Whether or not to write for free has been a debated issue among writers. At times, enthusiastic writers eager to get published give away their writing to be published for free just to see their work in print. 

Write for Enjoyment

Sometimes you might just want to write for the enjoyment of the craft, even if you haven't found a paying market. This is often the case for those who write fan fiction. But don't be too hasty to give your work away unless you have a purpose. For example, if your work appears in a reputable print publication, it provides a viable clip when writing your next query. 

Write to Back a Cause or Organization

Donating your writing instead of money to show your support for organizations or causes is another reason writers write for free. I've participated in fundraisers where profits made from the sale of my books goes to the cause, but in those cases I do cover my costs for the book. 

In other cases, I've donated stories. For example, my story "Two Screwdrivers" appears in Journey's of a Lifetime to help promote Reader's Station. In this way donating my writing was donated to help increase awareness of the Reader's Station resource for readers of fiction and non-fiction, to meet authors and ask questions about their work. 

Write for Free to Promote Yourself

Writing for nonpaying markets can be useful in promoting your writing career if they include a short author bio. These markets should be related in someway to the image you are working to build as a writer. For example, if you are a romance writer, writing a blog related to romance can help build your brand. In such cases, writing for free may help develop contacts and open the door to paying opportunities in the future. 

Giving Back

When I started to write seriously I had one mentor that helped me more than any other. And when I thanked her and thanked her, she said, "That's enough. I don't do it for the thanks. I do it to give back." And giving back can take the form of writing to help other aspiring writers reach their dreams. Writing about what you've learned and making it available for other writers is one way of giving back. I don't always do this for free. In fact, I have an article in the April issue of The Writer Magazine and yet am planning a freebie in a newsletter dedicated to writers.