I was scrolling through LinkedIn and came across a post by freelance copywriter Ana Gascon Ivey. “I had been working as a health researcher and writer for a book publisher,” she writes. “It was satisfying work at first, but after a few years I got restless. So when a position opened up in the company’s copywriting department, I threw my name in the hat and took the copywriting test.” Because she failed the test, she could not be considered for the job.
Rather than throwing up her hands in defeat, she got a book titled You Are a Badass, decided to quit the company and strike out on her own, in a few short months earning a successful living. But it got me wondering. How many other would-be writers and editors have had their dreams crushed by these tests? I have taken them on a few occasions, and with a single notable exception, also didn’t pass muster and was passed over.
So after taking an informal poll of ASJA members on Forum and reviewing literature on the subject, I came up with six good reasons to avoid writing/editing tests and one where such tests might actually make sense. The cons are (and some do involve actual cons):
- Giving someone work for nothing. This seems to be the #1 objection. “I won’t do a test in response to a random ad looking for bloggers,” asserts member Gary Wollenhaupt. “Those are often a shill to get free content.” When this occurs, a call to arms might be in order, alerting other writers/editors through blogs, online writer’s groups, social media and professional organizations like ASJA. “You don’t have to publicly shame the person by name, especially with the risk of libeling someone, but you can describe the ad you answered,” and invite colleagues to contact you for details, advises the website copyediting.com.
The one possible workaround might be a “fake” test given by a reputable client. “I took one, grudgingly, after the editor assured me that it was just a step in the required process,” explains member Bill Hinchberger. “It was fictional. I could make up the ‘facts,’ so they couldn’t use it as a freebie.”
- Who judges these things, anyway? At least with a submitted article or web content, your work is being evaluated by an editor who knows the product and, at worst, would give you valuable feedback as to why it’s not working or offer a kill fee. And what if the test itself is poorly constructed or the evaluator is someone like a “department manager, HR, staffer or newbie writer….Why would you take a test that doesn’t adequately test an editor’s skills?” states the copyediting.com site. “Editing is as much an art as a science, so even having an answer key isn’t helpful.” Especially with writing tests, which are even more open to interpretation, with more than one “correct” answer.
- It’s a matter of self-respect. “My time is valuable and most places won’t pay you for the time you spend on their test,” points out member Jason McDowell. Also, “I have a significant portfolio, an MFA in creative writing, and can provide several references. That should be more than enough to inspire confidence in my writing ability.” Amen to that.
- There are more constructive ways to hone your skills and get feedback. Even newbies can gain valuable experience by working for smaller publications and clients and/or for less pay. While sites such as The Balance provide tips on how to pass writing or editing tests (“Most edit tests will ask you to edit a story that’s already written and to submit sample story ideas for the magazine”), many professional writers take affront to such requirements. “References or work samples are all that is required from graphic designers, photographers, web designers, and other freelance gig workers in most fields,” continues Jason. “Writers shouldn’t be held to a different standard, and our time shouldn’t be devalued with meaningless unpaid busywork in advance of actual paid work.”
- Your work should speak for itself. The Balance article also recommends paying close attention to the publication’s style, the tone of the writing, the style manual used as well as adhering to deadlines, using proper grammar and so forth. But, as professional writers, aren’t we already doing that anyway, shaping our words and thoughts to fit the magazine’s needs, adding appropriate and well-reasoned insights and if needed, revising and clarifying? The use of project milestones or small samples that may only take an hour or two—both paid, of course—should help alleviate doubt on either side while minimizing time investment and cost.
- Finally, opinions are like…oh, never mind – but everyone has one. Even the most brilliant books and articles can go through dozens of rejections before finally being published. That’s hard enough to deal with but can be even more difficult if the failure involves a cookie-cutter editing or writing test. Everyone sees the world differently; although “in most cases the fact that they ask for a test means the client is not a good fit for me,” adds
There is one exception, which both I and member Linsey Knerl came to through different routes. “I just landed a pretty large corporate client through Zencontent, and they required a basic grammar and syntax test,” explains Linsey. “But it wasn’t tough, and took about 15 minutes tops and involved simple multiple choice-type questions.” I took and passed a similar type test for UpWork, which helped me achieve a higher rating on the site and thus attract better-paying clients. So if it’s between a test like that or the Facebook quiz, “What kind of vegetable are you?” your time might be better spent with the former.
Hone your prose and editing skills in a positive and productive way at Write in the Heart of Texas on Saturday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Joe C. Thompson Center in Austin! Click here to register. Interested in volunteering or discussing sponsorship opportunities? Email asjatx@gmail.com.