Freelance Writers & Outsourcing: How to Decide What to Pay

Freelance writers do a lot - writing, designing, marketing, building websites, etc. Sometimes, outsourcing some of your duties can pay off big - in a lot of ways.

Usually, I outsource when I either don't have the time or knowledge required to complete a project. However, I also outsource when these things are in place to free up time to spend with my family and/or to work on personal projects (eg, my ebooks and seminars).

Many freelancers are averse to outsourcing because they are either: i) struggling just to make enough to cover their bills; and/or ii) they don't know how to go about acquiring independent contractors - and what to pay them.

Following are some rules I use when I decide to outsource. Use them as a guidepost for your outsourcing needs.

Freelance Writers: 3 Things to Consider When You Outsource a Project

1. Time

As in, don't outsource at the last minute. You'll see why this is important in the next point.

Outsourcing at the last minute can create a host of problems, eg: i) you may not find the talent you need; ii) you may have to pay too much to get the job done (hence, eating into --or completely away --the job's profit); and/or iii) the independent contractor you employ does a horrible job causing you to have to redo it (which means more work, not less, for you - and, possibly a missed dealine).

2. The Contractor

As mentioned above, outsourcing at the last minute can eat up any profits from the job if you hire someone who does a horrible job.

And this is more common than you think. You want sufficient time to be able to check the credentials (eg, portfolio, references, website, etc.) of the person you are considering using.

There are so many contractors out there who are desperate to get their foot in the freelancing realm that they'll take on almost any job - even if they don't know what they're doing.

They're after samples, samples, samples. Now, as a freelancer of course, I'm not out to bash other freelancers.

My point is, choose wisely. The guy who offers to do your newsletter for $150 bucks may be much better than the one who charges $475, or vice versa. But, you must see samples first.