Tips for content buyers from a seller!

[amitontheweb]

Those looking for proofing and editing services are often in for a number of challenges - how to find or select a professional editor or writer in a field where qualifications do not matter so much?

I have come across messages on buyer’s request pages where the buyer had a bad time with an editor or proofreader. And this is quite understandable. Well, anyone can miss a typo or two, especially those who have experience as their only qualification. But there can be worse cases too.

Selecting a good writer/editor is made more difficult by the fact that the live portfolio doesn’t either exist or isn’t helpful enough. Not many editors/writers can thus show proof of their skills upfront.

No wonder many buyers now specify that they would hire only a native English speaker.

However, you can still hire a non-native content person, and get a very decent work done at a much lesser cost.

Here are 5 simple tips to follow that can save time and money:

1. Do not be in a hurry: The time spent shortlisting sellers will be worth hours and dollars. Except desperate college students, others can take their time!

2. Evaluate communication: See how the seller communicates - does it betray a lack of natural English usage? Bad potatoes can be picked out at this stage. Cross confirm with the quality of their gig description.

3. Check gig descriptions: A professional writer/editor will throw in many details that relate to writing and content. Even if you don’t know what these are, you will learn as you browse around.

4. Check the pricing: While anyone can do a great job for a fiver, good proofreaders and editors will throw in professional packages as well.

5. Start with a small, one-day gig: If you can, test the seller. I have even been asked to give a small writing test by some buyers!

If you have a lot of content work in the pipeline, it would be natural to try out several sellers and stick to the best of breed out here: fast, punctual, hard working and meticulous, with an eye for detail.

As a non-writer, you may get impressed by first impressions, but in time you will learn to identify the work that meets the common, good standards of content - these can be picked up from writing seen on the internet and other places.

All the best to your content work and experience here!

[emaillistseller]

Thanks great info.