Unpaid Writing Tests: When They’re Okay (and Not)

Opportunity or scam? Things to know when you’re on-the-fence about taking on an unpaid writing test. 

You’re trying to make a name for yourself as a professional freelance writer. You’re cold pitching clients and sending out your resume.

Usually, you don’t hear back. But finally, a bite! You have a company that is interested in working with you, but they ask you to do a writing test project, unpaid. 

The frustration is real! Let’s talk about if and when you should agree to do unpaid writing work. You may also hear them called “writing tests.”

In this post, I’ll give you a complete overview of everything to consider before deciding whether or not to take on an unpaid writing project. 

Read This: How to Get Clients with Zero Experience

Why You Should Take the Unpaid Writing Job

You may be 100% set in your ways about not taking on unpaid writing work. That’s fine! Many writers have a zero-tolerance policy for that. However, let’s discuss when it might be okay to accept unpaid writing tests. 

Make It a Portfolio Piece

If you beat out other writers and make it through to the next round with your dream company (or a huge, well-known company), you may want to do the unpaid test! It may be exactly what you need to get on their shortlist - and possibly, hired.

Worst case scenario: You add this free piece to your portfolio. As long as you clearly state in your portfolio that this was a test piece for the company, you won’t confuse anyone as to why you have that sample. 

Use It as a Way to Gain Exposure

Writing for a larger brand, even if it is a test piece that they get to use, could help you gain exposure as a professional writer.

You can always ask for your byline to be used on their website. Or, ask the client to give you a testimonial after the work is complete. Before you do any unpaid work, make sure to discuss these things upfront. 

But remember: Most companies are reputable. Most companies will either pay you, or they will attribute the writing to the writer.

Barter Your Services

Unpaid writing tests can be used in exchange for a company’s services. 

Pretend you are doing an unpaid writing assignment for a photographer. In exchange for your writing services, they give you a free photo session. No matter what the barter is, make sure to clearly outline the trade, in writing, before anyone starts working. 

Why You Shouldn’t Take the Unpaid Writing Job

Perhaps you’re still set on never doing unpaid work, and that’s fine. Here are some reasons why you should not accept an unpaid writing test. 

You’re Strapped for Cash

If you are currently struggling to pay for necessities or have a very difficult time putting food on the table, unpaid work may be out of the question. Even though some unpaid test jobs can lead to larger opportunities or impressive portfolio pieces, you may need to put these kinds of jobs on hold for now. 

It’s up to you to assess whether or not several hours of unpaid work - and the opportunity for future paid work - is right for you right now.

Scams Happen

Unfortunately, writing scams happen. It’s important to be hyper-aware of them when you’re accepting work with new clients. 

Writing scams can take any shape or form. Sometimes they’re really easy to spot: pushy clients, rushed deadlines, all-or-nothing language. Other times, scams come from solopreneurs who seem nice, but they ask you to basically do a full-blown writing assignment for them - which they use later for their own gain.   

Now, I’m not saying that all of these types of clients are scammy, but watch your back when initiating work in content mills, agencies and anyone else who initiates a cattle call for writers.  

Other Companies Do Paid Tests

Let’s be honest: Many companies are happy to do paid writing tests before they hire you for more work.

Usually these are larger companies with the budget to pay their writers adequately. But even the honest solopreneur understands that you have to pay people for their work. 

You can always drop this unpaid opportunity, and find paying clients.  

How to Accept an Unpaid Writing Test, with Conditions

Even though it may seem like the client or company is in control, you have more power than you think. There are always other great clients who are ready to work with you. 

Again, accepting unpaid writing tests is not always a bad thing. In fact, the potential for paid work or a portfolio piece may be an awesome step in your career. However, here is how to keep unpaid work to a minimum. 

Make sure you do these things before accepting an unpaid writing test.   

Set Boundaries for the Unpaid Project

When you’re talking to the client, make sure to clearly outline the scope of the project. In writing, state the type of project, how many revision rounds and the deadline. 

Tell them that you will do this job unpaid but all future work will be billed. 

Decrease the Amount of Unpaid Writing Work

Sometimes unpaid test projects seem like a ton of work! Instead of accepting the entire unpaid writing test upfront, break it down into smaller parts. 

You should be totally honest with the client and say that you are not comfortable accepting so much unpaid work. Suggest that you will do a part of it unpaid, but then the rest will be paid. 

If you really want to work with this client, but they are completely set on you doing the entire project unpaid, consider taking the project in phases. For example, if Coca Cola’s creative director wants you to do 3 blog posts in an unpaid writing test, suggest that you submit and receive feedback for each article one at a time.

This will allow you to step away after just one unpaid article if the work seems too extreme.  

So, Should Writers Do Unpaid Test Jobs?

The answer is up to you, the company and the current situation you’re in. Take it on a case-by-case basis. I know it’s so easy to immediately put up your walls and say, “I will never ever do a writing job for free.”

And maybe you never will have to. But now you know what you need to consider before accepting an unpaid writing test job. 

Heads Up, Writers!

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Heads Up, Writers! (Read Below)

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