Some writers consider working for magazines and newspapers. This desire usually comes with practice and skills obtained, but novice writers are not an exception, too. But when they come to an editor and ask for some practice, the only thing editors can offer (as a beginning) is writing for free. A lot of candidates get scared off by this option. However, there is nothing wrong about it. The reason any editor will do it is because you don't have an impressive portfolio, you are a beginner, and he is not familiar with your writing.

Even many of the big markets have adopted the practice of requesting pieces on speculation. They do this because they can get away with it. Because there are thousands of wannabe writers out there who will beg, borrow, and steal for the chance to be published. So, if you want to compete, sometimes you'll have to suck it up and accept this. This can be called a probation period for both you and the magazine. You, in your turn, will have to decide if you are ready for offered conditions. To tell the truth, there is nothing wrong with it, and you will get your own benefits.

Even if you decide to leave the magazine, you will have an impressive portfolio that you can show to any editor and ask for a proper salary. You have the full right to do so. Once a beginner, you have become an experienced journalist (well, only if you didn't leave after writing only one article), and now can easily work for money.

Among the minuses, there are certainly the financial issue, and the lack of company benefits (such as insurance). But the process of writing spec articles will not take too long. Usually, after the first one is completed and handed it, you already get a chance of receiving a job invitation. If you find it hard to stay in the office, and think of the days when you had more free time, with a bit of sorrow, you can become a freelance journalist. He enjoys all the benefits stated above, plus a salary paid for articles.

Freelance journalists and beginners usually have more time in their possession, and are able to schedule their timetable the way that fits them best. It is a valuable option for a lot of workers. All you will have to do is get a topic and turn it in on an assigned date. The date is not that essential, too. It is essential to you as a specialist, but a magazine is not going to miss out on profit if it doesn't publish it. The reason it works this way is because you don't work on a planned schedule, where all the essential articles have to be turned in on time. You work can be called spontaneous.

Another positive side in a situation like this one is a great variety of assignments. The only thing you have to be aware of is the context of a chosen magazine and the way a chosen topic will fit into it. You can either pick a topic by yourself, or have an editor assign it to you. Folks in the office are assigned to specific columns. You have a unique opportunity to write on something you are really into.

Also, the ability to manage your time when preparing and writing the article gives you a possibility to cultivate your own network of clients and partners.

Whatever the situation is, the decision is left up to you. You may as well look at how much a magazine pays regular journalists, find it unsatisfactory, turn around, and leave. Works fine, too.

First of all, the experience that is worth all the money. If you work hard and prove to be a determined writer, you earn reputation as well. If you are lucky enough to get a good editor, you will learn a lot of helpful and interesting things and secrets about writing.