Should you work for free? This debate has been gaining traction for a number of years as internships and volunteering become more prevalent in publishing fields. There are lots of opinions, but here is some information to help you make up your mind. Firstly, this flowchart is pasted up on the Express Media walls. It steps you through when, where and why you might chose to work for free.

This Arts Hub article from last year is an excellent examination of the Australian context to interning and volunteering, and this blog post from Rachel Hills is a good examination of one example of a mainstream Australian publication not paying writers and the implications of that.

How does it work for ‘real’ writers? This exchange between a 25 year veteran of the business and highly-regarded publication The Atlantic is a fine example, and this analysis of who pays when writers work for free is brilliant (and here is a response from an Atlantic staffer), and this conversation thread involves lots of high profile editors and writers discussing the issue of payment.

Opportunities and Events

The next Now Hear This story slam is happening in Sydney on June 26, with the theme of ‘the first time’. Check their Facebook event for details.

Brisbane writers, did you know you can book a window bay writing spot at The Edge? They are also hosting is a Walkley Media Talk coming up on June 19.

Poets in Tasmania can look forward to the Making Fountains from Dictionaries poetry course in July. Bookings close July 15.

The Fellowship of Australian Writers New South Wales have opened the Hilarie Lindsay Writers Short Story Competition for students from years 4-12. The entry form can be downloaded here.

Here is one author’s take on writing for free

A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit – Richard Bach

How do you feel about working for free? Tell us in today’s poll…

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