How to Find the Right Ebook Writer for Your Project
Sarah
Ebooks can provide a major business boost, as they demonstrate authority on special topics. The challenge lies in producing the content itself. What information are you trying to convey? How will you organize your ideas? That’s where ebook writers come in.
From independent contractors to entire content creation teams, there’s no shortage of options out there. The difficult part is selecting the right writer based on the scope of the project. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Prioritize Expertise
Hiring a writer based on their understanding of a particular topic is a great place to start. Developing a clear idea of how much knowledge is required for a given publication will help you find a writer that’s a good fit. It will also determine how big your budget should be.
For example, an ebook detailing nuanced medical procedures will likely be quite challenging — and therefore expensive and time-consuming — to create. Finding the perfect mix of experience and writing skill will help guarantee success.
Consider Working With a Team
Sometimes, it’s more practical to work with a small team of ebook writers than a single individual.
As part of a coordinated group effort, a subject matter expert (SME) can lay out the technical information, after which a professional writer will convert it into readable prose. A graphic designer might even be involved in creating diagrams or other images to drive home key points.
If you think this might be the best approach, it will pay to avail yourself of the services of a professional writing organization. These companies specialize in furnishing first-rate prose and everything that goes with it.
Set a Timeline
An age-old rule when outsourcing work is to choose two of the following three criteria:
- Speed
- Affordability
- Quality
While it’s possible to get all three, you’ll generally need to set priorities. By setting a longer timeline through advance planning, you can usually get a better product and better savings.
Ask for Samples
How can you tell whether someone is a qualified ebook writer? The same way you can tell whether they’re a good artist, rug-weaver, or plastic surgeon: look at examples of their previous work.
Great writers always have strong portfolios to show off when prospective clients come knocking. It’s therefore wise to start by requesting a sample of a similar project. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of the kind of content you’re looking for, making it a point to specify preferences like length, structure, and tone.
Communicate Your Expectations
That brings us to the next crucial consideration: setting clear expectations.
Even if you plan on outsourcing the writing process, you’ll need to complete a few writing-related tasks of your own. The most important is to put together a concise yet thorough brief outlining what the project entails.
Start with a table of contents that divides the core concept into sections or steps, each with a title and short description. It will serve as a guide for the writer who ultimately develops the content.
A good writer or team will know how to interpret your brief and modify the provided information as needed to produce the best ebook possible.
Speak to Your Audience
When it comes down to it, the most important aspect of your ebook is your readership. Describing your target audience in clear terms will help the writer answer several important stylistic questions, including:
- What specific problems/goals/uncertainties does the audience have?
- How formal should the language be?
- What reading level is appropriate?
- Are there any cultural considerations that might improve readability?
Careful audience analysis can provide many useful insights. Work closely with your ebook writers to clarify and properly address your audience and ensure that the final product fulfills its intended purpose.
Budget Appropriately
The last thing you’ll need to consider is your spending power.
Come up with a concrete word count for your publication — from there, it should be easy enough to set a budget. Possible expenses for a project of this kind include cost per word, premiums for SEO enhancements, and additional fees for any necessary changes.
There will also likely be a cost for editing the finished manuscript, along with an agreement on how many revisions you can request. Make sure you get a package that includes a full editorial review.
Commission Your Ebook With Confidence
If you’ve got plans to put out an engaging ebook and only the best content will do, Write Collective offers three unbeatable packages worth exploring. And don’t forget that an ebook can also be a great launching point for a broader content marketing strategy.
With Write Collective, a polished, high-performing ebook is only a few clicks away.