How to Get a Freelance Writer: Choosing the Right Partner for Your Content Needs

If you’re looking to hire a writer to help you with your project, the process can be daunting. With so many writers to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? This blog post will discuss strategies on how to get a freelance writer for your project, from considering qualifications and writing samples to asking the right questions. With the right approach, you can find the ideal writer to work with and ensure you get the desired results.

How to Get a Freelance Writer for Your Healthcare Content Project

Whether it’s crafting engaging blog posts, authoritative scholarly articles, or targeted educational content, understanding your audience and objectives is the first step in how to get a freelance writer who can deliver. Perhaps your current pain points involve sourcing social media content, or maybe you are looking for a writer with a technology-based portfolio. Picking the best freelancer to work with depends on your answers to these questions.

But how do you know if a freelancer will write confidently, projecting trust and authority for your brand? Will they be able to communicate your requirements while maintaining the specifics of how you want it accomplished? Let’s take a look at some of these points.

Generalist Writer vs. A Writer With Speciality: Which One Should You Choose

A generalist writer can cover many topics. Generalist freelancers may or may not have first-hand experience to draw from as they work. Hiring a generalist writer is not bad; however, they may become a “jack of all trades.” While a generalist writer may know about several topics, a specialist writer will be an authoritative voice within their niche. Choosing a specialist writer for projects requiring more profound expertise will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Using writer databases is one proven method for finding and narrowing your list of potential freelancers. The National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA) and Skyword are examples. These databases are a one-stop shop connecting hiring managers with vetted specialized writers. The convenience and security of such databases are appealing to both parties alike.

Testimonials on Skyword indicate that by sourcing highly skilled and vetted freelancers, marketing managers can focus on content creation and grow their brands accordingly.

For example, it stands to reason that when you need evidence-based, high-quality health content, nurses are the right choice. Nurses are trusted, highly skilled, specialized professionals. Writing produced by an experienced nurse will ring authentic to target audiences.

Nurses complete rigorous training requiring, at minimum, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. As of 2020, 65.2% of nurses had obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher education. Advanced nursing degrees include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctorate of Nursing (Ph.D.). After a period of practice in a specialty area, such as critical care, a nurse can write an exam, adding yet another certification to their expertise.

In addition, when picking the best writer to work with, you will need samples of their work. Freelancers expect this and should have samples available in a portfolio. You should be able to read their work and get an idea of what they cover and how. If you feel a writer may be a good fit but do not see a specific sample type, it does not hurt to reach out and communicate with them, as they may be more than willing to work with you. 

Although samples are preferred, it is essential to realize that a project could have been highly edited before publication. Choosing a vetted writer with a specialty will help avoid that potential pitfall.

How to Build a Great Working Relationship With a Nurse Writer 

Nursing requires communication in many forms. From active listening, patient communication, discussions with colleagues, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and extreme attention to detail, nurses do it all. You can be sure a nurse writer will adapt these skills to any project they accept from you. Whether the project relates to blogging content, social media posts, or copywriting, you can expect a high level of professionalism from a nurse writer.

A nurse writer will expect the same from any potential client.

You can develop a successful relationship by prioritizing actionable communications from the first interviewing opportunity. A face-to-face meeting or a phone call sets the stage for the project’s start and avoids problems with miscommunication later on. 

Talking and listening are equally important. Expect a nurse writer to listen to you and ask questions for clarification or validation. If concerns arise while the project is in progress, respond promptly to avoid potential deliverable and deadline disruptions.

The overall experience from start to finish is vital to establish a positive working relationship. Providing a style guide and writing examples you wish to echo will better enable the nurse writer to maintain your brand voice and tone. Expect to be ready with invoicing details, required forms, and contact information for your nurse writer. Be clear and transparent about deadlines and rounds of edits.

How to Stay Involved Throughout the Writing Process

Again, the best way to stay involved throughout the writing process is through open communication channels. While not every concern will require a phone call or zoom meeting, responding timely to emails ultimately benefits the project results. You should expect the same quick responses in return. Accountability, reliability, and dependability set a solid foundation for any working relationship. 

When you provide feedback and editing, inform the writer of components you like, what you don’t like, or where you require improvements. By giving constructive criticism, you enable the freelancer to increase their productivity and yours, ensuring the delivery of your desired results.

For those looking to delve deeper into how to get a freelance writer, especially one with a background in nursing, click here.

References

“The Content Marketing Company.” Skyword, 30 Sept. 2022, https://www.skyword.com/.

Jones-Patten, Alexandria. “Exploring Seven Ways Nurses Use Writing in Their Jobs.” Write RN LLC, 30 Jan. 2023, https://writern.net/how-nurses-use-writing-their-jobs/.

Kelbach, Janine. “How We Vet Nurse Writers at Write RN.” Write RN LLC, 31 Jan. 2023, https://writern.net/how-we-vet-nurse-writers-at-write-rn/.

Laura. “How to Find the Right Kind of Writer for Your Business.” Meet Edgar, 28 Apr. 2017, https://meetedgar.com/blog/how-to-find-the-right-kind-of-writer-for-your-business-and-actually-work-with-them/.

Maynard, Krystle. “Why Nurses Are Best Choice for Healthcare Content Writing.” Write RN LLC, 2 Feb. 2023, https://writern.net/why-nurses-best-choice-for-healthcare-content-writing/.

“The Only National Nonprofit Organization for Professional Résumé Writers.” NRWA, https://thenrwa.org/.

Tennen, Deb. “How to Find and Work with Freelance Writers.” Zapier, Zapier, 20 Oct. 2021, https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-work-with-freelance-writers/.