You may not think it is that important, but the process you go through when you decide to hire a writer is akin to any type of employee screening, or perhaps a first date. You want to thoroughly understand this writer’s strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes—and you need to know if you and the writer will be able to work well together in the content creation process. Because of this, it may help to think ahead and put together an interview, of sorts, for any potential writer. If you are not sure where to begin, these five questions are a great place to start!
Why do you want to work on this project?
Depending on your particular needs, you may prefer to work with a writer who is passionate about the subject while in other cases you may want to work with a full-time content writer who will be able to turn your project around quickly. Understanding where the writer is coming from can help you make the right decision.
What experience do you have working with similar topics?
You likely want to work with a writer who has tackled projects like yours before—especially if you have high-end content needs.
Can you provide relevant samples?
You can get a better idea of what to expect from a writer when you can read other pieces he or she has produced—especially if they are in the same vein as yours.
How long will the project take you to complete?
Time is money! If you are in a hurry, find out how long you can expect the writer to work on your project and find out if it fits into you plan.
Do you need any supporting data or information?
Before you make the final decision to hire a writer, find out if he or she will need any extra data or research materials. This can make a big difference in the amount of work you will put into the project.
These questions are just the beginning. The interview process can be adjusted depending on what your particular project is and the work you need done. For instance, if you are hiring for a long-term, content-heavy project you may need to ask a few more questions than if you are just hiring someone for one short blog post. When it comes to making a decision about hiring a writer, you will often do best when you follow your instincts. Ask the important questions and then let your instinct guide you to finding the best partner in content—just as you do when deciding if you want that second date!
Tracy S is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
