Does anyone outsource article writing?

38 replies
As I get busier I am at the stage where I feel I need to outsource a thing or two, especially stuff I either don't like or suck at.

I want to start submitting some articles on a regular basis, and was wondering if anyone is currently outsourcing...and I could use some recommendations. This is NOT affiliate marketing or bum marketing related, I just want to start using articles to drive traffic to my site.

I looked throught 4 pages of WSO's and didn't see anything, and actually snuck into the copywriting forum for I think the first time(shh) and didn't see anything in there.

I have no clue whatsoever how much this stuff costs or where to look. I can find copywriters and I might have seen some ghostwriters(but I don't believe in ghosts), but no article writers.

Please can someone point me in the right direction? I am completely new to this area and will admit I am clueless.

Any help is appreciated...

Keith
#alpacas #article #llamas #midgets #monkeys #outsource #writing
  • Profile picture of the author Akogo
    Keith,

    It's been awhile since I hired a ghostwriter, but when I did, I found one through Elance.com. Before I hired, I looked at their samples and the ratings from other customers. Elance.com also shows how much sales they also made, which gives me further confidence in hiring someone.

    Akogo
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    • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
      Originally Posted by Akogo View Post

      Keith,

      It's been awhile since I hired a ghostwriter, but when I did, I found one through Elance.com. Before I hired, I looked at their samples and the ratings from other customers. Elance.com also shows how much sales they also made, which gives me further confidence in hiring someone.

      Akogo

      Yeah, I thought about elance, but I figured there were plenty of talented people here that I could try out. Even if they were new and looking for a break to get started.

      I have found one that I plan on trying out, but I AM willing to give someone new a try if need be.

      keith
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark-Dickenson
        I have used Need-An-Arcticle.com and have been pretty happy with their service

        They charge a $10/month flat fee and $5 per article...so if you plan on using them, it ends up being a pretty good deal

        Hope this helps

        -Mark
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      • Profile picture of the author Solidsnake
        Banned
        I want to do the same Keith.. As I mentioned on other thread, I am too lazy to write and submit.... I want to know as well..
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        • Profile picture of the author PatriciaJ
          I wanted some articles 3 each about travel and writing advice written from experience rather than research and found a great writer on Elance. It cost me $130 for 6 articles and I got an extra one thrown in but 100% worth it.
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          • Profile picture of the author msj904
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    • Profile picture of the author purple
      I've done quite a bit of article writing this summer for between .01/word and .03/word. There are plenty of mindless drones who will sell you articles for way less than that but its usually pretty shabby stuff. Asking for samples is your best bet to ensure they write competently and won't waste your time and money.

      I'd be more than willing to direct you to one of the places I work for, I'm not sure if I can post it here. I'd be even more willing to work with you directly.
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  • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
    Hi Keith,

    I have used:

    Dee Power and Sandi Valentine in the past, both of which were very good and reasonably priced.

    Kindest regards,
    Karl.
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    eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
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  • Profile picture of the author Luisc137
    Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

    As I get busier I am at the stage where I feel I need to outsource a thing or two, especially stuff I either don't like or suck at.

    I want to start submitting some articles on a regular basis, and was wondering if anyone is currently outsourcing...and I could use some recommendations. This is NOT affiliate marketing or bum marketing related, I just want to start using articles to drive traffic to my site.

    I looked throught 4 pages of WSO's and didn't see anything, and actually snuck into the copywriting forum for I think the first time(shh) and didn't see anything in there.

    I have no clue whatsoever how much this stuff costs or where to look. I can find copywriters and I might have seen some ghostwriters(but I don't believe in ghosts), but no article writers.

    Please can someone point me in the right direction? I am completely new to this area and will admit I am clueless.

    Any help is appreciated...

    Keith
    Hey Keith,

    I just made a thread about this. I myself, am interested in writing a few articles and maybe an e-book or two for my fellow warriors. I'll even do a few for free just to build some credibility.

    Shoot me a private message if you're interested!

    EDIT: That goes for anyone else who might be interested in paying for articles.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

    I might have seen some ghostwriters(but I don't believe in ghosts), but no article writers.


    Keith
    Hey Keith,
    I have a WSO running right now if you're interested. But I also wanted to clarify that many of us use the title "ghostwriter" because it's often seen as more respectable than "article writer". You'll find that many of us who are ghostwriters write articles, eBooks, reports, etc. So, just because the title isn't article writer, doesn't mean we don't write articles :p

    Hope this helps!

    In addition to myself I recommend Courtney Ramirez, Sandi Valentine (who just had a baby so she might be more available in a couple of weeks ), Marie Pugh, and Bev. Clement.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sylvia Meier
      I also write for other warriors.

