Should You Write on Spec?
December 20, 2007 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Yesterday I asked you to offer up your tips on getting started as a writer. One of the regulars suggested writing on spec and discussion ensued. (Which is never a bad thing.) So should you write on spec?
What is Writing on "Spec"
Writing on spec is sending an article to an editor without a promise of publication. The editor will read the piece first to see if he likes it, then make an offer. If he doesn’t like it, you’re free to shop the piece elsewhere.
Why Write on Spec?
Writing on spec is a good way to get your foot in the door. My first sale was a piece for the frugal living community "The Dollar Stretcher." Not only did the editor accept my article. but he accepted several more over the next couple of years. I even blogged for him for a while.
Using the clips from The Dollar Stretcher enabled me to land a frugal living newspaper column for a Philadelphia newspaper and regular assignments with iParenting Media. Though different people have different experiences, I only had one rejection with an article written on spec, and it wasn’t long before I found a buyer.
Why Shouldn’t You Write on Spec?
It can be frustrating researching and writing a piece only to receive rejection. This means you’re either stuck with a specialized article that doesn’t fit anywhere else, or you have to now take time to shop the piece around to different venues until someone bites. Now you’re spending a lot more time on something you haven’t even been paid for..
There are Pros and Cons…
Writing on spec isn’t for everyone. Some writers feel it’s a lot of work for something that isn’t a sure thing, while others feel it’s a good way to get one’s foot in the door. My first sale with an article written on spec proved to be a boost to my career.
Other writers haven’t been so fortunate and don’t recommend this type of writing. Really, it’s a judgement call. If you have a chance to be featured in a national magazine, you might consider writing on spec. If it’s for some website no one has ever heard of, it might not be worth the gamble.
Have you ever written on spec? If so, what was your experience?
I’ve written a number of items on spec and never had a problem, but I just had my first one turned down a couple of months ago. It was a “stretch” topic anyway, the editor was regretful and very nice, so I didn’t feel too bad and I have a couple of ideas for where I can place it (they would really be a better fit, anyway.)
A lot of it is a trust and comfort issue between the writer and editor.
I rarely write on spec any more, unless I’m trying to jump into a publication that’s significantly higher-paying than what I normally get.
I don’t write on spec for anything that posts on craigslist or anything like that, nor do I do “tests” for companies that aren’t paid — too often, no matter what the company promises, you’re told you didn’t get the gig, but find out that they used the work anyway. When a company offers to pay for a “test article”, I’ll do it and we’ll work from there — usually, if I land the paying test, I’ll get the gig.
Read the clips and either hire me or don’t hire me. I have enough clips published in enough different arenas at this point so you get an idea of my range and style. Don’t expect me to work for free.
Despite was Sheila says (and congrats on the success), I think my time would be better spent doing a million other business-building items than writing on spec.
I only write “spec” for print publications. I’ve written two pieces of content for a newspaper/magazine on spec, and both articles were accepted, so the experience has been positive. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few bad experiences with writing “spec” content for online publishers. I’ll submit a content for review, never hear from an editor, and then stumble upon the article online. This has only happened twice, so I should probably shake off the negative attitude. Still, if I have a choice between a query or a full manuscript, online publishers get a query from me.
Hi Deb,
I recently posted on this topic over on my writing blog, and also shared my “on spec” experience.
http://reneespages.blogspot.com/2007/12/should-you-write-on-spec.html
Always a good topic for discussion!
Just to clarify, the item that was turned down was for a major regional newspaper travel section.
The editor was very excited about my pitch, we swapped emails about how the article would be focused, but when it was complete and despite my best efforts, it was just too much history story and not enough travel (it was to the boyhood home of a famous person, but other than the boyhood home there is absolutely nothing else in the town, so I knew it’d be a tough gig.)
The editor is a history buff and probably let her enthusiasm (and mine!) for history overshadow best judgment. I’m now going to pitch to a more history-oriented pub, which is probably where I should have started.
I’m happy I wrote it, though, and know I’ll find a home for it. Again, I decide to do spec based on my trust and confidence in an editor, and the fee offered, and if I think I can pitch elsewhere in the event it’s turned down.
My first few published pieces were submitted on spec, but I never do it now. Everything I write is essentially bought before it’s submitted. I can’t say I would ever write another thing on spec, unless, like someone else said, I was trying to break into a really big market or it was a paid test.
I obtained my first paid and published writing gig by consistently fishing around on Craigslist.org. I had no portfolio, no experience, no college degree and I was a high school dropout.
I would find a job ad, let’s say “seeking lifestyle writer”. As long as the job was paying I would whip up a short article to fit the genre and sent it as an example without ever specifying my experience.
