Some years ago I was offered some writing work by a large company. According to the contract they sent me, I would be writing for nothing, hand over the copyright to them (forever and worldwide), and also indemnify them should anyone decide to complain about something I wrote.

Gosh, I thought. I’m going to have to think long and hard about this….

The only possible reason for even considering such a ludicrous proposal is “exposure”. Given both the impossibility of making money in the future from anything I’d submit to the company, and the constant worry over whether I’m going to lose my house because of a malicious court action, I’d be better off spending a few grand on a publicist.

I’ve received several offers like this over the years. I suppose, in a way, it’s flattering, in the sense that it’s nice to be approached out of the blue. But it’s also disrespectful. Do the owners and directors of these organisations approach other service providers in the same way?

Note to any newbie writer needing a readership: build it organically; start a blog; submit articles to outlets that not only pay, but also allow you to keep the copyright in your work. Don’t be ripped off.

Further reading

The Professional Writer: Contracts

Money, Money, Money