How To Get The Best From Your Freelance Writer
The information in this article is the result of my experiences as a magazine editor when I learnt a few of my fellow journalists and writers had attributes normally associated with sleazy politicians: they could be economical with the truth, liberal with deadlines, slippery in times of crisis and disappointingly unable to deliver on their big promises. Follow my guidelines and you will avoid many of the mistakes I made and find commissioning writing work a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
Ask To See Examples Of Previous Work
Don’t wait until deadline day to see just what the journalist or writer says they can do: you could be in for a nasty surprise. As an Editor, I was sent work that bore no relation to the stories I’d commissioned; stories that had been copied out of books; and stories that might have pleased third-grade teachers but which had no place in a grown-up magazine. If you don’t want to be disappointed, ask to see proof of your writer’s previous work before you contract anything. An experienced journalist/writer will have had work published and will be able to provide copies of it on demand. You’ll soon see if they really can do what they say they can.
Be Specific
Spell out exactly what you want. If you want a general article on say, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), then that is what you will get. If however what you really want is an article on the benefits of using Neuro Linguistic Programming in a sales environment then say so. The more specific you are in the beginning the more likely you are to receive the writing you want.
Set A Word Limit
If you are paying by the word then set the word count you expect to receive. If you want a 500-word article on Winning Telephone Sales Techniques then say so. Make it clear you won’t pay for extra word length.
Be Clear About Payment
How much do you want to pay for the article, web content or newsletter? State in writing how much you will pay, the length of writing you expect, and how that payment will be made. Ensure the journalist/writer has received this information and agrees with the set price.
Expert Advice
Is there someone you specifically want to be included in the article? Tell the writer who that person is and if necessary, provide their contact details. Is there an organisation that you want to be featured in the story? Do you want to have examples of businesses or people to illustrate the piece? Make sure you tell the writer these details before they begin.
What Angle Do You Want?
If you expect a certain angle in the story, make a point of telling the person writing the story what it is. Include it in your initial commissioning letter or email.
The Audience
Tell your writer or journalist who the piece will be aimed at and the tone you expect. Do you want the piece to be hilariously funny, deadly serious, highbrow or chatty? Is it aimed at beginners or experienced people in the field? Is it aimed at a general audience or a specific group?
Build Some Leeway Into Your Deadline
Journalists can be addicted to the adrenaline rush that writing to a looming deadline brings and will leave everything to the very last possible moment. Be warned: not all of them will make the deadline. If you want to avoid the stress that this failure will inevitably cause, give your writer a deadline that is a few days or even a week ahead of the real deadline. Do not under any circumstances divulge to a writer that you have given them a faux deadline.
Specify The Format
Do you want the article or story to be sent via email, fax or by post? Do you want it to be sent on CD or floppy disc as well? Should the article be double or single-spaced? These details may seem unnecessarily fussy but trust me, when you are nearing the deadline, you will appreciate receiving copy that can be read quickly. Unless you enjoy typing, discourage anyone from sending you handwritten copy or discs that come from a bygone age. Make things easy on yourself.
Put It In Writing
Before work begins, write down exactly what you want from your journalist or writer and either email it or send it by post. This should include the word count, the specifics of the story/article, the people or organisations you want to be included in the piece, the angle you want, the tone of the article, the illustrations if any, the deadline and payment details. Follow it up. Check that they have received and understood everything in your email or letter and agree with the conditions you have set.
Get Contact Numbers
Ask for as many contact details as you can possibly get from your writer or journalist. Don’t be fobbed off. At the very least, you should ask for office, home and mobile phone numbers and home and email addresses. If you haven’t received the copy by deadline time, you will be very grateful for every possible way of contacting your writer or journalist that you have.
Progress Reports
Don’t be afraid to check on the progress of the work. Your writer or journalist won’t like you checking up on them but early intervention could save you a lot of stress later on. Find out if they are having any problems with contacting people or getting the information they need to complete the article. You may be able to help.
Revisions, Re-writes
If the article or writing does not meet the standards outlined and agreed upon in your original commissioning letter or email then you have the right to ask the journalist or writer to revise or rewrite it. If however you have changed your mind and want something different from what was originally agreed upon, then you will have to pay for the extra work that is involved.
Read The Copy Before The Deadline
If you miraculously receive the copy or a disc containing the copy before the deadline, rejoice for you are a rare individual indeed and obviously blessed with more good fortune than most other editors. When you’re done rejoicing, for goodness sake, read what you’ve been sent. Test the discs to see that they are recognised by your computer system. Can you read the documents? Does the article or story meet your criteria? Are you happy with what you’ve been sent? If yes, then continue with your rejoicing. If not, act fast. Get the journalist on the telephone as quickly as you can. Ask for a rewrite and demand to know when you will receive it. If you can’t read the disc, let the journalist know. Ask for another to be sent along with a hard copy of the article.
Gratefully Accepted
If you’re happy with the work you received then be kind and let the writer or journalist know. They will appreciate the praise. If you want to become a true hero to journalists and writers everywhere, ensure payment is swift. They will be forever grateful.
About the Author:
For high-quality freelance writing assignments completed at warp speed, visit Marie-Louise Small, aka The Fast Freelance Writer, at http://www.FastFreelance.com/
Copyright Marie-Louise Small 2005.