The editors assumed I was already published and thus began my writing career.
Getting started as a writer is easy. You have to know you’re good, you have to be sneaky and you have to be consistent.
I now work full time at home as a writer. I’m 21 with no institutional education and make around $500 per week.
I don’t think there is any trick to it. In my opinion, you know you’re good. You want what you want and then you get it — simple as that.
-William
http://www.William-Mac.com
http://www.ThisWeekinTime.com
I’ve sold many articles that were written on spec, but acknowledge that it was in the “olden days” long before online writing was around.
At that time, magazines and newspapers almost always required a complete article, if you didn’t have substantial clippings. (Take a gander through some old Writer’s Markets to see what I mean.) It was rare to get an assignment with a kill fee without substantial experience.
I’ve never written on spec, but I am thinking of submitting something I’m already working on anyway. I don’t think I’d mind something being rejected if it is a project I’m genuinely interested in. I only started the project because I had a topic of interest I wanted to research for myself, and it’s gradually grown into an article that I could submit.
What I find interesting are the writers who say they used to submit on spec but don’t anymore. I don’t do it anymore either. I don’t think it’s a terrible way for a brand new writer to get his start, however. Once his career allows him to pick and choose, he no longer has to accept assignments on spec.
As the former associate editor of an online mag, I can vouch that we received many, many on-spec (and unsolicited) pieces.
Spec articles from writers we held relationships with was typically used, and sometimes required a new slant. Only a few pieces from new writers was taken… but yes, everything was read and considered.
Best of luck should you tackle the on-spec route!
I think that you have to take into account how much the publication you are writing the spec article for would help advance your career. If it’s a website that no one has ever heard of, forget it. If it’s a national magazine that would help to further your career, or a piece that would help establish you as an expert in a topic for a local magazine or newspaper, I say go for it.
I remember when I would temp every summer in college. I would always have to go in to the temp agency, do a couple of hours of timed typing testing, alphabetical order stuff, just general clerical testing. I didn’t get paid for it – but it proved how proficient I was and I got higher paying temp positions because I did it. Most jobs have interviews you don’t get paid for that can take hours and cost you money in transportation costs. I see writing on spec when it is a definite good career move on the same lines. Sure the spec piece takes your time, but if it’s a magazine or newspaper that will help establish your professionalism and credibility, it’s a smart career move.
Personally, I never write on spec anymore and I never work for ad revenue. I’m supporting a family of four and can’t take the time out for a maybe.
I salute those of you who write on spec, though. That’s a tough game, but I know it pays off for some of you.
I don’t bother writing on spec. Since print mags aren’t my focus, I’ve never had anyone request I submit work on spec. I’ve seen ads for web-based writers to write on spec, but I just pass those ads by.
I recently posted on this topic on my blog, about writing on spec for those placing ads on job boards. I’d never suggest a writer to submit a spec article for a web-based publication, unless it’s reputable. In my experience, most reputable online publications aren’t trolling CL with ads.
Regarding writing on spec in general, I’d say if you’re going to do it it’s a good idea to start with a very detailed query to make sure the idea is a good fit and something the editor would even consider. If the editor says go ahead and write it on spec, then the chances are greater that it’ll be accepted. As Katharine said, if it’s a piece that can easily be sold elsewhere, maybe it’s not such a waste of time.
I still write on spec. Sometimes after working on a big project I have left over research material I can use for a new article, so I write it up while I’m still inspired. usually it’s short pieces; nothing that needs major research. Then I either send the article to an editor I’ve worked with before ( I may have written the article with the pub in mind), or I query new to me editors without mentioning the article is readys.I wouldn’t do fresh research for an on spec article though.
I noticed the divide yesterday and I note it again today: Those who write on spec generally seem to write for magazines. Those who don’t write on spec seem to write for online media.
*raises hand* I’ve written for magazines – on spec – very few times. I’m very ambivalent about doing so, as the results have been so-so. Even when things went well, the surrounding tension and stress I felt while I waited sucked.
Since I’m a web content writer, though, us folk tend not to write on spec. Those who do see their work often ripped off. I sit squarely in the “no specwork” group.
As someone who currently is an editor for a blog network, with responsibility for hiring writers of online content, I’ve given some thought to how I handle this “spec” issue in the hiring process.
I ask for “clippings” either the hard paper kind, or more often just links to previously published online material.
When the linked to material is substantially different that the kind of writing that I’m hiring for, I’m on the horns of a dilemna. I need to know that the writer can consistently deliver the goods that I’m looking for. If it’s not readily apparent from the links, I ask for a sample post — in essence, writing on spec.
