By Michael J. Dowling

When you hire a freelance writer or editor, an element of risk is involved. If you hire wisely, you'll accomplish your goals and save valuable time. But if you choose the wrong writer, you could end up missing deadlines, falling short of your goals, and damaging your credibility.

How can you avoid a costly mistake? What qualities should you look for when hiring a writer?

I believe that outstanding professional writers are characterized by the five key qualities listed below. When you know what to look for, you'll make better hiring decisions.

The Five Key Qualities to Look For

"Quality #1 - Proficiency

Whenever you put something in writing, your image is on the line. A proficient writer will enhance your reputation. A mediocre writer can hurt your image and undermine your efforts to achieve your goals.

While searching the Web recently for information about colleges for my son, I came across the following sentence on a university's website:

"Our walking campus tour does not include a residence hall, however the Department of University Housing is proud to offer a special tour of one of our newest residential complex, Eagle Village."

Did you spot the two grammatical errors in this sentence? First, this is what English teachers disdainfully call a "run-on sentence." The word however is an adverb, not a conjunction. It should be replaced by the conjunction but. Alternatively, one could place a semicolon or a period after the word hall and a comma after the word however.

The second grammatical error is that the word complex should be plural.

After reading this website, I am less inclined to send my son to this university. Poor writing is worse than no writing at all. Review writing samples so you can be sure you're investing in a writer who is proficient at his craft.

"Quality #2 - Efficiency

You are successful because you are talented at what you do. A competent professional writer will free up your time so you can concentrate on what you do best. An inexperienced, disorganized writer will suck up your time and energy and distract you from your more important priorities.

Writing projects are often complex, with tight time constraints. A missed deadline can be very costly?and embarrassing. Choose a writer who routinely finishes assignments on or ahead of schedule.

Your time is valuable. Hire an experienced professional who will save you time by managing your projects efficiently.

"Quality #3 - Creativity

Lots of writers do a fair job of putting pen to paper, but far fewer bring a strong creative element into the writing process. A creative writer will make your communication piece stand out from the pack. People will be more likely to read it and remember it.

For example, when writing about a dramatic management turnaround at a hospital, I increased the impact of the book by structuring it as if the hospital were a patient. The book's title - Healing A Hospital - and the chapter titles - "Alarming Symptoms," A Sober Diagnosis," "Intensive Care," "Fiscal Therapy," "A Rapid Recovery" - carried out the hospital-as-patient theme.

Creativity increases impact. Look for a creative writer, not just a wordsmith.

"Quality #4 - Productivity

The most productive writer is not the one who charges the lowest fees, but the one who produces the greatest return on investment.

I'm always encouraged when my clients give me feedback like the following:

"Michael, working with you on my book has been the one of the best moves I've made at this stage in my career. Before the first copy was in my hands, it had already brought in two new consulting contracts that more than paid for its cost." (From a business consultant and coach)

"The book you helped us write is a terrific marketing tool. This week alone two new donors called because they had read it. One wants to give $8 million to Christian charities!" (From a national charitable organization)

A well-written book works hour after hour, day after day, year after year to increase your visibility, credibility, profitability.

When evaluating writers, consider the benefits you expect to receive as well as the costs you expect to incur. Don't simply try to minimize fees; aim to maximize your return on investment. Focus on value, not price.

"Quality #5 - Reliability

Look for a professional writer you can rely on to deliver top-quality communication products that are on target, on time, and on budget. When your deadlines are at stake and your image in on the line, reliability is critical.
You can count on a reliable writer to write precisely, edit diligently, communicate honestly, relate cooperatively, respond promptly, and serve cheerfully. He makes it his goal to accomplish your goals.

A writer who thinks conceptually and gives you honest feedback based on his knowledge and experience adds tremendous value to your project. The results you achieve together will far exceed anything you could have accomplished alone.

Before you hire a writer, be sure to check references. Hire a reliable writer who will meet your deadlines and surpass your expectations.

? 2008 Michael J. Dowling. All rights reserved.
This article may be reproduced with the original, unedited text intact,
including the resource box and URL links.