The Word Wrangler

Sometimes the strength of your portfolio isn’t enough to convince potential clients that you’ve got the chops to get the job done - they want proof you can do exactly what they’re asking.

That proof usually comes as a request for a free sample. It’s a test that, if passed, will earn you the client’s respect and further amounts of work. At least that’s how they look at it.

Most writers will tell you not to write anything for free, and that these kinds of hoops are just not worth jumping through. But since there really are no absolutes in the freelancing world, I’m going to give you the pros and cons of spec. work.

Pros

Do you like it when businesses allow you to try before you buy? Do you like getting free samples at the ice cream shop? Of course you do, it’s good business and good customer service.

Writing a specific sample for a potential client accomplishes several things:

1. It shows your client that you’re serious about wanting their business and that you’re easy to work with.
2. Some clients - especially those who are new to hiring freelancers - have unfounded fears about the process and what to expect. Giving them a free sample of your work helps to put them at ease.
3. It allows the client to see exactly what they’re going to get before they invest in your talents.

Cons

Obviously the biggest con to writing on spec. is that there’s no guarantee that you’re going to see any money for your work. And no matter what safeguards you put in place, there’s no real way to stop someone from telling you they’re not happy with the work and then using it anyway.

So what’s the rule?

The rule is to do what your gut tells you to do. That’s probably the number one freelance writing rule there is and it applies to most situations. A few things to consider:

• What’s the client’s reputation? If you do your research and find out this guy pays well and throws a lot of work to freelancers, you might consider indulging him if he asks for a sample based on a specific set of guidelines.
• How much work will you be putting into it? If it’s a piece you can knock out in an hour, then there’s not much harm in playing the client’s game. If they’re wanting a lengthly piece that requires hours of research and writing time, then it’s best to tell them to move on.
• Can you use the sample somewhere else? If you’re asked to write a sample article ask yourself if it’s something you could submit elsewhere if the client decides against it. It’s possible to turn a no-pay article into a moneymaker somewhere down the line.
• What’s the payoff? Is the client offering a ton of high paying work or is it someone who’s looking to pay $5 an article?

Understand why someone is asking for a free sample before you say never. Most potential clients who ask for this are just like us: They want to see what they’re getting before they spend the money.

What do y’all think?