As part of my usual morning routine, I was reading the available job postings over at freelancewritinggigs.com. I immediately applied for the first opportunity available on the list and got an instant reply which indicated the company did not have enough time to review individual writing samples and asking me to create a specific ‘test’ sample for them.
As an author of many similar articles (product descriptions), this baffled me. Why would the company in question want to do this unless they wanted something for nothing? I have some perfectly good blurbs and product reviews over at Associated Content.
Writers–what is your opinion on this practice? If a potential client asks for a ‘test’ sample, do you write it? Have you been burned before because of this? Please, share your stories.
But if they don’t read “samples”, what’s the the “test” article for? That sounds silly to me and suspicious. Do they want you to write “on spec”? In that case, I’d tell them to stick it where the sun don’t shine…
As tempting, as it is, it sounds so suspicious. Sometimes I write a test article, sometimes I don’t. I take into factors like pay, what they’re asking, what kind of job it is. If it’s something I know I wouldn’t enjoy and be eager to do, I usually don’t do it.
I never write “test” samples. To me that’s a red flag. I agree with others that my previously published writing should be enough for any editor to decide whether he or she wants to work with me. I hate writing anything for free, samples included.
Dan
I don’t normally write job specific samples. I’ve got a couple generic ones that I can send as an example of my writing style. Or I’ll send links. If they request a topic specific sample then I ask how much they are paying for them. I’ve found that the people who are fishing for free content won’t reply.
If a company wants me to write a test article in their house style then they need to pay for it. This has never been a question with any company I’ve worked with. No need to even ask or let them know that I expect payment because they are upfront about what the test article will pay. I don’t waste my time writing for free.
When I’m asked to give a sample I usually reply with I don’t mind giving a sample, but it is not for distribution and I will remain the owner of the article or whatever it is. If they’re legit they don’t have a problem with it and if not, I usually don’t hear from them again.
One guy recently responded back to a query I made with an offer “I’m prepared to offer you probably the only application that pays the employee $20…lol. ” for 1500 words!
I emailed him back and let him know what I thought of his offer.
Admittedly in some cases a business owner had very little “real world” offline experience and perhaps doesn’t know how to go about attracting quality help.
I don’t write for free. If I were you I would drop any prospective client who expects you to like a hot potato and move on.