Contracting a Copywriter for Speculative Work

"Freelancing isn't free" is a common phrase in the freelance business. Often businesses freelancers deal with, especially writers it seems, expect to pay little or nothing for work. After all, it's just a bunch of words. They could probably write it themselves if they wanted to. Or so the perception is.

Freelance writers generally do enjoy their work. That's why they take the risks involved in becoming a freelancer.

Sure, a business can have an administrative assistant type up a letter or have a marketing employee crank out a press release. However, freelancers devote all of their time to writing, reading, studying, and refining their skills.

Even if the assistant or the person in marketing did a good job, odds are there's a freelancer out there who could've done a better job. Possibly even for free.

I'm talking about working on spec. Speculative work. It's when a freelance writer wants to land an assignment, whether it be an article, sales letter, or book. Generally the only time you get to use a piece of work on spec. is with the agreement that you'll pay the writer if you like what they produce.

If you are unhappy with the work you've lost nothing. If it's a fantastic piece of work you have the first chance to buy it.

The benefit is for both the writer and the business. If the writer really wants to obtain work from you, but they don't have the work samples or resume to impress you then they can use the spec. piece to get your interest.

You get the benefit of a writer going all out to create the best piece of writing they can. If they don't you probably won't purchase it.

Payment arrangements for a spec. piece can vary. You can pay an agreed upon flat fee if you like the finished product. If it's a sales letter you may only pay royalties on the letters you send, or you might only pay royalties if it beats your control.

If you are in the market for a new freelance writer it's perfectly acceptable for you to mention working on spec. Remember that well established freelancers will probably turn down a spec. job since they have plenty of work samples and an impressive resume to back them up.