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I took the leap, and outsourced.

by aprilm
16 replies
Wow...I can't believe I actually did it. I outsourced the writing of a Kindle book. I have been telling myself for a looooong time that this day would come, but I was always afraid to actually do it! I am so busy, I have a hard time writing myself, so in order to keep my publishing biz growing, I had to do it.

I really hope this doesn't backfire. My problem is, I am such a control freak when it comes to writing, especially something that I have my (or a pen name) on. Everything has to be just perfect. So, this has really been something I fought through.

I hope I did enough due diligence on my writer. Checked samples, feedback, made sure I had the rights of the content, had back and forth convo with him for a few days....what else can you do?

Anyone else have experience with outsourcing their books, and if so, have any good pointers?
#leap #outsourced
  • Profile picture of the author nicheblogger75
    Kudos to you for taking the leap! I know the feeling of wanting to take the plunge but just not feeling ready to do so. I have been wanting to outsource an entire video product for a while now. I've checked out some of the freelancing sites and I have to say I am a little overwhelmed.

    I really would love to be able to hire one person for the entire job. I just wonder if it's more cost effective to hire one person to design the whole package, or to hire several people to do individual parts. For instance, I would have to hire a web designer to make the sales page, a copywriter to write the sales letter, someone to make the videos, etc.

    It's a really tough thing to let go of the reins especially when it's going to be your name and your reputation representing the finished product. I certainly hope that it works out for you and you get a really nice eBook written for your business!
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    • Profile picture of the author aprilm
      Originally Posted by nicheblogger75 View Post

      Kudos to you for taking the leap! I know the feeling of wanting to take the plunge but just not feeling ready to do so. I have been wanting to outsource an entire video product for a while now. I've checked out some of the freelancing sites and I have to say I am a little overwhelmed.

      I really would love to be able to hire one person for the entire job. I just wonder if it's more cost effective to hire one person to design the whole package, or to hire several people to do individual parts. For instance, I would have to hire a web designer to make the sales page, a copywriter to write the sales letter, someone to make the videos, etc.

      It's a really tough thing to let go of the reins especially when it's going to be your name and your reputation representing the finished product. I certainly hope that it works out for you and you get a really nice eBook written for your business!
      I too wonder if it would be more cost effective to hire several people to do individual parts of the project, and I was actually leaning toward using a writing service that used many different writers, but I was afraid the entire book as a whole wouldn't flow the same. I was afraid the writing styles might conflict drastically, so I went with one person. We shall see how it turns out!
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  • Profile picture of the author johnjcallanan
    I just started outsourcing myself. I thought it would be difficult but now I am so happy I did it. The hardest part was connecting with a good outsourcer. But it did not take long and I have a great one who knows what I want and is super affordable. Glad you finally made the leap April
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I am a writer and many people outsource their work to me. I have never received any complaints and I love the feeling of being able to relieve people of their stress.
    I agree that you need to take time and find the right person for your job.
    Congrats on making the jump.
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  • Profile picture of the author roxelgestiada
    Not necessarily for books but I also have an experience with outsourcing. I totally believe that it is not a bad idea since. Besides, it won't be a trend if outsourcing does not deliver results. I guess what you need to do is to be strict with the information you want to see with your publishing. As much as possible, you should be into details all the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    Hoping it all goes well with you. I am the same, been to nervous of going that route.

    I like the idea of using several people to do a project, one reason, so no one person has your entire project.

    Please let us know how it goes.
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    • Profile picture of the author aprilm
      Originally Posted by Ron Killian View Post

      Hoping it all goes well with you. I am the same, been to nervous of going that route.

      I like the idea of using several people to do a project, one reason, so no one person has your entire project.

      Please let us know how it goes.
      Ooh..... Good point. Never thought about it like that before.
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      • Profile picture of the author webmaster2015
        The only outsourcing I do is through fiverr and only for small things. The work isn't always perfect but if it saves me 3 hours then it is worth the $5.
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        • Profile picture of the author planetgourmet
          Banned
          Originally Posted by webmaster2015 View Post

          The only outsourcing I do is through fiverr and only for small things. The work isn't always perfect but if it saves me 3 hours then it is worth the $5.
          *
          ok is there a thread that anyone has had success with fiverr outsourcing ?

          this has been SO frustrating with fiverr after sellers come back ( after 5 days )
          that " I don't know what you want ? " u have fiverr sellers who post anything on their
          gig and then fall flat and cannot delivery !

          the level1 and top ratings are the only way ( however I have unknowingly bought bots ).
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          • Profile picture of the author webmaster2015
            Originally Posted by planetgourmet View Post

            *
            this has been SO frustrating with fiverr after sellers come back ( after 5 days )
            that " I don't know what you want ? " u have fiverr sellers who post anything on their
            gig and then fall flat and cannot delivery !
            I read the comments from previous costumers and make sure they are current, within the last couple days. I also look to see if the seller is actively reply to the buyer comments. Gigs with these couple of things are usually reliable.
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  • Profile picture of the author JeanneLynn
    I hope you picked a good writer. Kindle is getting clogged up with hastily-written books that disappoint the reader. I was so disgusted with one I read last night that I might even leave a negative review today and I've never left a negative review before. I'm getting to my breaking point! I like to read non-fiction and I've found it's best to avoid books that start out with, "I want to thank you and congratulate you on purchasing this book" or a book about paleo dieting and the editor's name is "Best Paleo Recipes" and the illustrator's name is " Easy Paleo Diet." Obviously books only written to make a quick buck.
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    • Profile picture of the author aprilm
      Originally Posted by JeanneLynn View Post

      I hope you picked a good writer. Kindle is getting clogged up with hastily-written books that disappoint the reader. I was so disgusted with one I read last night that I might even leave a negative review today and I've never left a negative review before. I'm getting to my breaking point! I like to read non-fiction and I've found it's best to avoid books that start out with, "I want to thank you and congratulate you on purchasing this book" or a book about paleo dieting and the editor's name is "Best Paleo Recipes" and the illustrator's name is " Easy Paleo Diet." Obviously books only written to make a quick buck.
      That's funny! You can definitely easily sniff out the internet marketers on Kindle!
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      • Profile picture of the author JeanneLynn
        Originally Posted by aprilm View Post

        That's funny! You can definitely easily sniff out the internet marketers on Kindle!
        LOL, I know. I'm excited to hear how it turns out. I'm sure it will be okay because you're a writer yourself so you'll know if it's crappy when you receive the work back. I'm not against outsourcing if a competent writer is used. Tons of great books are ghostwritten by talented writers. It's just those thoughtlessly written books that have no new information and written in poor English that drive me nuts.
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  • Profile picture of the author 07knev
    How are you marketing your kindle books?
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  • Profile picture of the author Car0251
    Good job. Yes, it can be quite arduous trying to find someone decent and trustworthy but in the long run it saves so much time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coropo
    You can outline the table of contents. This will give you some control over what is written.

    If you are not too worried about creative expression, you can use popular books as a reference and ask the writer to mimic it.

    I have also found that you are more likely to find a quality writer if the platform you are hiring from supports public reviews.
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