If you’re a freelance writer, you’ve probably heard it before: “We can’t pay you now, but the exposure will be great!” Or maybe you’ve agreed to a trial piece, only to see it published without a dime in return.
Welcome to the dark side of freelancing—where clever tactics trick writers into giving away their time, talent, and words for free.
Let’s break down the most common ways freelance writers get duped—and how to protect yourself from working without pay.
1. “We Pay in Exposure”
The pitch: You’ll be featured on a popular site or blog, and that visibility will lead to paying gigs.
The problem: Exposure doesn’t pay bills. And unless it’s a major platform with a clear audience aligned to your goals, it likely won’t lead to anything meaningful.
Tip: Only work for exposure if it’s your choice and part of a larger strategy (like building a portfolio, reaching a specific audience, or landing a byline in a dream publication).
2. Unpaid “Trial Articles”
The pitch: Before you’re hired, you’re asked to write a sample article to prove your skills.
The problem: Companies collect free content by asking dozens of writers to submit “tests”—then ghost everyone.
Tip: Offer portfolio samples instead, or agree to write a trial piece only if it’s paid. If they’re serious, they’ll invest in your time.
3. Contests With No Payout
The pitch: Submit your work to a contest that promises big exposure or publication.
The problem: Some “contests” are scams or marketing stunts that use your content without permission—or never choose a winner.
Tip: Research the contest, the host, and past winners. If everything sounds vague or too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Endless Revisions Without Pay
The pitch: The client promises to pay upon final approval—but keeps requesting changes, sometimes months after the first draft.
The problem: You end up doing double or triple the work for the same (or no) pay.
Tip: Define revision limits in your contract. Two rounds of edits is standard. Anything more should come with extra fees.
5. Ghost Clients
The pitch: You complete an assignment and send an invoice. Then… silence.
The problem: You’ve delivered the work, but the client disappears and you’re stuck chasing payment.
Tip: Always use a contract and request a deposit (at least 30–50%) upfront. For new clients, consider using platforms that offer payment protection.
6. Pay-to-Publish “Opportunities”
The pitch: A website or “publisher” loves your work and wants to include it in their magazine/book—but you need to pay a fee.
The problem: These are often vanity publishers profiting off writers’ dreams.
Tip: If they’re making money from your writing, you should be getting paid—not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
Writers are passionate, driven, and often willing to hustle—but that doesn’t mean we should work for free. There’s a difference between building a portfolio and being taken advantage of.
Know your worth. Set boundaries. Use contracts.
Because at the end of the day, writing is work—and work deserves fair pay.
Copyright 2025
Crystal Amon
Princess Crystal Says 
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