Writing on spec means writing a full, article, story, book or script without the promise of payment or publication.
The risk is all on the side of the writer.
For example, if you write a story and send it to a magazine without them actually asking you to do it – you are writing on spec.
They may or may not publish and they may or may not pay you.
So why do it?
It’s really a personal choice but if you are not already doing it then I urge you to do so.
There are times when a writer needs to keep their writing secret.
But, unless you are willing to do speculate at the beginning of your career then your chances of publication are slim.
Nobody is going to take a risk on an unknown writer so the only way to build up your writing CV is to write and hope that someone publishes it.
I began my writing career by writing on spec and so I do recommend it.
I wrote regularly and built a collection of short stories and articles.
I sent the best of these to any literary magazines that I knew accepted speculative stories.
I had quite a bit of success with this strategy.
My stories were published in a variety of magazines and newspapers.
One of these magazines was called Stinging Fly.
They published a story of mine some twenty years ago.
Recently they included it in an anthology of the best of their stories.
You can read about the Stinging Fly here.
In the world of film and television writers often send out ‘spec scripts.’
These are examples of their best writing and the aim is to give producers an idea of their talents and either sell that script or find work on an existing television series.
Writers often write spec scripts for a series they themselves enjoy watching. In fact, there is no point in writing a spec script for a series you don’t watch.
TV producers don’t look kindly on writers who write scripts for a series without watching it, to say the least!
If you are considering writing on spec make sure you do the following.
- Research. Make sure that whoever you are sending your work to accepts speculative fiction or scripts.
- Discover the best home to your work ie. Don’t send romantic fiction to a sci-fi magazine. Don’t send a feature-length script for a movie to the producer of a half-hour comedy show.
- Only send your best work! This is your chance to impress and the better the work the better your chances.
Writing regularly is the best way I know to improve your writing skills and build your speed and you should read the following posts before you begin.
Writing On Spec – three posts to get you writing – now!
For beginners – start here.
Writing The Theme of Your Life
Story Starters
Best of luck
Grace
PRACTICAL CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISES
You won’t be able to stop writing because these beautiful and inspiring exercises will banish your writing block right now.
Never Be Stuck Again!
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great post!