Book & roseYour business is your passion.

You take care in its branding, so finding the right business writer for projects is important. But, if you don’t have an established relationship with a business writer, how do you find the right one?

Here are 7 tips for finding the right business writer for your business communication.

#1 – Define your project

A good place to start is with what you are looking for. Do you need a business writer for industry articles, web content or a technical white paper? Perhaps it’s all of the above.

List all items where a business writer might help. It does not necessarily mean you contract it all – it merely helps you focus on your business writing needs. It also helps when creating an ad.

Next, identify priorities. What is your immediate need?

#2 – List credentials

List what qualifications are important to you in a business writer. It is not unlike the process you go through in advertising and interviewing a person for a job at your company. It’s a combination of skill set and the right fit for your company.

List the intangibles that are important to you, like a professional approach, someone you connect with or a good sense of humor.

#3 – Dip your toe in

Many businesses prefer using the services of a single writer. Others use a variety, based on the type of project. Whatever route you take, by narrowing your project, you can test the waters for your business writer.

Let’s say you decide you want a ghostwritten article. By contracting only the article, you have a terrific opportunity to see how the writer works for you, without a huge time or money commitment.

#4 – To niche or not to niche

Take almost any subject, and it’s practically guaranteed someone developed a niche for that subject. The niche can be industry-related or writing-specific.

For example, there are writers who specialize in ghostwriting, creating white papers or writing business plans.

Then there are the generalists. You can find equally skilled generalists and specialists. You decide how important the niche is to your need.

It’s like deciding between a primary care physician or a specialist. If you love your family doctor and you are not having brain surgery, the services of your primary care doctor more than satisfy your needs.

#5 – Plan your search

Now that you defined the project and the credentials, the next step is starting your search. The good news is that the Internet and social media has made it a whole lot easier.

You have several avenues available to you.  Here are a few ideas:

Referrals

One of the most effective ways for finding the right business writer is through referrals. Check with your business network for their recommendations.

With many companies working with a lean staff, outsourcing to an independent writer has become an effective productivity solution. As a result, it is easier to find business associates who have utilized the services of an independent business writer.

LinkedIn

  • Post Jobs for a fee or if you belong to a Group, post it on the Group’s Job Board for free
  • Search under People for a business writer
  • Click on the Advanced People Search and enter Keywords and Title
  • Refine your search by clicking on appropriate Industries and specific Connection levels or Groups you participate in
  • Ask your Group for referrals
  • Review the Profile and Recommendations of individuals found through your search

Search Engine Research

Use your favorite search engine to locate a business writer. This works best if you have very specific qualifications. Otherwise, you find yourself wading through a sea of writers who may be better at search engine optimization than writing.

For example, putting in the phrase business writer in Google produces 87,400,000 results. Use the Advanced Search feature of Google to refine your search. 

By adding “business writer” to this exact wording or phrase, ”ghostwriting articles” to one or more of these words and selecting English for the language, the results decreased to 89 pages.

Review websites/blogs

One of the best things about looking for a writer is that you get a sneak peek at their work. 

Most candidates you discover have websites and many have blogs. This provides an opportunity for reviewing their writing style and the services they offer.

Typically, their websites contain a portfolio of work. So, take the time to look around to find those “intangibles” on your list.

#6 – Make that initial contact

If you received a referral, sending an email with the specifics of the assignment to your candidate is a good first step. Like most referrals, it’s helpful to include how you obtained  his or her name.

I recommend you make the first contact in writing, for a few reasons. First, it helps focus on the specifics of the assignment.

Second, it is a good way to determine how responsive and professional the writer is in his or her reply.

Finally, it establishes a respect for each other’s time. I highly recommend a follow-up call, but set aside a specific date and time.

#7 – Nail down the details

Depending on the writer, their initial response may have included a fee estimate or your follow-up discussion may have covered this topic.

Business writers handle fees in a number of ways. Some charge by the hour, some by project fee, and others by a per word count.

My preferred method is a formal written proposal that specifies the scope of services, timelines, fees and terms of the contract.

Whatever the arrangement, it is good business to have the agreement in writing.

Experienced writers know this and have formal contracts. It is also a good idea to have the writer sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)- either one developed by your company or one the writer provides.

I would have serious reservations about a business writer that balks at signing a contract and/or NDA. They may suggest changes to the terms, but should agree to the formal documents (unless you cannot agree to terms).

Making It Right

Hiring a business writer to represent your brand and your business is not a process you rush. Finding the right business writer has the potential for building a long-lasting partnership.

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