Freelance Writing Business
How to Find the Perfect Freelance Writer
Written by Charles Mburugu for Gaebler Ventures
When searching for an ideal writer, it is tempting to go for the lowest bidder so as to save a few dollars. When you are looking for a writer, cost should not be the main focus of your search. You can still get affordable writers without price being the main determinant factor of your decision. How do you go about finding the ideal writer to create your content?
When searching for a writer, you should go for a service or person you feel comfortable with.
You should have some degree of certainty that they will uphold their end of the deal and be professional, as well as produce content that represents you in the way you wish. The writer is the person who will represent your business through their work. You may want to consider contracting a writing service rather than an individual writer. The individual writer or writing service chosen should be highly recommended, with a strong background of providing quality writing services.
Dealing with new writers can be a very daunting task. The following are tips which can help you find the right people to create your web content.
Ask for writing samples
This will give you the chance to observe how each writer handles different topics. You'll be able to examine how much work goes into each article and how engaging and informative the articles are for your readers. You will also get an idea of their insight into the subject matter. This is an appropriate time to inform potential writers of ground rules, such as the required English language dialect, and behavior that would lead to termination of their contract.
Request references
It is very normal to request potential writers for references. You could ask people in your network if they have worked with a particular service or writer before. Did the individual submit assignments on time? Did they follow instructions? Was the end product satisfactory?
Test their work
You may want to give the service or writer a brief assignment to begin with, to ensure they fit in with your needs. How do they respond to constructive criticism? Are they sure they understand the task by asking questions before embarking on the project, if necessary? Do they ask for clarification when necessary during the assignment? Do they need to be guided through the entire process or can they complete a project with minimum extra direction?
Discuss payment
It's vital to discuss how payment for completed work will be handled before assigning projects to your new writer or writing service. You should clarify the following from the writer or writing service regarding payment. How much do they charge? Is the rate per word, per page or by the hour? Do they offer priority and/or special rates for ongoing work? Do they expect you to make a deposit? If so, how much deposit do they need? Will you pay them via check, PayPal, or using another method?
Charles Mburugu writes for us from his home in Nairobi. He has a graduate degree in Business Management from Kenya Institute of Management. He is interested in writing about branding, CSR and intellectual property.
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