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| Hints on Hiring |
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 Once you’ve hired a writer, you want the job to go smoothly, quickly and efficiently. Here again, remember that you
are working with a skilled professional whose judgment should be given
weight, and who deserves clear explanations of changes in direction and
acknowledgment of successful execution. To produce the best work, the
client and writer must communicate clearly with each other. It may be helpful to think of your project in two contexts: process and
content. |
Process
Process refers to the mechanics of your business relationship with a
writer. It includes: |
- Determining when and where you will
meet.
- Deciding where the work will be
performed. Most writers prefer working in their own offices; some are
free to work in yours.
- Providing all the necessary background
and research materials and/or access to all key people.
- Establishing draft and review
procedures. How many drafts do you anticipate? What will you do if more
are required?
- Setting up a timetable for the work.
Deadlines must be established for—and met by—both the writer and your
staff.
- Establishing a payment procedure.
The writer will want to know if you have the authority to sign off on
the project. If you don’t, the writer may be legitimately concerned
about how your internal approval process will affect the assignment.
From the writer’s viewpoint, it is always better to deal directly with
the person who makes the final decision. The greater the number of
people between the writer and this person, the greater the possibility
of misunderstanding, miscommunication and other errors of transmission.
Make your role clear to the writer.
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Content
Content is what you hire a writer to produce. It is the reason behind the
entire effort to find and direct an independent writer.
The writer’s work is critical to the success of your project. People read
copy and are motivated by it. This orientation applies as much to ad
slogans and brochures as to training programs, slide shows and industrial
productions.
One way to discuss content is to divide it into several elements: |
- Purpose. What is the goal of the
writing?
- Format. How will the material be
presented? Will there be large blocks of copy or many photos and
illustrations to help tell the story?
- Tone. Are you thinking corporate,
formal, light, technical, humorous, hard sell or something else?
- Audience focus. What are the interests,
background, experience, knowledge and education of the audience you seek
to reach?
- Specific details. What information do
you want to communicate? Do you want things spelled out or do you prefer
a general treatment?
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Grammar and usage. If your company has an established style, tell the
writer about it before the first draft is written.
An experienced writer will work with you to polish all levels of
communication in a project, including the way the words mesh with the
visual elements of the presentation.
Thinking of content in terms of all these elements helps overcome that
sinking feeling of “Where do we start on this?” It provides a structure
for working with the writer and becomes the framework for communication
as you and the writer evaluate, discuss and revise the work.
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The Bottom Line
You and the writer share a goal: to bring your message to your audience.
To do this effectively, you must keep lines of communication open at every
step of the creative process.
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Know What You Want
To ensure a good experience when you hire an independent writer, you must
either: |
- Know clearly what you want, and be able
to communicate it, or
- Realize that you’re not sure how to
structure your project, and thus let the writer help you shape it to
reach your goal. Experienced writers can consult on presentation as well
as on content.
If you’re not sure what you want or are not ready to discuss the project
openly and fully, you’re probably not ready for a writer. Good writers
maximize the value of the information you give them. The best improve on
it, but they are not alchemists. They don’t make gold from lead, nor can
they read your mind.
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