As an editor with a dwindling freelance budget, there is no harder position to be in than needing content and not having the money to pay for it. I’m an advocate of the paid writer and need quality content from experienced writers. On the other hand, I still freelance myself and know very well, that clips don’t pay the bills. So how can you make money by working for free? It’s easier than you think, here are three ways that will get you working smarter not harder.  

1)     Negotiate rights

It’s something writers often forget — you have a right and an obligation to negotiate rights over your intellectual property. Did the website you contributed to, turn you columns into a book and sell it? Did a magazine re-sell your story to another outlet? Although this may be your passion, it’s also your business and when it comes to print features, most editors are open to negotiating rights. For example: could you negotiate First American Rights and sell the same piece to a U.K. magazine with European-only distribution? If so, your “free” article could net you around £300 — often more than the previous magazine paid you when they had freelance budget! Could you then sell your feature to a series of Australian newspapers — six non-competing markets for up to A$300/a piece? The advantage of negotiating rights means you have the backing of an established brand to secure your interview/experts and a tangible deadline in which to produce it. 

2) Internet content

Most of us have some form of online outlet, why do twice the work? Ask if you can post the article — or at least an excerpt — on your blog. Offer to post a link back to the publication, advertise your submission on twitter and facebook effectively promoting their latest issue while providing you with content.

3) Inquire about added exposure

I always offer to provide unpaid contributors — of a certain calibre — with added exposure. Is there a book you want to promote? Could we use you in our contributor’s section? Would it be possible to do a five question mini-profile online? These little sections add up in monetary value. A one page ad in a magazine can cost upwards of $5000, if you have a book you want to promote by offering quality editorial content that suits a magazine’s audience, you are effectively getting a $5000 advertisement for free. As a writer, I often negotiate to include a tag line in each article, paid or not. It's important to get your name out there.

Notes on working for free:

1) Treat an unpaid assignment as if you were getting paid. Turning in a sloppy piece of text, after the due date, will not do you any favors. If you don't have the time or passion to produce a great piece of work don't take on the assignment. 
2) Always let your editor know your normal rate of pay. Often people ask me, if I offer my services for free will I forever be lumped in the "amatuer" box? The short answer is no. Your work, attitude and experience speaks for itself. Saying that, as a professional, you can't afford to be giving away your talents for free so don't do it too often.
3) Make it work for you.  If you are going to do anything for free make sure you know why you are doing it. Time is money. And we could all use a little more of that!   
 
Angela Gilltrap is an instructor at WriteNowToday.com. She is the author of four non-fiction books including "Sunshine on Sugar Hill" (ABC/Harper Collins) and works as an editor for several prominent magazines. If you have a questions about working for free or  anything to do with building a "writing life" feel free to email her at angela@WriteNowToday.com 

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