Should You Ever Write for Free?

Since I've been writing for Associated Content I've had a few opportunities to write for other web sites. But most of them have been nonpaying jobs to which I've replied "thanks, but no thanks." After giving my writing away for several years, I'm now focused on making money---even if it's not much.

Should you ever write for free?

That's a question only you can answer. However, when you first launch your freelance writing career, you shouldn't turn down nonpaying opportunities because you'll need clips to get started. If this bothers you then just consider it an investment in your career, realizing "it takes money to make money."

If you are just now venturing out in freelance writing and looking for clips for your portfolio, why not find a popular, yet reputable, site on the web with high traffic volume and offer some of your writings for free? Not only will you gain exposure, but you may also receive valuable feedback for your work. What's more you may even be offered a paying job as you never know who may stumble upon your writing.

Years ago I worked as a feature writer for a small weekly newspaper. But as motherhood and life in general got in the way of my writing career, I put my writing on hold for a few years. Then, in May of 2005, I found the Christian writing community at FaithWriters.com which recharged my writing batteries. I took my writing hobby off the shelf and like a child who rediscovered an old toy, I started writing, again, although for free. I rarely missed the FaithWriters' "Weekly Writing Challenge". I loved entering the writing completion, as well as hung out at the message boards with the cyber writing friendsw I've made at FaithWriters. Com. However, last summer I wanted to start making money, so I've backed off from the Weekly Challenge for awhile. However, if it weren't for my writing experience at FaithWriters.com, I doubt I would have had the confidence to try paying writing gigs such as Associated Content, Constant Content, and Helium.