How many ads do you skim that ask for writing samples?  Almost all of them, right?  I’ve posted before about not sending freelance writing samples and why.  Read: Never Send a Potential Client “Writing Samples”.

But I wonder if I should re-think this position.  I personally believe if you have an online portfolio with writing samples included, this should suffice as to whether or not you can write well.  I’m also thinking there may be another way to let the client see your work, while protecting it at the same time. Hearing back from them will still remain to be seen and I will post an update if and when I test this new theory.

My new theory is to send the potential client the writing sample, but make sure it’s already on your website with a copyscape protected logo.  Also send the potential client the link to that page on your site under the article itself.

This way, they get a writing sample in the body of your email, but they also become aware that if they use it without your permission (as many have) that it’ll be duplicate material and caught by copyscape.

I suggest you decide which niche topics you prefer to write on, write some sample articles and then upload them to your website for future use to send to clients for writing samples.  I see no reason why freelance writers have to create something new for each client when you can show your ability in your niche topic with one or two samples already written.  After all, a photographer does not go take new pictures for every client they apply for.  They build a single portfolio, add to it with their best work, and it speaks for itself.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?  Do you have a better way to deal with writing samples?

Happy Writing,
Patti Stafford

If you frequent many job boards for freelance writers you’ve seen plenty of ads wanting to see samples of your work.  Never send these out.  More than likely this is simply a ploy to get a lot of content for free. 

It’s extremely important that you build an online portfolio.  Read my article, “Creating a Successful Portfolio in Economic Hardtimes” to find out more about a portfolio.  Any legitimate content buyer will not mind getting a link to your online portfolio.  If they do, then you probably don’t want to work for them anyway.

I’ve applied for these jobs that request writing samples and I send a link to my portfolio.  I’ve never heard from any of them.  Why?  Because they weren’t interested in hiring me, they wanted free writing samples.  Think about it.  If 500 writers each send a writing sample, that’s 500 pieces of unique content they’ve just acquired for free.

Of course there’s nothing to stop them from copying your content from your portfolio, but they do risk the duplicate content penalty by doing this.  A much easier solution is to post a free ad on craigslist and request writing samples.

Happy Writing,
Patti Stafford