Christine B.

When browsing online writing job boards it is not at all uncommon to come across something along the following lines:

“Wanted, writer for feature articles on topic X. Visit our website at [...] and apply by submitting three sample articles (900 words) on topic X.”

What’s wrong with this picture? Well, although it is understandable that a client wants to see how proficient a writer is in his or her topic, it is not fair to request tailored samples. Someone’s style and abilities will always shine through in more generalized sample articles, and as a writer you have to think twice before applying to such a job. It is not unreasonable to be suspicious of the “client’s” practices: there have been cases where the client had no intention of ever paying a writer, but instead used all the articles generated as “samples” for their own commercial use. It is not something one will likely go to court over, because it is a (relatively) small amount and even worse, a writer may not ever find out his/her work was used.

I am personally not a fan of these job postings, and will always submit samples I already have in store. Whether or not they fit the topic perfectly. Regardless of this, I got somewhat sucked into a potential job a little while ago. It involved an 18 day trial period, during which I was expected to write without receiving any payment. The only good thing about this was that if I were not to be hired, my work would not be used and I would retain all rights. This was something I could easily check and the company is known to be reputable.

Well, as it turns out I was not hired. Not because there was something wrong with the writing, but rather because I am not 100% proficient in HTML and other website “languages”. It is too bad, because I ended up with a computer full of articles for which I do not have a “home”. It is also unfortunate because it meant almost a month of unpaid work. Needless to say I was quite interested in collaborating with this company, but I will surely think three times in the future before taking the risk again.

In any event, never just submit (tailored) sample articles without a written agreement that they cannot be used in any shape or form. If the job posting would turn out to be a scam, you would have a contract to fall back on. Needless to say, there is a good chance anyone deliberately posting such an ad would not react to your request for a confidentiality and/or rights agreement.