What's the deal with samples?
Straight no Chaser.
Let’s face it - everybody loves free stuff. Why would freelance writers be any different?
I get a lot of PR emails. The ones that aren’t trying to dupe me into pitching my editors a story about their founder or business are trying to slyly ask how they can send me free $h!t. Both are making a play for a mention in a story.
Game recognize game.
Well, let me make it plain….
I’m definitely NOT writing about a product I’ve never tried. Been there and done that, and my writing was pretty terrible as a result. Also, I’m not in the business of paying for merch just to write an 800-word story. So, I like to have a good stockist at my fingertips — mainly for home improvement, decor, kids, kitchen, and lifestyle — but there are some caveats…
1 - I accept free samples, but I make no promises about plugging products - ever.
Listen, I don’t mind trying new things, but I make no promises about mentioning anything I’ve gotten as a free sample. And that’s not a euphemism. Even if I get a story about a vertical, I’m not obliged to plug any products. Also, I get a lot of free stuff that I actually don’t like. Free doesn’t make it good…
So, I’m happy to give them a try, but I make no promises. Seriously.
2 - I accept free samples, but there are a lot of things I don’t like.
I’m always game for new things, but I really don’t do well with makeup, fragrances, or packaged food. Only a few toners, face oils, and coffee blends have made the cut, but I get very few round-up stories in those lanes anyway. For some reason, they’re just not my jam, so consider yourself warned.
3 - I accept free samples, but there are things I appreciate much more.
Listen, I’ll take free stuff, but I’m not interested in affiliate links or sharing a coupon code with my friends. Instead, offer adventurous experiences, like press passes to conferences, hospitality excursions, visits to the lab/headquarters, luxe home tours, and exclusive interviews with celeb experts (and make sure they’re really available for a call AND that they’re really experts!).
These are offers I can sink my teeth into with substance. I appreciate these much more than samples because they can result in a well-rounded article — good, bad, and ugly — that I can put my name on with pride.
After all, I am a freelance writer - the story really matters to me!
Got a follow-up question? Drop it in the comments or send me a msg on nafeesahallen.com.