Free Writing Samples - Do or Don't?

An issue that many freelance writers are constantly faced with is the "free writing sample" issue. Many clients will request one and at the worst, expect one. When is it a good idea? And when should you say a polite "heck no"?

1. You need to build a portfolio. This is a time you may want to consider doing a few free articles or editing jobs. Nothing outrageous of course, just enough to show your skill. You are giving work away for free though so let the potential client know that you plan to show it in your portfolio as a sample to others as well.

2. You already have an established freelance portfolio. This may be one of those times to say no. If you have plenty of creditable experience to show this person and they demand free work, it's better to walk away. This is a livelihood for most freelance writers. Doctors and lawyers don't work for free when they have families to feed, why should we?

3. It's a well paying job that would do wonders for your freelance writing career. Consider a free sample. If you know the potential client is legit then it may be worth your time. Decide what the position is worth to you.

4. The job is coming through a freelance job site or bid site. These are often the lower paying of the freelance writing jobs out there. Rates tend to be lower than the work is worth. If the articles only pay $5 or less less there is no reason you should have to submit a free sample. The price alone is highway robbery after paying the site commission fees. If you choose to use these sites for work that's fine. But don't sell yourself so short as to give work away for free.

Consider this: every writer that bids on that job may be asked for a free sample. In the end the buyer has so many he doesn't need to choose or pay any one of them. Just a thought.

Freelance writing is a rewarding profession. However, it's also a challenging one that requires plenty of persistence and thick skin. Do what you have to do in order to secure the freelance writing job that guarantees you success rather than a loss of wage and time.


~Trina M. Lee
www.TMLWritingServices.com