Finding a high-quality author who meets your specific needs can be challenging. Capability is important, but so is availability. Here’s a checklist to ensure you find the right fit:
1. **Evaluate Experience and Expertise:** Does the author possess relevant experience? Can they demonstrably write about the topic at hand? Request work samples. Keep in mind that authors may not publicly display all their best work due to copyright concerns or confidentiality agreements.
2. **Factor in Research Costs:** If the project requires the author to delve into unfamiliar territory, are you prepared to compensate them for the extra research time?
3. **Assess Availability and Deadlines:** Is the author available to start immediately, or are they booked with other projects? Is your deadline flexible? Even if the current project doesn’t align with their schedule, consider them for future collaborations.
4. **Verify References:** Request references and contact information to gauge the author’s reliability and quality of work.
5. **Discuss Payment and Estimates:** Understand the author’s pricing structure. Seek a firm estimate and clarify accepted payment methods.
6. **Clarify Authorship and Publication:** Will the author be credited, or is the project a ghostwriting assignment? If the author is contributing under their own name, will they be submitting the content to external platforms to boost your site’s link profile?
From an author’s perspective, a detailed phone discussion helps clarify project expectations and allows for a better understanding of the client’s needs. A good author will present their capabilities without resorting to high-pressure sales tactics.