A freelance writer can benefit your business by providing superior content that engages your audience and drives growth. They can also help with overflow work you have during peak times.
But, your average freelance writer most likely won’t be what you need for your personal, company, or product/service brand.
An experienced Premium Ghostwriter with the right knowledge, background, and content development process is almost always a better ‘fit’ for your needs. What is a ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter is a highly skilled writer hired to write literary or journalistic works, speeches, ad copy, web content, whitepapers, brand storytelling case studies and articles, email for learning or marketing, newsletters, social media content, or other texts that are credited to another person or organization as the author.
Although I’ve written with a byline throughout my career, I’ve actually written more without a byline for companies and organizations, executives, and government officials. I write in their “voice.”
Whether you need website content, marketing materials, speeches and business presentations, ads, news releases, sales letters, blog posts, direct mail, newsletters, social media content, or any other form of written communication, finding the best premium ghostwriter is important for your success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process effectively.
Step 1: Define Your Writing Needs
Before you start searching for a premium ghostwriter, clearly define what you need. Ask yourself:
- What type of content do you need? (e.g., content marketing – brand story articles, website copy with SEO, email content, social posts, whitepapers, brochures, newsletters, press releases, etc.). You’ll want to look for writers that can produce fresh content, not AI generated copycat content. Be sure you’re getting a copywriter that can produce creative nonfiction.
- What is the purpose of the content? (e.g., lead generation, brand awareness, conversions [sales])
- What tone and style are you looking for? (e.g., formal, conversational, edgy, fun and wacky). Remember, professional writers like R. Michael Brown create content in any brand voice or tone and can help you define and position your brand personality.
- When do you need the content? Is this a one-time assignment or do you need ongoing help?
A detailed understanding of your requirements will help you communicate effectively with potential writers and ensure they can deliver what you need.
Step 2: Find Potential Ghostwriters
Once you have a clear idea of your requirements, it’s time to find premium ghostwriters who match your criteria.
CAUTION: You have now entered a minefield from – low-cost “writers” that usually identify as “freelancers” and who can’t even write a good letter to home – to established and experienced writers – and everything in-between. Beware of the AI centric ‘writer.’ AI systems cobble together existing content from the web and can be inaccurate, stale, make you sound like everyone else, or be SEO old.
Personal Recommendations
The best way. Ask colleagues, business partners, or industry peers for referrals for premium ghostwriters based on the results the writers have delivered. Personal recommendations can often lead you to reliable and results-focused writers.
This platform can lead you to competent and experienced writers. The tighter you define your search, the better your results will be. For example, go to LinkedIn and in the upper left search field enter ghostwriter. Under the selection menu bar select ‘People’ and for Current Company select ‘Self Employed.’ You’ll be presented with hundreds of candidates so you can start your evaluation. In my role as a Managing Editor and VP or Director of Marketing, I found LinkedIn the most helpful in finding talented writers.
Freelance Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr host thousands of freelance writers. You can browse profiles, read reviews, and contact writers directly. However, my experience with trying to find someone on these platforms often leads to thousands of barely qualified and beginner freelance writers that charge pennies per word and the results will be the same – results that are worth pennies. Go to LinkedIn.
Content Agencies
Many agencies specialize in connecting businesses with freelance writers. They often have so-called vetted writers with diverse expertise. I’ve never found these platforms helpful. Go to LinkedIn.
Search Online with Google
Good luck with that… Google, and particularly the writing industry, is LOADED with scams. Work from home, freelance sites, etc. offer the Moon, stars, and fairy dust to both businesses and potential writers. You’ll spin your wheels forever in this quagmire. Don’t believe that the “fork ran away with the spoon,” “the cow jumped over the moon,” or other fairy tales these websites promise.
Step 3: Evaluate their Portfolio and Experience
When you’ve identified potential writers, review their portfolios and experience:
Portfolio: Hiring is all about their writing portfolio. Look for samples that match your desired style and tone. Assess the quality of their writing and whether it aligns with your brand’s voice. Find a portfolio that reads, feels, and sounds fresh, attracts attention, and delivers on its promise.
Experience: Check their background in your industry or similar projects. Experienced writers often bring insights and efficiency to the table. In addition, professional premium ghostwriters can write in many brand voices to match your personal brand voice and your company, product, and service voices. I suggest finding a writer than understands and can deliver using the 12 brand personality archetypes (or a combination of several):
- Hero
- Lover
- Jester
- Caregiver
- Everyman
- Outlaw
- Explorer
- Creator
- Sage
- Magician
- The Innocent
- Ruler
Need to know more about brand personalities, contact me today at Mike@RMichaelBrown.com
Client Testimonials and Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from their previous clients to gauge their reliability and professionalism.
Step 4: Communicate Clearly and Set Expectations
Once you’ve shortlisted a few candidates, initiate communication and clarify expectations:
Project Details: Provide a detailed brief outlining your project scope, deadlines, brand voice/style, and any specific requirements.
Budget and Terms: Discuss rates, payment schedules, intellectual property rights, and any additional fees upfront to avoid misunderstandings later. Remember, a writer that charges pennies per word will provide you with pennies worth of results. See my Rate Sheet for reasonable prices for professional writing. I quote by the project rather than charge by the word.
Don’t hire someone for 5 or 10 cents per word or $5 to $25 per hour for writing. The lack of professionalism (your management time, deadlines broken, and quality of the finished output or results) won’t be worth your time and effort. Think about it – The words and messages in the writing represent your business and should generate more business, sales, and profit. Why would you pay a professional writer less than you would pay your auto mechanic or plumber – or let someone work on your car or plumbing that isn’t a pro? Just because you can get them for less, doesn’t mean they can do the job.
Communication Channels: Establish how you will communicate (e.g., email, text, project management tools) and set regular check-ins to track progress.
Step 5: Start with a Trial Project?
Sometimes, because of a referral or you just know you have a great fit, a trial project isn’t necessary.
However, in uncharted territory or before committing to a long-term engagement, consider starting with a smaller trial project:
Test Compatibility: A trial project allows you to assess the writer’s ability to meet deadlines, follow instructions, and deliver quality work.
Feedback: Provide constructive feedback during and after the trial to ensure the writer can adjust to your preferences and requirements.
Bonus Tips
Legal Considerations: Depending on your location and the writer’s location, consider drafting a simple agreement outlining terms and expectations to protect both parties.
Build a Relationship: Cultivate a positive working relationship with your ghostwriter. Clear communication and mutual respect contribute to long-term success.
Remote vs. Local: Most writers can work from anywhere and are more productive when they work remotely. No meetings, interruptions, wasted time commuting. Plus, you get a much larger talent pool when you’re not tied to your local area.
By following these steps, you can effectively hire a top premium ghostwriter who meets your business needs and contributes to your growth through attention getting, compelling, and effective content.
