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Working_With_Freelance_Writers
| Working With Freelance Writers
Many companies are turning to freelance writers to get their
projects completed. After all, there are plenty of advantages to
dealing with freelancers: no salaries, vacation time, sick days,
health insurance or benefits. Also, using an outside writer will
ensure a fresh perspective. Here are some tips for working with
freelance writers to build relationships and ensure a successful
project. Negotiating Fees When determining freelance fees,
remember that you get what you pay for. Busy, reputable writers
must earn enough money for their time in order to maintain a
profitable business. If you only offer less, you may have to
settle for beginners who will likely require more editing and
fact-checking on your part. Until writers gets used to your
style, you may have to put in more time with them. One way to
estimate writer's fees is to determine what annual salary this
writer might if she or he were on staff at your company ($35,000
for example). Divide the annual salary by 2,000 to obtain a
"net" hourly wage ($17.50). Double the hourly wage to cover the
writer's overhead ($35). This is the gross hourly rate. Then,
increase the gross rate by 25% to cover overhead time ($43.75.)
Thus, it is not unreasonable for a freelancer to charge a
project fee based on $40-50 per hour. Finally, multiply the
billing rate by anticipated production hours to arrive at fair
price for the assignment. Always discuss payment terms before
starting a project. Some writers will expect payment on
acceptance of the project. For major projects, they may require
one-third to one-half upon accepting the project with the
balance paid upon completion. Others are willing to use a
standard "net 30" payment like other businesses. You and the
writer should negotiate fees, dates of payment, and rights
purchased. When negotiating payment, consider the value of the
material to your publication, and the value to the author in
appearing in your publication. It is also a good idea to
estimate the value of the piece if it were to appear in a
competing publication. More Ways to Save Another way to save on
freelance fees is to buy previously written/published articles.
You can purchase second rights to articles that have appeared in
other publications in your field or on other web sites. A
generic article prepared by a freelance writer can be modified
for your company. The freelancer will often try to sell a
version to different editors, and this will usually cost less
than articles written specifically for your publication. Doing
your part Give the writer as much background information as you
can. Share background information that a staff writer would have
access to. Let her/him know about the publication, website,
business or product; about the angle you are trying to write
from, the style you prefer, and about the subject of the piece
and potential contacts. Keeping the Project Running Smoothly
Require periodic status reports on a project. That way you will
have better communication and fewer problems when a "surprise"
pops up. Be available for your writers. Offer to be contacted by
more than one medium: Use the phone, fax, email, a cell phone,
or instant messaging to allow them to reach you easily.
Understand that freelance material may require more extensive
editing or revisions than pieces done on staff. However, as you
and the writer establish a relationship through ongoing
projects, she/he will learn your style and tone. If you are
hiring a writer for the first time and are not sure about
her/his work, assign a less important project -- perhaps
something that could be eliminated if it were poorly written or
not in on deadline. Once you find a writer you like, become an
important client by giving her or him regular assignments.
Later, if you need help in a pinch, they are more likely to give
you their time.
About the author:
Linda Alexander is a business writer and marketing consultant
specializing in web and sales copy. Contact today to discuss
your project! athena6173@qwest.net www.write2thepointcom.com
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