Weekend Quick Tip: When a Buyer wants Samples
Has a potential buyer asked you for samples? If so, there are a few things that you can do. First off, and the best option, is to give them exactly what they want. If this does not work, there is a good chance that you do not have a sample that is related to what they are looking for. In this case, any sample may do; but this is something that you will have to ask the buyer.
Obviously, you want to give the buyer what he wants. If this means samples, so be it. Even if you cannot meet his exact needs, open up a conversation to see what else you can offer. Believe it or not, many clients will take any samples that you have. Simply put, they want to make sure that you can write quality content no matter the subject matter.
What samples are you going to offer? On my desktop, I have a folder full of a variety of samples. When a buyer asks for one, I know exactly where to look. From there, I find the sample that most closely resembles what I am being asked for. If nothing works, I head to other folders to try to find something better.
When a buyer asks for a sample you should have something to send. In other words, saying that you have nothing to show is not a good idea. Fortunately, most freelance writers, even though who are just starting out, have a few samples on hand. And remember, as you grow your career your collection of samples will grow as well.
September 14th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I still find myself unsure of how to handle it when my best sample is something that was ghostwritten for another client. Even though I wrote it, I’m always kind of leary of sharing something that officially belongs to someone else. Have you found yourself in the same situation, and if so, how have you dealt with it?
September 15th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I have no problem if a potential client is interested in seeing what I can do, but I always do so by referring them to previously published material. I’ll either direct them to my portfolio or I’ll send them other links.
The trouble comes when a potential buyer is interested in getting a unique sample that is written to their specifications and/or style. You see, the problem with this is that if they choose not to hire you, you’ve effectively worked for free. You’re a freelance writer, not a “free” writer.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:22 am
lornadoone - I know where you are coming from. Ask the clients that you ghostwrite for whether or not you can use their work as samples. You may be surprised at how many say yes.
Michael - You are so right. The “unique” sample scam is one that I have discussed in the past. I agree with you; sending potential clients to published links is a great idea.
September 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I just wrote a similar post about developing a writing portfolio. I’m working on mine now - categorizing all articles by topic and then having separate categories for e-book excerpts, reports, and press releases. I’m also going to make several file formats available, as I don’t want to exclude anyone who doesn’t have a particular software program from viewing my samples.