Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Internet Access
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Step 1
Is It a Scam?
There are so many scams on the market targeting freelance writers. Everyone wants original content, but no one wants to pay for it. Hence, some have come up with some unique ways to get original content for free.
One of the most popular ways to do this is to require freelance writers to test. The ad will say something like, “To get a feel for your writing style and ability, please send in a writing sample on the following topic. It must be 400-500 words and showcase good grammar and writing skills. If we deem you to be a fit, we will contact you with further details.”
The way it works is, freelancers send in samples, yet they never hear back from the company, or, if they do, they are told that they weren’t a good fit. Months later, they run across their content on a site.
Don’t fall for it. If they ask for original content, ask to submit samples instead, letting them know that you don’t write original content for free. -
Step 2
Does It Pay?
One of the key factors I use in determining when to test for a freelance writing job is if it pays. Reputable companies have no problem paying short, original samples if they really want to assess a writer’s ability. -
Step 3
Do They Want Original Content?
Piggybacking on the previous point, most reputable companies don’t ask for original samples though, they assess your writing ability from your online writing portfolio.
So, as a writer, if someone is asking you to submit original content on a specific topic, know that this is highly unusual without pay. Most will look at your samples in that niche and assess your ability to do the job from these. -
Step 4
Determine How Long It’s Going to Take
If you do decide that it’s worth your while to test for a freelance writing job, assess how long it’s going to take you.
I received an offer to write for what seemed like a very large, reputable site. I’d run across their ad on several reputable freelance writing sites. They were looking for writers to create continuous content.
Thinking of long-term possibilities, I put aside my usual hesitancy to test and agreed to take one.
When they emailed me the test though, it was in essence twelve samples they wanted, all original content on topics they specified. I politely declined. I had neither the time nor the inclination to complete such an extensive test. It seemed like one of those “get free content scams” to me. -
Step 5
Does It Make Sense for You to Test?
Remember this when you are trying to determine when to test for a freelance writing job, there comes a point in every freelance writer’s career where they should stop doing it.
The reason I declined the offer from the company alluded to was not only because the test was extensive, but I have literally hundreds of samples from which they can “assess my writing ability.”
That’s why with extremely rare exception, I don’t test. If my body of work over the years doesn’t give prospective clients enough on which to assess my ability, one more little writing sample ain’t gonna do the trick is my way of thinking.
Comments
Psalmist4M said
on 9/29/2008 Awesome. I, like nancysoffice am a new writer. I enjoy it and wish to submit to legitimate companies but always seem to end up with someone looking to make money. I am encouraged to look further & more discretely at the possibilities. I have samples but will prepare a more professional portfolio as you've recommended. Thanks again for the great article. 5*s Blessings, cherylgoff.com
Yuwanda said
on 9/24/2008 Nancy: It depends on the sample. But, NEVER submit original samples. Standard articles range from 350-500 words. This is more than sufficient as a sample, and should be part of your writing portfolio. Have ready-made samples of this length that you can submit to everyone, but don't create new, original ones without pay. Legitimate companies/clients won't ask you to. All they want to see is samples of your work, and portfolio samples are fine for this.
Hope this helps,
Yuwanda
nancysoffice said
on 9/24/2008 I always see these types of ads. I'm a beginner in writing I was doing a search on submitting writing samples to companies, Wow. It's very true.
Oh, just to let you know you're the 4th link to the search engine.
I know 400-500 is a full article, but what do you consider applicable in submitting a writing sample?