How to Refer Work to Other Freelance Writers
Note from Jennifer: I’m swamped this week with deadlines so I’m sharing a post from a few years ago that I think is very relevant right now.
You should never simply turn down a job, regardless of whether the client contacts you or you find out during the interview process that it’s not a fit for you (not your niche or lower rates) or you to busy. Well, almost never. If a potential client asks you to do something unethical (like write an article about them for payment and place it in publication that also pays you) or is super low paying, like under 20 cents a word or $25 an hour, then yes, turn them down. But otherwise, I feel very strongly that freelance writers should take extra time to refer the gig to another writer.
Even though the client is not a fit for you – either niche, pay, or personality – it’s very likely that it could be a perfect gig for someone else. There are writers who are making very low pay and are trying to move up. Or a writer could be looking for clips in a certain area. Yes, it takes extra time. But it’s the right thing to do. Not to mention, when you take the time to refer work to others, you will very likely find yourself on the receiving end of referrals down the road.
I refer a lot of work to other writers and have experimented with several different ways of doing it. I have found that when I follow these steps below, the writer has a pretty high chance of getting the gig. Or at least being considered. When I simply email the writer’s contact information to the client, the odds go down dramatically.
Here are the steps to referring clients to other writers:
1. Find a writer that is a fit for the gig.
You want to make sure that you are referring a quality writer. Start by going through the writers you know to see if anyone would be a good candidate.
If you don’t know anyone, then post on writers’ groups (my Freelance Content Marketing Writer group on Facebook is a great place to start) and specifically state what the client is looking for. Then go through the responses, look at clips and find the writer you think would be good for the job.
2. Check with the writer and see if they are interested.
I always share all the information that I know, especially pay information. If I don’t know that, then I tell the writer that I don’t know pay and they will need to work it out with the client. Then ask them to write a short bio that is geared toward the gig.
3. Write an email to the client referring the writer.
Here is a sample email that you can customize for your situation.
Hi John,
Thanks so much for contacting me about your freelance writing needs. [Customize this sentence if it was a gig that you sent an LOI or applied for.] Unfortunately, I do not currently have any availability. However, my colleague Leslie is a perfect fit for your needs. I have known her for five years and give her the highest recommendation. Here is her bio:
[Insert bio here]
I have copied Leslie on this email so that the two of you can take it from here.
Thanks again,
Jennifer
4. Copy the writer on the email.
This is super important and really makes a big difference. I also tell the writer to follow up right away with the client. More often than not, the client (even ones I’ve never met) will contact the writer. That’s it! It takes you only 30 minutes tops, usually less if you already know the writer. I really feel strongly that when you take the time to do this, karma rewards you and good things come back to you. Some of my best gigs have come from referrals from other writers.
What has your experience been with referring work to writers? Any tips that work for you?
This is really good advice. I’m not quite there yet in terms of referring requests to other writers, but I’m getting busy enough that I’d better be ready. Thanks!
One day I hope to be too busy for work and I look forward to referring jobs to other writers! As it is, if I see a job posting I think would be a fit, I share it in a group. You never know when something will click for someone.
Oh, Jennifer. So funny. I was going to ASK you this question. You put a lot of effort (time and money) into marketing yourself. Are there ever instances where you take a referral fee – if you are referring a high-paying job, or a long-term client? Or do you operate on an all-karma referral basis? 🙂 Thanks! Always, always love reading your posts!
LOL, nope, I’d never take a fee. I operate on all karma, just like with my coaching. That said, if I meet someone in person that I’ve referred work to and they offer to buy me a glass of wine or dessert as a thank you, I’ve never refused :>) But beyond that, no.
I love this column, Jennifer. Paying it Forward is always a good idea. So many people have helped me along the way; I try to do the same whenever possible.
Love this post, Jennifer! I, too believe that what goes around, comes around, and I frequently refer jobs to other writers almost exactly as you describe. And when I hear back that they got the job, it makes my day.
Love this and agree 100%. I work on the karma system too, no referral fee. Plus, it just feels good to help people. Not only am I helping other writers, but clients who might not be a good fit right now truly appreciate this and may return to you in the future. They will remember that you helped them find someone right for them. It’s also an easy way to say “no” without feeling horrible, especially on the phone. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with people only to discover that the project or the rate just isn’t for me. But it might be perfect for someone else. If I have to say “I don’t do that type of work” or “I don’t have the capacity for this project,” I love being able to add, “but I know someone who might be a good fit. Can I connect the two of you by email?” No one ever says no. I try to keep a running list of writers and editors—particularly those I’ve met in person and can vouch for—and what their specialties are so I can easily pull from that list.
[…] referring work out, odds are high that other writers will happily do the same for you. Check out this post on how to refer work to other writers and increase their chances of getting that gig. The Freelance […]
Nice to be swamped with work. What type of content do you produce and for what types of organizations that gets you into such a great position?
I am a freelance business writer/editor/rewriter–PR and journalism.
In regard to boosting my freelance PR/journalism writing/editing/rewriting with more work and possible using other experienced freelance business writers sometime, are there other sources to find such persons, such as writers organizations’ directories and websites and maybe writers’ publications? I have been to the Freelancers Union website, and there is no listing of freelancers there. Thank you, Luther