5 Ways to Make Low-Paying Markets Work For You
By Lisa Evans
As freelance writers, we’re always told to stay away from low-paying markets.
There are many reasons to support this position. Low-paying markets cheapen the work of freelance writers, they devalue your own worth and they’re hard to get out of.
But the truth is, when I started working as a freelance writer, I loved low-end markets. They accepted nearly every proposal I made. They printed my work, and paid, in a timely manner (I never had to wait five months to receive a cheque). Plus, they gave me great clippings to use when pitching other publications. Low-end markets are useful – if you use them correctly. (Note: I’m not talking about content mills like demand media or e-how, but low-paying local newspapers and blogs).
Here’s how I used low-paying gigs to pay off big.
1. I resold articles.
Twice, I took an article I’d written for one an online publication (that paid me $15 a post) and sent it to magazines, landing two assignments. One paid $75 and I only had to change one word. The other required an interview and a bit of re-shaping and paid $90.
Be sure to tell the magazine that the article was previously published on xyz website as some magazines don’t accept previously published work, but others may like the idea and ask you to re-work it for their market, which brings me to my next point …
2. I reused ideas.
I often took ideas that I’d generated for these posts and turned them into query letters to better paying markets. After writing a couple of articles on the benefits of yoga and tai-chi for an online seniors publication, I sent a query on comparing five low-impact exercises for seniors to a national seniors magazine.
3. I spun off research into new ideas.
Most of the assignments I wrote didn’t require a ton of research, but the research I did often got the idea generation wheels in my head turning, resulting in queries I could send to higher-paying publications. An article for the same seniors website on the benefits of pet therapy flicked a switch and resulted in an article on how to choose a pet for your family, which was published in a national parenting magazine.
4. I built relationships.
The editor of a low-paying online publication I wrote for moved on to develop another publication. The first call he made? Me.
Never underestimate the importance of making contacts, but also don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. When he emailed me asking for some articles for the new publication, he offered a low rate. I responded saying I’d be happy to write the pieces, but proposed a higher rate, which he accepted. I was then able to use those clippings to boost my profile and demand higher pay from editors.
5. I boosted my confidence.
The experience I gained writing these posts boosted my confidence and improved my writing.
When I first started writing, I came down with a horrible case of “they’ll-know-I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing-itis.” I was terrified of pitching high end markets not because I didn’t know how to craft a query, but because I was worried about what would happen if they actually said “yes”!
Writing for low-paying markets gave me confidence in my writing skills. If they thought my work was good enough to be posted on the web for all to see, surely I can get published in a national print mag, I reasoned. I also paid close attention to any edits that were made to my work, which helped improve my skills as a writer.
How about you: Have you ever parlayed low-paying work into lucrative gigs? Let us know in the Comments below!
Lisa Evans is a Canadian freelance writer. Her work has been published in regional and national publications including Canadian Living, Entrepreneur, Experience Life, Skirt!, Today’s Caregiver and more. Visit her website http://lisa-m-evans.weebly.com.
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Oct 29, 2012 Advice, Freelance Writing, Ideas, Money, productivity
Lisa, great points! One difficulty I’ve had with tip #1 is that so many markets nowadays expect all rights, which limits the resale potential of those articles. Have you run into that issue too? Or perhaps you’ve been able to negotiate better rights? I’d love to get your thoughts on this. Thanks!
I have run into contracts like that yes. One way to get around it is to ask the editor to remove it and replace it with first-time rights only, giving you the opportunity to re-sell the article after “x” number of months. If they don’t go for it, then you have to ask yourself if you’re ok with that. In my experience, many smaller (regional or local) publications will allow you to re-sell articles, and print previously published pieces.
Yes, all of the above! I call it my way of turning a negative into a positive, especially if I’ve had a bad experience with a low-paying or PITA client–I just take my clips and head on to a bigger and better-paying publication.
One magazine I’ve written for in particular just got more and more ridiculous with their demands to where my hourly wage was dreadful despite my attempts to negotiate more. Prior to writing for them, I didn’t have clips in the subject matter, but now I do and it’s time to bid them good riddance!
Great article. The hardest thing for me is trying to reuse an article. Once it’s written, I have a hard time seeing it changed for a different publication. I retweeted the article so others could benefit from these ideas. Thanks for the information.
I’m currently dealing with the fact that I initially asked for too little. Is it true that once a deal is negotiated, that you shouldn’t ask for more, even if you realize that the work is more time consuming than either parties expected?
In my case, I think I’ll have some room to negotiate because they’ve asked me to take on more responsibility than what was originally put in writing.
However, I also have/am reaping benefits, including the ones listed above. Working for them has allowed me to expand my experience and skills and boost my resume.
At the same time, I don’t want to just continue working for too little just because I like the people and want to be grateful.
Suggestions?
Hi Sarah,
Yes, you can absolutely ask for more – and should. If they don’t accept your terms, you can always take your ideas elsewhere. I think low-paying markets know what they’re getting – someone inexperienced. Once experience is gained, the writers move on to better paying markets and the pub gets a new slew of newby writers. That being said, if they can afford to give you more and they like your work, they’re likely to accept your proposal.
Lisa
Thanks for the reply, Lisa. It’s a good point you made about gaining experience and a new cohort of newbie writers. That makes me feel better about moving on if they don’t accept my proposal, because low paying jobs in any field usually have high turnover. I think my client would understand that, but even if they don’t I have to pay my rent and eat!
Best
Thank you Lisa. I used to never speak up when I read articles about writing for low paying jobs. I do it because I am disabled. Although I have a Masters degree the combination of 5 mental health disorders (especially ADD) keeps me from being the best I used to be. I am hoping with continued therapy and meds once I get Medicare I can get back closer to my “old self”. But for now taking low paying jobs afford me to still be able to write and make some money to add to my small disability check. I have trouble getting things done on time and cannot “multi-task” anymore. And if I have to back out the consequences are not devasting if I tell enough in advance. Being disabled affects my self-esteem enough, however at least having most of my short writings accepted helps more than I can say. When you are on a super limited income and extra $20, 30 or $40 can be the difference of having my water or my gas turned off. Thank you for being brave and writing this because it is not a popular position.
Take care,
Joni
They’re also great for building a readership, if you have book aspirations. If you can ask your low-paying editor to post your Twitter or Facebook URL or a link to your website (especially if they’re online), they’ll usually be more than happy to, and you can start creating a platform right from your first day on the job.