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From The Golden Thread Mailbag …
Building a Portfolio

Dear Pat,

On the Selling Yourself Website (p. 24 of the questions and answers section), Robert Bly says he sends samples “exactly as they were printed.”

My understanding is that work done for a client belongs to the client. What is customary (and legal) in freelance copywriting regarding the reproduction of client work to use as samples?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Ron D.

Hello Ron,

A good question … and a great observation.

You are correct. When you write copy for a client, it becomes their property. A simple way to deal with that concern in advance is to include something in your agreement saying you would like to use the work you produce for them in your portfolio. Most clients won’t have a problem with that.

It’s also a good idea to ask the client to send you some copies of the printed promotion that you can use as samples.

Good luck!

That’s it for this week. Thanks to one and all – and keep those emails coming!

Pat

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Published: December 11, 2006

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