Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Freelance Writer

If you've never hired a freelance writer, and are considering doing so for either one project or on and ongoing basis, asking yourself the right questions can go a long way with creating a successful client/writer relationship for any type of writing project you might have.

Before embarking on a search for that perfect writer, ask yourself the following questions and be prepared to provide the answers to each candidate:

• What is the length of the project? Will it be a one time deal or will you need several projects completed over time? If you need an article written, for example, it's important to estimate the number of words that will be required. A basic online article is typically 350 - 400 words. 
• How quickly does the project need to be completed? Remember that writers have a busy schedule with a number of clients they're working with. Rush projects are likely to be charged at a premium.
• What is the reason for the project? Do you have a target reader? Are you trying to sell an idea or a product, or bring more traffic to your website?
• Do you have a specific title and/or keywords and subheadings that you would like used?
• Which type of writing style do you prefer? Do you want more of a friend-to-friend approach, a professional business tone or something in between? Should it be written in third or first person?
• Do you have any rough materials to provide the writer as a base on which to start from? 

Remember, the key to any good relationship is communication. If both the client and writer are open and willing to communicate, the end result is much more likely to exceed your expectations.