Have you ever read or heard that as authors, we might write for free? The idea of writing for free may seem counter-intuitive to us, since we want to sell our writing. My mantra has always been that I want people to “buy my books, read my books, and like my books,” and allowing myself to write for free doesn’t support that.
What Does it Mean to Write For Free
Writing for free doesn’t mean we spend a crazy amount of time with our fiction or creative nonfiction, then give it away willy-nilly. But the simple explanation of giving our writing away is just that. We provide something we composed and distribute it without asking for anything in return. At least, something in return in the short term. Let me explain.
When I Write for Free
I have a college search checklist that I send to new subscribers to my parenting a college student blog. I give this away so that folks can receive something of value from me besides the website content. My hope is that, after reading the checklist and finding it valuable, they will purchase either my Parenting a College Student book, or the eBook: 21 Things Parents Wish They Knew Before Their Kids Went Off to College. Each of these can be purchased through links on the website. Given that the eBook costs nothing now to distribute, every time someone purchases 21 Things…, that’s pure income.
Would folks still buy the eBook or paperback without the free giveaway? Perhaps. But it doesn’t matter. The more value people can see in the things I write, the more likely they are to purchase more, or to recommend me to their friends. Score!
Building Your Writing Platform/Portfolio
And let’s be honest: writing a regular blog is a way we write for free. Every month, I compose two blogs and give them way for free, hoping to build a presence in the marketplace. Sure, they aren’t my creative work for the most part, but I’m considering doing that as well. If I choose to write for free, and distribute, say, one short story every quarter, the loss to me is minimal, but the potential for increasing my readership enormous. That’s why other people write for free: in essence, it’s a form of advertising.
I’ve also written for free when I’ve submitted my writing to an online or other non-paying journal. My short stories, “Whisper,” which appeared in Rope and Wire, and “Hemogoblin,” which appeared in the Sirens Call ezine were both nonpaying, and I’m still grateful for the chance to write for them, as it builds my writing portfolio, and my writing resume. Everything we write and distribute counts.
Another good reason to write for free? How about right before a book launch. If you can produce an article, or give away a short story as a teaser, that’s a great way to build interest in advance of a book launch.
To Benefit Others
Another reason to write for free is to benefit others. If you’re committed to a certain charity, such as the American Cancer Society, the ARC, or the NAACP, you can write an article or two to help them with a funding appeal. While that may appear to be more content writing than some of us might normally do, good stories may lead to increased fundraising, and the warm fuzzy feeling we have when we help!
Things to Think About
When you write for free don’t forget that it’s still a reflection of your ability as a writer. Make sure it’s your best, the same way you would if you were being paid for it. At the same time, be careful about giving away both your writing and your rights. Ensure that you retain control over your work and that giving it away aligns with your long-term goals. For most publications, they have the rights to the first time your writing appears in print or on the web. After that, the rights revert to you.
Remember, the key when you write for free is to be strategic and intentional in your approach. Consider your long-term goals, how free content aligns with your overall brand, and how it can contribute to your success as an author.
