Exchanging Services Is Your Lifeline As A Writer

Your career and opportunities will be better for it.

This past month I was fortunate enough to interview a high-profile professional in the film industry, Lizzy Talbot who worked behind the scenes on Netflix’s Bridgerton. I wrote an article about the show and shared the article, when she offered to talk more about the topic I jumped at the opportunity. Until I realized she’s a high-profile professional who might want to be compensated for her time. I didn’t exactly have $150 to blow on a zoom chat, in the hopes I could break even later.

Luckily for me, Lizzy was super sweet and understanding that I am new to the world of journalism, she just wanted to share about her much needed position of an intimacy coordinator. But before we talked I made a plan in case she did request financial compensation. I would offer my services in exchange for her time.

I’m a writer and by extension an editor. I have copywriting experience as well as editorial experience (both for scholarly articles and not-so-scholarly articles). Safe to say, my editing and copywriting services are something virtually every industry utilizes.

This wasn’t the first time I’ve offered my services and time instead of money for people who offered me their time and skillset. So far, I’ve never had someone tell me they are unwilling and only accept hard cold cash. Because the reality is a genuine IOU is the same thing as cash if you do it the right way. If you’re a baby writer who is interested in finding mentors, interviewees, or other services but don’t have the extra money to pay…not all is lost.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity…just ask

In the writing world, it feels like there are a million opportunities and no opportunities at the exact same time. The reality is there are a lot more than you think, mostly because you shoot yourself in the foot. My philosophy… always ask. The worst outcome is someone will say no and you’ll be disappointed.

This is where the idea of exchanging services broadens your horizons. If you want to interview someone who normally charges $50 for an hour, ask if they are willing to accept 2 hours worth of copywriting, editing, or another skill you have. There is still a chance they will say no, after all, they have their own career to look after but they may also say yes.

If I were to charge someone 2 hours of copywriting, I would normally charge about $30/hr, so my 2 hours is equivalent or more to my interviewees 1 hour. I normally offer more time than I am receiving for two reasons: 1) the person you’re asking is helping you first and it’s a gamble for them, they may be worried about your follow-through; 2) It demonstrates you understand they are helping you.

People are a lot more flexible and willing to help out new writers when you ask. Not to mention the vulnerability required to ask and put yourself out there knowing you could be turned down shows you’re genuine. Just remember to be genuine. Don’t overpromise and don’t underdeliver when/if they cash in your IOU.

Exchanging services is long-term networking

One of the best things about exchanging services is the networking aspect involved. If you’re asking someone to help you with a project and offering them a long-term IOU in exchange, then the possibility of working together at a later date is high. Your interaction doesn't end, it is open-ended. Whereas if you are interviewing someone and paying them, the interaction is over.

With exchanging services, you worked together on one project with the expectation that you will later help them on one of their projects. Maybe your services are needed in a week, a month, or a year. Let’s say you work together a year later, a lot can change in a year. Meaning more connections, more networking, and more potential opportunities to discuss.

As a writer, networking is literally everything. Even though it is a largely solitary field, networking still matters. You need connections, mentors, encouraging friends, people to write about, and people to invest in you. The act of exchanging services is a wonderful way to expand your circle and build potential long-term or ongoing connections.

You will get better at asking

Like most things, the more you do it the better you’ll be at it. The more you put yourself out there, the more experience you’ll get and the better you’ll be. When I first started offering my copywriting and editorial skills in exchange for interviews, mentorship, proofreading, or even artwork I approached it haphazardly.

But these days I have an authentic way of asking other professionals for their services in exchange for mine. I’m much bolder at who I am willing to ask for help and I am more accepting of the few no’s I receive. The interactions are wholesome and genuine.

My biggest takeaway: people are more willing to help than you realize. You just have to ask. Your career and your opportunities will be better for it.

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