If I were Hiring a Freelance Writer…
As a freelance writer, I spend a lot of time thinking about what clients want. After all, giving clients what they want is the name of the game. Not only does this help you to pick up the initial project, but when you deliver what is asked of you, your chances of more work increases exponentially.
If I were hiring a freelance writer, there are three things that I would consider.
1. What type of experience does the writer have? If I was hiring somebody to compose a sales letter, obviously I would want a writer who has done this type of work in the past. This is not to say that the writer with the most experience would get the job, but it is always nice to know what you are getting to a certain extent.
2. To go along with number one, samples are a must. When I apply for a job or query a publication, samples usually come into play. Sure, there are rare circumstances when samples are not required, but it is not common. Just as I always send out my best samples, I would expect writers that I was hiring to do the same.
3. Communication is essential in the proper and timely completion of any freelance writing project. Personally, I always make myself available to each and every one of my clients. Not only do they know that they can reach me via email, but I always slip in my phone number just in case they want to talk in real time. It is always nice to be able to speak about the progress of a project, bumps in the road, changes, etc.
Over the past few years I have hired a few freelance writers by keeping the above considerations in mind. All but once I achieved a high level of success. The one time that I failed I ended up with a writer who was too pushy. She slacked on the deadline, but then wanted paid within five minutes of completing the job. Of course, I wanted to check over the work before sending payment.
Within the next month or so I am going to be searching for a freelance writer to team up with on a new project. By using the tips above, I am confident that I will find the right person for the job!
