9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Hire a full time writer

by sasai
8 replies
hi warriors, I have my own full time writer and his writing is not as good as requested.

I am thinking should I outsource it to writing company or freelance writers by project basis. do you have any suggestion and could you share your experience managing your writer (full time & freelance)?
#full #hire #time #writer
  • Profile picture of the author ActA
    go freelance, until you find a great writer.. you don`t need a good one, you need a great one, content is all that matters..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5589886].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author oscarb
      Let me know what you're seeking. I'm a professional writer. I spent 20 years as a newspaper reporter and have immersed myself in the IM world since 2008 part time. I also know copywriting at a pretty deep level after being coached.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590201].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tim_buchalka
    Have you put some pressure on the writer to perform. Maybe they don't know they are not doing a good job. I know with our team we have that problem from time to time and have to clearly indicate why we are not happy and the situation often resolves itself.

    e.g. The writer puts in some more effort to make the articles better, etc. Does not always work but worth a shot if you think there is some hope they can improve.

    Remember freelancers are not always the answer - They are chasing the money so they want to do the minimum amount of work and move on, where a full time writer is (probably) looking for security as well.

    Best of luck!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590247].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JOSourcing
      Banned
      Originally Posted by tim_buchalka View Post

      Remember freelancers are not always the answer - They are chasing the money so they want to do the minimum amount of work and move on, where a full time writer is (probably) looking for security as well.
      Best of luck!
      As a part-time service provider, I have to strongly disagree with that statement. I have never chased money. What I chased (and continue to chase) instead are opportunities to contribute to something that's worthy. All of the freelancers I work with and talk about, in fact, share the same philosophy. So if your experience with freelancers leads you to believe they've got moneybags for eyes, perhaps you've been approaching and/or working with the wrong ones -- Especially since an equally, off-base argument can be made for permanent, costly, on-the-job slackers.

      I do agree that communicating with the existing writer is a good idea, however.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590337].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JOSourcing
    Banned
    There's so much advice to give here, I'm not sure where to start. Well-known outsourcing sites are certainly a viable option because they can provide protections that other resources (like Craigslist, etc.) can't. Should you go the route of the former (well-known outsourcing sites), I strongly recommend that you:

    1. Use whatever search facility is offered and shortlist your options by pre-set criteria (topic knowledge, experience, rates, language, feedback, etc.)

    2. Use anything you can offer to negotiate fees if you can't afford a writer's typical fee. (e.g.: ask about bulk rates, lengthen deadlines, disregard word count, etc.)

    3. Make sure the agreed work model complements your own schedule and budget. Both per hour costs and flat rate costs can be more costly than the other -- it all depends on your writer's work habits.

    4. Don't rush into making a hiring decision. Spend a good day or so talking with each prospect so that you can get a good feel for some synergy.

    5. Try to use an escrow service wherever you decide to outsource.

    6. Use some sort of milestone program to monitor progress and catch/fix problems before they get out of hand. (But don't micromanage!!)

    That's all I can think of offhand. I'm sure others will contribute some great tips.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590293].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Chris-
    I suggest posting fixed-price jobs on oDesk. That way, you ONLY pay AFTER the work is 100% done to your requirements.

    Chris
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590480].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    How many articles are you looking to produce everyday. Are you really so busy that you cant write 3-5 articles per day?
    Signature
    ==>> Free book reveals make money with affiliate marketing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590490].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author opt in
    Originally Posted by sasai View Post

    hi warriors, I have my own full time writer and his writing is not as good as requested.

    I am thinking should I outsource it to writing company or freelance writers by project basis. do you have any suggestion and could you share your experience managing your writer (full time & freelance)?
    I have experience with freelance writer on Odesk.

    Odesk is a great platform and cheap for the contractors so it attracts good and affordable writers in developing countries like the Philippines. It makes it a lot more affordable for us employers.

    After interviewing a few contractors and looking at the best curriculum and rate within the contractors in Odesk, I would send to 4 potential contractors the same small writing projects and use it to discern the best candidate without telling them.

    Regards

    David
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5590638].message }}

Trending Topics