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.