in the normal way with one or two well-researched, well-targeted ideas and a selection of cuts, and we negotiate a commission. Or three.
Paula – you rock!
Diane, Paula does rock, doesn't she? 🙂 Your point about short stories is a good one. Obviously, the "no spec" rule isn't going to apply there. Thank you. I've learned something new today. 🙂
Kathy, that's probably my limit, too. I remember giving one "client" a few paragraphs of editing as a sample. I explained why I couldn't give him more without payment. Never heard from him again. As I suspected. Sometimes their motives are transparent.
Paula, they're busy covering their backsides. But still, the lesson is if the writer has the proof sitting in front of you, you should be able to decide based on that.
Eileen, that's nuts! A spec piece AFTER you've proven yourself? I hope you told them where to take that offer!