11th November 2008
Deborah Owen

Writing for free is a very controversial subject. I've read lots of articles with both pros and cons. Personally, I think a newbie should write for free as long as it is working toward their goal and they aren't being taken advantage of. And what is your goal? Maybe to fulfill a void in your life? Or perhaps to leave your mark on earth in publication? There's nothing wrong with that. You probably have some urgent things to say, and no one else will say them just like you.

While it is true that a few people can skip protocol and begin writing for large markets without writing credits, the ordinary person cannot. Be prepared, because every publication will want to know where you have been published before, and you should have a list as long as your arm.

* Write for ezines that pay in subscriptions, (some will pay $5).
* Write for your church bulletin
* Write for bulletins or newsletters at work.
* Go to your local newspaper and ask if they need someone to cover sports and/or political meetings. (These are hard jobs to fill, and almost every paper needs someone in these positions.)
* Write for Associated Content or eHow
* Write for ezinearticles or isnare (article distribution centers)

You may be asking yourself, "But if I give writing references in ezines, bulletins, and local papers, won't the editor know I've been working for nothing?" Yes, they will, but they won't care. They will admire you for your tenacity. They will know you've been out working and learning the market, and they will know that you must be some kind of a decent writer or no one would have published you.

As you see your articles printed, be sure to clip and save them in a notebook. I use a photo album book. It covers the clippings well and keeps them in good shape. Also date the material, as you will need to know that later.

If you take writing courses and receive a Certificate of Completion, you can also keep them in there.

When you send your first piece into a magazine, don't make the mistake of saying, "My teacher said she liked this piece," "I've never been published before, but I'll be a hard worker," or "I belong to a writer's club and they voted this article as the best of the month." These are amateur remarks, and any editor will recognize them as such.

If you don't have any publication credits, avoid the subject altogether. Give the short story on how you got into writing and what your goals are, and always thank the editor for his time in reading your submission.

In fact, you can usually skip the query letter and email straight to the editor in most cases.

In conclusion:

* Write articles free of charge to get publishing credits
* Keep dated clippings from each one in a scrap book, as you will need that information later on
* Present yourself well. Remember, you're selling yourself.
* Have the audacity of a Rockefeller

Most of the time, you'll get the chance you're looking for, if you bluff your way through it. For more writer's tips, see below.

Submit your stories or article for our newsletter! Get your free writing analysis! Check it out at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com