The editor of a magazine I'm trying to get published in asked me to send the article "on spec." What it means?

Question

The editor of a magazine I'm trying to get published in asked me to send the article to him "on spec." What does "on spec." mean?

He said:

"If you would like to send me a story that you think is suitable for our magazine I would be happy to read it, but it would have to be on spec."

Answer 1

Means he'll look at it and decide whether or not to publish.

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