Dear Angela,
The letter about writing for free reminded me that terminology can be everything. Instead of telling a potential employer or editor that you don’t get paid — for the reasons you set out — someone in that position should use different wording, thus: I have written for This and contributed to That and also volunteer for my church magazine, which distributes throughout xyz State. It makes the point that you are a professional and one with a social conscience.
The wording you use, especially to describe yourself and your work, can be a deal maker or breaker. Think of a property developer who ‘postpones’ a launch rather than cancels it because he has run out of money. He isn’t tainted by negative opinions, just affected by the market. The power of words.
Yours,
Anne Taylor
RELATED:
QUERY LETTERS THAT WORKED! Real Queries That Landed $2K+ Writing Assignments
You Want ME to Write for FREE?! Ha Ha Ha!!!
Another Day, Another Cheapskate “Publisher” Looking for Free Labor
Think Twice Before Giving Away Your Entire Book Online For Free
Red Flags in Freelance Help Wanted Ads
Read More Letters and Comments
