Writing on Spec

Hello Ladies,

An editor (who is also a friend) of a magazine wants me to write an essay ON SPEC. If it's bought, then of course there's money, if not, then I have yet another writing sample. My question is, at what point do you stop writing on spec. She has many writing samples in my blog, on another website, and from another magazine. She gave me the opportunity to not do the spec and she'd pitch me to her editor and use my last print article as a sample.

I really don't know what to do. I feel like every job starts with doing something on spec. I'm not a newbie writer but it seems that with every new publication, I'm starting over.

Advice please.

Thanks,

Dani

Tags: advice, question, spec, submissions, writing

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Permalink Reply by JoAnna on October 31, 2011 at 7:12am

I realize that for some publications writing on spec is an absolute, even if you've written for that publication a million times before, but I, personally, won't do it unless it's a place I absolutely want to publish (and even then, I haven't done it in years). If you have a robust portfolio that showcases your writing, then there's no reason why you should be expected to write on spec, unless that's simply the policy, but it sounds like that's not the policy here and simply an option. Stand by the solid writing you've already done, and when you're asked to write on spec, point out that you have plenty of writing samples that demonstrate your ability to write in the tone and style of the publication, if that's the truth.

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Permalink Reply by Dani Alpert on October 31, 2011 at 7:26am

Thank you so much JoAnna for the comment. For one thing, it's not a place that I'm dying to be published, it's just potential money. For the section that the editor was thinking of me for, they have "people submit essays and we buy them and then ask for some edits. Of course there's no guarantee that it'll result in us buying it" but she thinks if I can capture the tone of this other piece that she referred to, then I'd have a good chance. But like you said, I have a lot of writing that can be read to see my 'tone'. She's happen to do the pitch but said, "I just feel like this route might be more effective—and it's the place we have a more immediate opportunity."

You really have given my some 'balls' (in a good way) and it's time that I start saying no, and stick behind my work. Thank you so much.

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Permalink Reply by Nichole L. Reber on October 31, 2011 at 7:37am

No professional publication will have you write something on spec. None. Not a one. Nor should you write for a client on spec. I've been doing this for 15 years, so I've seen a thing or two. If you already have writing samples, you don't need to accumulate yet another one. I agree with JoAnna: let the work you've done speak for you. Otherwise you're working for no pay.

Best!