Note from Jennifer: On Fridays, I take a break from talking about content marketing writing and address topics relevant to freelance writing in general.

I used to always say that I wrote for love, money, or fame.

For many years, if I was offered a writing assignment that fulfilled one of these needs, then I said yes without a second thought. But I still often found myself up to my ears in jobs that didn’t quite satisfy both my business goals and my personal needs. One of the biggest challenges of being a freelance writer is trying to decide which freelance and content marketing gigs are worth your time and effort.  After getting advice from other writers on my favorite online forum, Freelance Success, I realized my mistake was only settling for one “yes.” After spending some time thinking about my business goals, I changed my strategy.

I try to only say yes to a writing project if it meets TWO of the following criteria:

1. The job pays very well (Money). I have found that I can wade through the most boring of writing if I can focus on the fact that I am going to be able to take my family on a cool vacation with the money. However, I always estimate the per hour rate on any job before I take it. I have learned the hard way that $1 per word assignments can actually end up making me a lot less per hour than a $0.50 per word project. Ultimately, it is the amount of money you are bringing home at the end of the month, not the per word rate, that is important.
2. I am passionate about the topic (Love). When I am older and looking back on my life, I want to feel like I have done some good with my words. Yes, I know I am an idealist. I have to say that my favorite projects have been the ones where I feel like I have made a difference in my community. I have to admit that there have been times in the past and I am there will be in the future that I take a low paying job with no exposure just because I am passionate about the subject. But honestly I am OK with that. However, whenever possible, I try to make sure that I am also writing for money or fame as well as love. 
3. The clip will help me get other jobs (Fame). I will answer yes to this question if the assignment is for a well-known outlet or brand that will help open other doors for me. Publications that will help me break into a new niche or market also get a nod from the fame category. For example, I wanted to break into the technology field, but didn’t have a lot of relevant clips. However, I got an assignment from a trade publication covering hospitality technology (hospitality is one of my niches), so that assignment fulfills my “fame” requirement.

What do you write for? What is your criteria for saying yes to a freelance writing gig?