The answer to this question is: Almost never.
If you have the title “writer” listed anywhere on anything, there is a good chance you’ve been asked to work for free. For some reason people do not equate writing with work but it is exactly that for anyone who considers writing an income source.
As part of this large group of people who consider themselves writers, I implore you to always change your thought process from “Should I write for free?” to “Should I work for free?” This will instantly change your mindset and help you be more confident in your expectation to be compensated for your work.
Writing is not just a romatic hobby to be done while we gaze out the window. Writing is work and the more we as writers take ourselves seriously, the more others will too.
There are very few exceptions I make to the “do not write/work for free” rule and they are as follows:
For charity or a good cause
This one is self explanatory but I will always offer to dedicate my time and words to a good cause. Writing for a charity is actually a great way to offer your help when you don’t have the funds to offer your finances. Many people offer goods and services to non-profits and writing is no different. Help with the newsletter, the advertising copy, anything you feel you can do that will help lower overall costs and increase the money going towards a charity.
**There is one exception to this. I have had to draw the line at ad agencies for non-profits asking to use my previously written work. Essentially this is another business asking me to work for free. Over the years I’ve learned to offer something I find acceptable when asked this. Sometimes a credit/link back to my site is enough. Other times I have to remind myself that they are getting paid for the page of copy they are asking me to provide. I then take a deep breath and ask what the rate of pay would be.**
To complete a volunteer requirement
Are your kids in ten gazillion things all of which require five hours of volunteer work and three cases of water? Think outside the box and offer your writing services. I will 100% burn team dinner but I can absolutely deliver grammatically correct collateral for the team fundraiser.
Many times organizations do not think of this much needed service as an option, but will gladly take you up on the offer. You may need to clarify that you would like to use this as part of your volunteer hours. Again, for some reason people don’t equate writing with work but if we keep reminding them maybe someday it will stick.
In exchange for something of equal or greater value
This is a sticky one. Nine times out of ten I can’t click “delete” fast enough on emails asking me to write in exchange for a product, the offers are generally insulting. BUT want to send us on a cruise in exchange for my detailed description of each day? I’ve got you! Or if it is a product or service that truly makes sense for what I’m working on AND is useful to me AND is equal in value to the time they are asking of me, I will write in exchange for a product or service.
Other than that, for the love of all of your fellow writers inboxes, either delete or come up with a quick form email that you send to every “will you work for peanuts” email. Explain that no you will not work for free but here is what you can offer for $xx and here is what you can offer for $xxx. If you get a no ask that they remove you from their email list if they do not plan to pay people for their work.
For exposure
Also a sticky one. I would say this can be broken into two categories:
- for exposure to a very large audience,
- for exposure to a niche that directly aligns with your own.
Please, for the love of your time, do not fall down the rabbit hole of writing for friends. Writing for your online BFF is a lovely thing to do but unless it falls under one of the two categories above it is using up time you need to be actually make money.
What did I miss?
Are there any other situations where you find yourself willing to work for free? See sounds different when you substitute “work” for “write” doesn’t it?