You’re a small business owner, large business department manager, web site owner, new or aspiring author … the list goes on of people who everyday need someone to write something for them. Either you don’t have the time, talent or inclination to write that piece yourself. Whatever the reason, you are going in search of someone who can write it for you.
Where do you start when looking for just the right person to create that dynamite piece? Here are some tips to help you in your search;

1. Be willing to pay them.

If you are looking for a hobbyist to write your sales letter, or dynamic web content then sure you can offer them a lower than normal fee for the job. But as the saying goes – you get what you pay for.
Freelance writers are professional business people with expenses and profit margins to maintain just like the rest of us. After all, they have bills to pay too. A good freelance writer will charge a fair market price for the work to be done. Don’t be fooled by the lowest bidder or the highest for that matter.
Ask if the job will be estimated on an hourly basis or per project basis. If its hourly, find out what that rate is and why the bidder feels it will take that long. Remember, quality work, especially well researched work, isn’t just churned out and will take time. You need to feel comfortable that the time is not excessive.

2. Ask to see their portfolio

You want to see samples of their work, especially of the type you need done if available. What you are looking for here is to answer the question can this writer write in the style I need and target my reading audience. You wouldn’t necessarily hire a technical writer to write an article on Summertime Activities for Families targeted for stay at home moms.

3.Check their credibility if possible

Do they have any testimonials from prior clients? If not, can you contact some of their prior clients for their opinions. Remember, this is like a job interview. You are the interviewer trying to find out as much as you can about the prospect. With that said, there are some exceptions. Just like the first time job hunter, there are freelance writers with little or no past clients on whom to call. They’re starting their business and you need to decide based on the interview if you are willing to give them a chance to prove themselves.

4. Start Small

If you're planning on hiring someone to write multiple articles don’t commit to hiring them for 50 articles until you’ve seen the first few. Know what you’re getting into by only committing to a few articles with a promise of more if the work is satisfactory. What are a few? Certainly, you need to see more than one. Most people get a pretty good feel after seeing five or six articles whether or not the freelancer is the writer for them.

Above all else, be realistic. You want to hire someone who will write a piece that you would be proud of or that will be sure to drive traffic your way. They are representing you and you need to be willing to pay a fair price for a work of value to you