Write-Ins

Independent pubs and bookshops can be friendly venues to approach to do street writing on demand off the street: a write in. Some venues will pay you upfront for the write-in, expecting you not to charge customers for what you writer. Others will ask you to write-in for free, and expect you to perform the exchange with their customers.

Remember: by writing in-store you are providing ‘a happening’ at their establishment which can make their venue seem more interesting. They will often use evidence of you writing in their store on social media to this effect. By simply being there you are creating value for them. Some bookstores will pay healthy money (150-250 dependant on independant vs corporate.) and if there is scant commerce in the store, it is rarely worth-while writing without the venue paying you to perform.

By allowing you to write, a venue is endorsing you. Write with due care and consideration for the character of the venue and the person who has requested you to write for them.

Things to consider when weighing up how, and what to charge, for a write-in:

• Scale of the company. Corporates with large stores can afford to patronise writers more than independents.
• Customers at the store: will there be many.