Freelance Writers, Beware of Writing Sites Asking You to Write Sample Articles!

You have read just right. Beware!

I myself have seen this warning in other blogs. Many bloggers and freelance writers have warned other freelancers about writing sites that ask for writing samples. They have had unpleasant experiences with these sites. Most sites that ask freelance writers to write sample articles for them are either scam sites or have questionable activities. Once freelance writers have written the sample for them, they no longer contact the writers but go on publishing the written samples without paying for them. Is that proper? No, of course not.

Freelance writers pour so much effort in all their works and it is a pity that they do not get compensated for the articles that they have written. I myself is a victim of this modus operandi.

I thought and was thankful that I was not able to experience not being compensated for my writing samples. Well, that was what I thought. Until yesterday, I found out I was wrong.

There was this writing site where I applied months ago when I was just starting out with freelance writing. This site seemed legitimate enough so I applied as a writer. All writer applicants were asked to write "First Three Articles" and according to the site editor, the articles will be paid via Xoom once approved. Two of my three articles were approved and the third was sent back to me for some editing. To make my story short, I was able to give them four articles in all.

I did not pursue writing for the site because at that time, I was already writing for two other clients and I had so much load already. I thought my sample articles were not published because I did not pursue writing for them. Besides, they gave no hint that I was going to be paid for that.

Yesterday, I checked my sample articles against a plagiarism checker to find out if the articles have not been published. I did this because I was planning to submit my articles to some writing sites or article markets. What did I get from my search? Disappointment. All my sample articles have been published under different names. I have not been paid for them. The writing site gave no notice of the publication of the articles I have written and they have given no hint of payment.

So there. I learned my lesson. Things like this can happen to any writer. There are too many people out there who only want to profit from other people's efforts without thinking of giving back due compensation.

To all freelance writers, especially those who are just starting out, beware of writing sites asking you to write sample articles for them. Chances are you may not be compensated for your efforts.