5 Essential Traits to Look for In a Great Freelance Writer

So, you need to hire a freelance writer? That’s great. You can go ahead and find tonnes of them out there if you know where to look. 

There are currently over 2 million freelancers in the UK, 17% of which make their living through writing. But what makes a writer great at their job?

Let’s take a look at some of the traits you should be looking for when hiring a freelance writer. 

1. Reliability 

If a writer says they’re going to deliver, they should be expected to do so. A good freelance copywriter that’s worth their salt will know how valuable clients are and will do everything to keep them. 

The relationship works both ways. Clients are often keen to keep hold of the same freelancers as it saves them from having to deal with the unknowns of working with a new writer. 

Head to the freelance writer website and see whether they have any testimonials.

2. Willing to Accept Feedback 

If you’re to foster a good working relationship with your freelance writer, you’ll no doubt expect them to take on board any feedback you give them. Feedback is how writers grow. If a writer is reticent to accept advice from clients, then this does not bode well. 

Accepting feedback goes hand-in-hand with taking ownership of one’s mistakes. If a writer is not prepared to take criticism, they’ll never understand their mistakes. 

3. Professionalism 

Being a freelancer can often be perceived as having no boss. With nobody to answer to but themselves, you might come across some unprofessional freelance writers. The flip side of the coin, however, is that being one’s own boss means a writer is more professional. 

When hiring a freelancer, exchange a few emails, arrange a Zoom call, or chat with them on the phone for a bit to see how professional they seem. 

4. Confidentiality 

You may ask a freelance copywriter to deal with facts or figures that are not yet public knowledge. It is essential that the writer keeps this information close to their chest and does not disclose it to anyone. 

While decorum should always be the status quo, you should communicate with your writer the confidential nature of the work they are doing for you. You may wish to consider having your writer sign a non-disclosure agreement before they start work for you. 

5. Good Rates 

Lastly, you’d expect your freelancer to do the job for you at good rates. There is a difference between good rates and too cheap though. If someone claims that they can do the job for less than two pence per word, they’ll need to rush the job to make it worth their while. 

Many freelance writers will give a unique quote depending on what it is you’re asking them to write. For instance, a blog post may have as many words as a short business plan, but the business plan requires a lot more work. 

Hiring a Freelance Writer

If you’re looking for a freelance writer, drop me a message and we can discuss your project. 

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