How would you Hire Content Writers for mini-sites?

[ideaguru]

If you were hiring content writers, what method would you use?

How much would pay them? Where would you find them? How long do you think it should take them to finish all the content for a mini-site? How much direction would you give them? How much pre-work would you do?

I'm finally deciding to get some content writers on my side, and i'm thinking about exporting the work to India. I've heard you get find relatively good writers for VERY cheap prices there.

What successes have other people had in terms of hiring content writers? Did you pay them per hour or per project?

[ccDan]

I typically pay on a per project basis. Try to describe the project and what you expect of the writer in as much detail as you can, and get a bid on the complete project.

The better you can outline exactly what it is that you want, the better your results will be and you'll also avoid surprises and extra charges for things the writer wasn't aware you were expecting.

Contrary to popular belief, you *can* find good writers in the U.S. (assuming you are in the U.S.) who can match (or come reasonably close) or beat the "outsource" writers in India.

I work with mainly writers in the U.S. I only use one writer in India, and she typically costs me *more* than the average American writer. I go for quality and value rather than the cheapest price, but, that being said, frequently the U.S. writers can match or beat the "outsource" writers. You just have to look around.

[rogerd]

Be wary of plagiarism if you aren't closely supervising the writing and research - it's a shortcut that some copywriters use when they need to cut corners.

Look for aspiring writers, college students, etc. who want experience for really cheap rates.

[yogis]

Two ways to hire Content Writers.
>>If the project is low on budget - call for Bids over the Net, as ccDan suggests. Check out the sites like <www.creativemoonlighter.com> that helps faciliate these kind of services. Or secondly find them within your vicinity. Though the second method is painstaking n time-consuming. Call for a bid and that'll definitely help. Let me know if you looking to outsource work to India. "I also writes". Against what ccDan thinks - I do belives that Indian pros have an edge above US pros. Though there is no explanation in writing for that.

About paying thing! It all depends on the amount and quality of content. Rates vary on these 2 factors, majorly. Like I work on about 25-30 words/$. If its some publication the costs goes upward.

And its mutually decided on what basis do u want to pay them. Mostly its on "Entire Project" basis. And if you r outsourcing work - there is no measure of hours.

[ideaguru]

thanks for all the feedback...i'll deifnitely keep it in mind when making my hiring choices.

I think I may go with searching for writing consultants in the vincinity so I can meet with them face to face...learn as much as possible with this round, and then expand later..

small steps to a greater future...