      My rate is 4 cents a word. I know it is not the cheapest, but my clients are happy with my work and I guarantee quick turn around times, as well as the ability to write on quite the variety of topics.

      Pm if you want to see some samples.

      Sylvia
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      • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
        A lot of people outsource Saves time, makes money.

        And there are a lot of ghostwriters here on WF.
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        siggy taking a break...

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        • Profile picture of the author Jose Delgado
          Dude, I'll charge .01 per paragraph!

          Just don't expect much because I SUCK!

          On a serious note though,

          There are so many good article writers here in the WF.

          Bev, Jenn, Sylvia, and some other ones that don't come to mind at this moment.

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          • Profile picture of the author k0zm0zs0ul
            Yep, I agree, Jenn, Bev, Courtney, all have excellent reps..I haven't heard of the others, but if they are being recommended with these three, then I am sure they are quality as well. And ghostwriting can encompass articles to ebooks and everything in between. So don't let the title stop you from choosing a writer. And remember, cheaper, while nice for your wallet, isn't always better!!
            Regards,
            Cori
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            • Profile picture of the author Frank Ayres
              I outsource my article writing and i have found a great writer that does all my articles for me
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              • Profile picture of the author Mac Wheeler
                I think probably 60% of my work these days is article writing, so yes lots of people outsource it.

                Just remember you get what you pay for.
                Signature
                Freelance Writer & Web Author
                FREELANCE WRITING OPPORTUNITIES - GET THEM NOW!
                Like my Facebook page, or add me to your Google+ circles, for free writing tips and techniques.
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                • Profile picture of the author Keith Boisvert
                  Originally Posted by DecurroLtd View Post

                  I think probably 60% of my work these days is article writing, so yes lots of people outsource it.

                  Just remember you get what you pay for.
                  I know, trust me. When I used to do graphics I lost a lot of business to people who were willing to do work cheaper...and did cheaper work. I used to tell people the same thing about getting what you pay for.

                  So yes, I understand completely. I have a ton of pms and info right here in this thread. I am going to contact 2 or 3 people and have them write some articles so I can see the work.

                  Thanks for all of the input and suggestions.

                  keith
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                  • Profile picture of the author KarlWarren
                    Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

                    I know, trust me. When I used to do graphics I lost a lot of business to people who were willing to do work cheaper...and did cheaper work. I used to tell people the same thing about getting what you pay for.
                    There is a MAJOR benefit of keeping prices high, despite what the competition is doing.... when they slash prices, they usually *need* the work.

                    Because they are cheap they get the work, sometimes too much to handle, and then end up being unable to deliver the quality that is expected - or worse, in the timeframe agreed.

                    This, in itself educates the client and they rarely want to be bitten twice, they're a lot more careful when they go looking for a designer the next time...

                    The upshot of it is, those who work too cheap, burn out and then disappear - I've seen it happen so many times. It also means that while the cheap designers are busy trying to deliver to all the clients who want "cheap" graphics - it leaves plenty of serious clients on the table.
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                    eCoverNinja - Sales Page Graphics & Layout Specialist
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                    • Profile picture of the author Sylvia Meier
                      Originally Posted by KarlWarren View Post

                      There is a MAJOR benefit of keeping prices high, despite what the competition is doing.... when they slash prices, they usually *need* the work.

                      Because they are cheap they get the work, sometimes too much to handle, and then end up being unable to deliver the quality that is expected - or worse, in the timeframe agreed.

                      This, in itself educates the client and they rarely want to be bitten twice, they're a lot more careful when they go looking for a designer the next time...

                      The upshot of it is, those who work too cheap, burn out and then disappear - I've seen it happen so many times. It also means that while the cheap designers are busy trying to deliver to all the clients who want "cheap" graphics - it leaves plenty of serious clients on the table.
                      And that is exactly why my prices are what they are. I don't want to get burnt out and I have a client base that is more than willing to pay my rates to receive the quality they have come to expect, and to have the articles written in the format they are seeking. For example, some clients prefer articles to be written in a "we" format, where others prefer the "I" format becuse they have tested and know what works in their niche and for them personally.

                      I also agree about the writers or any service provider that provides things at a very low cost, it tends to be substandard work, if you ever receive it due to them missing timeframes.

                      Either way good luck in your search and thanks for starting this thread (have had a few inquiries as a result )

                      Sylvia
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                      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
                        I know that Vince is fantastic... Can't remember his last name, his avatar has a hat. He won Bev Clement's coaching thing last year. Absolutely fantastic writer.

