Comments on: Having Trouble Getting Published? Here’s the Secret…

By: Trisha

Trisha — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:00:37 +0000

Hi Jeremy – thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation.

You bring up a very good point – and I would like to take the opportunity to clarify my advice – I was referring to a situation in which a writer might be asked to write for free, but it was not my intention to advise any writer to offer to write for free – I hope I didn’t confuse anyone

And to answer your question, although writing for free would not be the preferred method, it can – and will – definitely raise your profile, particularly if you get a link back to your own site, and most especially if your article gets reprinted elsewhere with the link back. For a writer just starting out, it can be one way to get a publishing credit under your belt and get noticed.

By: Jeremy Head

Jeremy Head — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:33:25 +0000

Personally I think this is a really bad idea – Free = amateur.
There is no way Conde Nast Traveller would take a piece for free… You call them and offer something for free they will put the phone straight down.
Some never heard of website desparate for content will take something for free sure. Lots do. Question for you is… will it really raise your profile?

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By: MaryK.

MaryK. — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:03:42 +0000

Nice post. I prefer NOT to write for free but sometimes I will. If I’m very passionate about the subject matter or organization, I’ll write for free. Otherwise, pay up!

By: Trisha

Trisha — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:28:55 +0000

@ZenTraveler – I do agree with your point about not becoming too attached to what you write, primarily from the perspective of being able to look at it objectively (helps you to write better) and also having objectivity about your writing also protects you from getting hurt feelings if it gets rejected for publication, or edited for content. As good as even the best writers are, they can’t always read the mind of the Editor, who may have a slightly different vision for an article and who may do some creative editing to get the article to fit the vision. You can’t take that personally, you can only try to learn from it. So avoiding attachment is a key factor to growing as a writer.

All the same, you do (and should) “own” your work, and for the most part you should get paid for it, but there are times when the benefits of publication outweigh the money you might earn on that article, so in some cases it can make sense, and really help you down the road, to write for free.

By: ZenTraveler

ZenTraveler — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:20:16 +0000

Good point on the media trips. Writing for free can be a great test of “attachment.” When we get too attached to our work it can consume us. I know I sound “zen” like, but it’s the truth. New writers would benefit from writing for free and letting their work go. As Trisha points out, it’s a good way to build a portfolio.

Before going on a media trip, make sure it resonates with you. As far as ownership of articles, do we really have ownership of anything? Doesn’t it all belong to everyone? Kind of Zen like, forgive me.

Write from the heart and everything will fall into place

By: TrvlinBackPacker

TrvlinBackPacker — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:13:59 +0000

Jazzy, sorry to hear about your experience. It’s a bummer! I do agree that you must be discerning when writing for free. Sometimes people make promises they cannot fulfill, but they did have good intentions; it’s just the way things worked out. Maybe shifting your perception would help. Give it a try.

All I can say is that I’ve had great experiences writing for free. I’ve made contacts and my writing was published. My only hope is that it helped someone somewhere. Keep the faith my fellow travel writers. Peace Out!

By: JazzyTraveler

JazzyTraveler — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:08:59 +0000

Yeah, the only time I’ll write for free is if it’s for a charitable organization or if I’m very passionate about the topic/organization. Unfortunately, I’ve been made promises by organizations that they didn’t keep. I’ve learned to be discerning when writing for free. The time spent writing for free could have been spent elsewhere. Live and learn!