Controlling Costs When Outsourcing to a Writer



Posted: Sunday, August 01, 2010

by Viktoria Carrella

Few businesses have enough talented and available people on hand to take on all the necessary writing projects. There are always new manuals that need to be written, new advertisements, reviews and other assorted documents and files that need work done on them. The only option is to outsource several projects while there is no other way to complete them. However, this can get expensive if not thought out ahead of time.

Even though the work is being outsourced, the goals need to be outlined for the writer who will receive the assignment. First, the scope of the subject matter must be determined. The writer will not automatically know everything that must be included, so there must be some instruction provided. Also, know the audience. Is the document intended for the general public, or is it department-specific? If the writer knows who will be reading his work, it becomes easier for him to accommodate it for those people. It is essential that these issues are discussed before the contract writer is hired. This way there are fewer misunderstandings and rewrites, and less lost time. At the same time the whole project will be much more cost-efficient.

It also helps to know the contract writer before giving him any assignments. When contacting a writer one should use the following tips:

  1. Have a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) available for the writer to review and sign if any private information will be exchanged in the interview.
  2. Budget the overall cost of the work. Some writers charge by the hour, others have fixed costs, and there are also those that charge based on the number of words in the document. By estimating the value of the necessary work, one can more easily determine which kind of writer would be best suited for the job. At the same time, the interview process should shed light on whether or not that budget is feasible.
  3. Break the project into sections. This allows for the contact person to check in on the work periodically and determine whether or not the contract writer has a handle on the material. Consider using the progress payment method as well. If, at the first milestone, the writer has not demonstrated an understanding of the project, then the company can cut their losses, and then turn to a different writer to continue the work.
  4. Bring any company template that may be of some use to the project. If there is none, then see if the writer has standard templates that his clients can choose from. Review them and determine which fits best with the image of the company.
  5. Since you have already determined the audience of the document, see if the writer is capable of writing to that audience.
  6. Make sure the contact person is reliable. Those who are not readily available for communication would not be helpful additions to the project. The contract writer will need occasional feedback on the work. So if the contact person is away on business, the writer may have to wait before resuming. This will cost the company more if the writer charges by hour, and it will also delay the project.
  7. Prepare existing documents for the candidate to look over. If this material will be part of the work, then it helps the writer to know if he can manage the task. And knowing the task, he can also give a more accurate quote.
Every dollar counts. Though these tips may not save a fortune, they will cut down on unnecessary spending. And once everyone understands the expectations placed on them, the work will go that much more smoothly.

Is your company in need of a writer who can get the job done while still providing budget friendly writing? Check out CheapArticleWriters.com to find a package that will fit your needs and your budget.
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