                        -Dan
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                        Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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          • Originally Posted by Jose Delgado View Post

            Dude, I'll charge .01 per paragraph!

            Just don't expect much because I SUCK!
            If you suck then you should charge $.10 per word instead. More money for less work

            Arindam
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            • Profile picture of the author mdunn123
              I'll write some of my own articles if I'm in the mood for it, but usually I hire it out yes.
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              • Profile picture of the author DallasL
                Could someone give me an opinion?

                I usually write my own articles, but decided that I just take too long at it, and I don't think it's my strength anyway. So. I posted a project on elance and the bids are coming in at $7/article (450-500 words -- 40 articles) up to $10/article.

                Is that out of line? I don't mind paying for really good quality work, but since this is my first foray, I don't want to pay too much out of ignorance. I just don't know what the "going rate" is or ought to be. I had thought that it would be in the $5-$6 range.

                Any input is appreciated.
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                • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
                  Banned
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                  • Profile picture of the author KenJ
                    I have just started writing for other people including some warriors. I m starting low on price (My kind of low is $10 per article) But will probably increase this substantially soon because the comments I get are very positive.

                    I do wonder if I could work out how to fully monetise my articles if I wouldn't be better doing something else with them. How does a warrior get his money back with these articles I am writing
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                    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
                      Keith, my freelancing days are long behind me. At 10 cents a word, I'm not
                      surprised. Nobody wants to pay that and I won't work for less. But when I
                      write articles for folks, they're kick ass.

                      But...you don't need a kick as article for all applications.

                      If you're just trying to drive traffic to your site, a simple 350 word passable
                      piece can do the job. Passable meaning good English, well structured and
                      clear as to the point. It doesn't have to be a Hemingway original. I've seen
                      work by folks charging 3 to 4 cents a word at Elance and here who do a
                      decent enough job.

                      Get a sample of their writing first so you don't waste a lot of time.

                      As for agreements, everybody is going to have their own and you'll have
                      to abide by them, but the one I find works best for me (when I get work)
                      is that I send half the article for inspection. If they like it, they send
                      payment and then I send the other half. I've had no problem with this kind
                      of arrangement before.

                      With all the talented writers here, you should have no problem finding
                      somebody good.
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  • Profile picture of the author tamtu
    I found this on warriors recently this might be able to help you.
    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...a-testers.html
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  • Profile picture of the author Charles Harper
    Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

    As I get busier I am at the stage where I feel I need to outsource a thing or two, especially stuff I either don't like or suck at.

    I want to start submitting some articles on a regular basis, and was wondering if anyone is currently outsourcing...and I could use some recommendations. This is NOT affiliate marketing or bum marketing related, I just want to start using articles to drive traffic to my site.

    I looked throught 4 pages of WSO's and didn't see anything, and actually snuck into the copywriting forum for I think the first time(shh) and didn't see anything in there.

    I have no clue whatsoever how much this stuff costs or where to look. I can find copywriters and I might have seen some ghostwriters(but I don't believe in ghosts), but no article writers.

    Please can someone point me in the right direction? I am completely new to this area and will admit I am clueless.

    Any help is appreciated...

    Keith
    Hello Keith:

    I highly reccomend Jenn Dize. She is a Warrior.

    Top Shelf...Professional..Hgh Quality.

    Charles
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  • Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert View Post

    As I get busier I am at the stage where I feel I need to outsource a thing or two, especially stuff I either don't like or suck at.

    I want to start submitting some articles on a regular basis, and was wondering if anyone is currently outsourcing...and I could use some recommendations. This is NOT affiliate marketing or bum marketing related, I just want to start using articles to drive traffic to my site.

    I looked throught 4 pages of WSO's and didn't see anything, and actually snuck into the copywriting forum for I think the first time(shh) and didn't see anything in there.

    I have no clue whatsoever how much this stuff costs or where to look. I can find copywriters and I might have seen some ghostwriters(but I don't believe in ghosts), but no article writers.

    Please can someone point me in the right direction? I am completely new to this area and will admit I am clueless.

    Any help is appreciated...

    Keith
    Keith, here are some tips for you:

    1. Definitely hire people from a forum like WF or other. Good writers hang out together in forums, instead of elance.com

    2. Price: really depends on which type of writers you hire. Just remember that you get what you pay for.

    3. Start small. I outsource 50% of my work but still have to do the other 50% myself. As my income level grows I hope to outsource the whole stuff.

    BTW, I also offer article writing services:
    NuttieContent.com

    If you are interested, PM me with your requirements.

    Arindam
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