How to Hire and Work with a Freelance Writer

If you’re a business owner or manager, you may need to hire a freelance writer. You have many writing needs such as web content, ads, brochures, and press releases, so it makes good business sense to hire a freelancer so you can focus on other business priorities. Follow these steps to hire and work with a freelance writer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access, email or phone

How to Hire and Work with a Freelance Writer

1. Identify your writing needs. Prioritize the writing projects and clearly define them. If you have specific writing projects in mind, it will be easier to find the best writer for the job. For example, if you need to develop a website, search for a writer who writes web content and search engine optimized (SEO) articles.

2. Network locally. Ask colleagues and friends for references if they have used any writers. Check local classifieds and visit the websites of local writing groups and colleges.

3. Search for writers online by posting a job ad or by searching writers’ profiles. Craigslist is an excellent, free classifieds that is simple to use. You can also review freelancer profiles on freelance job sites such as Guru and Elance.

4. Review resumes from Craigslist or freelancer profiles on job websites like Guru. Contact potential writers by email, phone, or job website for more information. Review a couple samples from the writers to familiarize yourself with their writing style and experience. If you do not see the exact sample you need, ask the writer if she can write in that area.

5. Identify your top candidates. Consider trying a few freelance writers so you have more resources for tight deadlines and multiple types of projects. Also, you can eventually work the most with your favorite writer.

6. Discuss a potential working agreement. Find out if the writer has salary requirements or set rates. Alternatively, you can determine your budget and offer competitive rates.

7. Hire the writer and sign a contract. Give the writer details for the project and agree on the specific deliverables, timelines, and payment terms in writing.

8. Communicate with the writer as needed during the project. Be available as an information resource. Be clear about the project responsibilities. Answer the writer’s questions by email or phone so she can provide a higher quality product. Provide feedback on an outline, draft, and final deliverable.

9. Pay the writer according to the contract. Depending on deal, you may have made an advance payment for work. Honor your contract by continuing to make interim payments and/or make the final payment to the writer. Continue to work with the same writers who consistently deliver quality work on time.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand the terms of the contract and be clear with your instructions to the writer. Good communication and timely payment are important to having good relationships with freelancers.
• If you are looking for quality original writing, do not expect to pay $3 per 500-word article. While it’s not expensive to hire a writer, you should be realistic with the hourly or per article charge for a professional native English-speaking writer. Unrealistically low rates may mean that you will get plagiarized or poor quality content from non-English speaking writers.

Resources

• How to Hire a Writer
• Find a Writer on Guru
• Craigslist