Writing on spec is not my favorite thing to do. But I’d be lying if I said I never did it. In fact, the first several articles I ever published were submitted on speculation (meaning without a contract or promise of publication), because I didn’t know any better. Then as I built up more clips and learned how to query editors, I focused more on assigned articles, because that’s how to build a steady income as a writer and protect yourself from getting screwed.
These days I only consider writing on spec under the following circumstances.
- Personal essays. This is how most essay editors work and it’s one of the reasons I don’t write as many personal essays as I’d like. Still, there is a sense of personal satisfaction when I finish an essay I’m proud of and that almost makes up for the uncertainty of being able to sell it!
- An editor expresses interest, and it’s a topic with resale potential. It’s one thing to send an editor an article out of the blue and another to have that editor express interest in a query and ask if you’ll write it on spec. I’m still a little dubious about editors who refuse to offer a contract (especially to writers with plenty of clips to their name), but someones it’s their policy that new-to-them writers work on spec the first time. I would only consider this if the article could work for another publication. If it’s highly specific for a niche audience, then it’s too much of a risk, in my opinion.
- It’s a publication I’m dying to write for, and I’m willing to eat that time if I need to. This is similar to #2. You’re taking a calculated risk, and you have to be ready for it blow up in your face. But if it’s a dream publication, then it might be worth the risk for the possible pay-off.
Choosing to write on spec (or not) is a complex and personal decision. There are many more factors than the ones I’ve mentioned above. So, how do you know if you should write on spec? And if you’re experienced freelancer, when did you start saying no? I’d love to read your thoughts on the topic!
The very first editor who ever responded to a query of mine said they would accept the piece I'd proposed on spec. I ran it by a freelance friend of mine (I was brand new to the game and wasn't even sure what "on spec" meant), and she advised me against it. Since then, I tend to not go through the trouble of doing the work and not having a published clip to show for it; however, lately I've been getting similar responses from different editors. I'm choosing to believe it's because I'm new to their market. I'm going to go ahead and do at least one of these pieces and hope for the best. One of the publications has a local angle, so I feel this could lead to a long and successful working relationship, so I'm going to suck it up this one time.
I started saying no when the payment I was "on spec" for didn't make sense with the rest of the payments I was receiving without the requirement. It was a small magazine that offered 25 cents a word, but I was making 50 cents a word elsewhere and the editor was taking my ideas on faith.
I think there were only a few on-spec offers over the years. My first was for a magazine that basically expanded my young career beyond regional stuff, so I took that one without question.
I agree on all your points. I'd walk through fire to write for my favorites, too.
Funnily, the only time I ever even tried to wrote on spec, the magazine said no. I definitely agree with your parameters.
Each time I've written on-spec I've regretted it, whether the article in question was published or not. It tells the editor you're desperate to be in their publication and the relationship loses that equality.
It was the hardest lesson to learn for me, but I've realized that editors need me (a good writer), as much as, if not more than I need them.
I said yes to writing on spec once about ten years ago despite the fact that I was an experienced writer with great clips. It was a big mistake. I wrote the feature for this trendy magazine, and the editor asked me to do re-writes, and by the time I was done the magazine was out of business!