I’m generally talking only about a 300-500 word piece, broad based rather than substantially researched and indepth. I don’t rip anyone off by using it, I just use it as a litmus test for writers with whom I’m unfamiliar. And, I don’t ask this request of everyone, just a writer that I’m serious about hiring, but still dealing with a bit of doubt.
When I’ve failed to do this, it’s been disastrous. Not every writer is cut out for every form and genre of writing.
I’m on both sides of the equation, and this wouldn’t offend me if I was asked to do this when breaking into a new market or genre. If someone gets outraged or angry about this request, it’s probably not someone I want to work with anyway.
Writing on ’spec’ helped get me going – I was a little riled up about a particular topic, so I thought I’d write an article about it just to get my feelings out. I decided to pitch it to the editor/publisher of one of the sites that I frequent just to see if he’d be interested in putting it up, and he not only liked the article but hired me as one of his writers, which was definitely more than I expected to happen.
It works sometimes, other times it doesn’t. But, it never hurts to take a chance.
I’m definitely in with the “no spec” crowd, but then it all depends on what publication you’re writing for. The last I checked, the New Yorker was still open to looking at humor pieces over the transom, but unless you’re Woody Allen or someone of that calibre you’re probably stuck writing for them on spec.
I wrote my first pieces on spec, for a niche magazine. The editor liked them and gave me more work. I’d do it again…in fact, I did, to compete for my About.com contract. There’s nothing more “on spec” than their Prep process, IMHO.
It’s a very individual decision. It worked for me, though.
I got my start writing on spec, but that’s because I didn’t know any better. Since then I’ve gotten burned and I would only do it under VERY special circumstances.
One of the problems with it is that often the editor asks you to do it because you’re unknown to them. So, if you don’t know them either, then you can’t really gauge the likelihood of them accepting it and paying you on time. If you’re just starting out, it can be an OK way to get clips, but you already have strong clips, there should be no need for editors to ask.
Essays are an exception, because those depend so much on voice and are almost always written on spec.
On spec:
A man walks into a new grocery store. He browses, takes a look at the fruits and vegetables, goes to the meats, picks up a chicken, and asks the clerk, “I’ve never shopped from you before. May I take this chicken, go home and eat it, and if I like it, I’ll come back and pay you?”
Hmm… makes you think, doesn’t it?
@James – I think there’s a difference. Your work isn’t being published, so therefore you’re free to use it again. It’s not being published and brought back to you.
An editor is looking the article over to see if it’s a good fit, if it’s not he doesn’t buy it.
It’s not published so you can sell it somewhere else.
It’s sort of like you looking over apples and oranges but passing on them because they’re a bit bruised or not what you wanted in the first place.
I still maintain it’s not terrible to get your start writing on spec. Especially since that’s the only way some magazines and newspapers will take new writers. Who knows where I’d be if I didn’t get my first “on spec” assignment?
Working for me
I’d hire you.
Deb, I’m having a hard time posting comments. It gets stuck and then my comment disappears
Well, that one got through. Isn’t that nice…
Hi Mariella,
Certain comments do go to moderation – if they have a link in the post they’re automatically moderated. If this is your first time commenting (I know it’s not) you need approval for the first comment only. Also certain vulgar words are moderated.
I don’t see you in the moderation queue, however. I’m not sure why your comment got stuck.
Deb
Congrats to those having success writing on spec. But I’m still don’t think it would make sense for me. After 16 years on my own and 30 years of writing, if someone can’t make a decision off my clips (not to say I haven’t had items “spiked,” though it’s rare), then I’ll look elswhere before even starting to write an item.
Hi Phil,
I’m not talking about writing on spec as much for the established writer, but for someone trying to get his foot in the door. I don’t need to write on spec at this point in my career and I have no interest in doing so. It helped me get my start and might prove beneficial to to others.
Mariella,
I have had that problem, too. Not moderated posts, just ones that disappear. When I try to submit it again, I get a wordpress message that says something like “looks like you already said that” but the comment never shows up. Maybe a wordpress bug?
James,
I tend to agree with you about the shopping analogy (particularly for web-based writing). Except I see it more like asking a variety of farmers to grow me an apple and I’ll pick the one I like best. I’m not saying no one should ever work on spec. It’s a decision that works for some people and not for others. But I do think new writers should take caution and know the risks, especially if doing spec work for the web.
I realize that this makes me sound arrogant, but I don’t care.
If there’s no money in it, I write what I want. If I can sell it later, Mazeltov! But I’m not writing something for someone else unless I see the greenstuff first (and that’s not a reference to Kermit).
OK, the less arrogant answer:
Should you write on spec?
No, you should write on *paper*.
How is a raven like a writing desk, eh?