Writing on a freelance basis offers freedom, flexibility and a chance to earn additional income. This level of freedom and flexibility, however, should not be taken lightly by the Writer. Users who request a writing assignment have certain expectations and goals that they wish to have met by the Writer. The result of a Writer’s work product may be used to communicate an idea, sell a product or promote the User and/or User’s business. Knowing what the User wants and being able to deliver such through writing is an important task of the Writer and should be reflected in every article written.

Because Writers work on a remote basis, away from the sight of the User, there may come a time when the instructions communicated for a particular assignment are not clear for the Writer. This confusion, if not resolved, may result in the User’s dissatisfaction with the completed assignment or the Writer’s inability to secure additional work in the future. In order to create a more effective communication channel between the User and the Writer, it is important to keep the channel wide open.

Review the Requirements of the User
When a Writer accepts a writing assignment, it normally will come with a set of instructions that the User wishes to see incorporated in the material. These instructions may include the use of certain keywords or phrases or the inclusion of a link to a specific website that directs a reader for more information. The instructions may also include directions pertaining to the tone of the article or the perspective that the Writer should take in the article (i.e. gender, age, consumer, professional, etc.). It is important that the Writer spends some time understanding these instructions and creating an outline that addresses the points that the User wants communicated.

Ask Questions via Messaging  
When reading a User’s instructions for the article, if something is unclear or needs additional clarification it is incumbent upon the Writer to seek clarification from the User. This can be done by clicking on the “Message” tab from your Dashboard. You will be able to ask questions and communicate with Users by including the name of the User, the subject of your concern and the nature of your concern.

 

CR Messaging

 

 

A Writer should list all areas of confusion and send a detailed communication to the User asking for their input or interpretation of the Writer’s questions. This shows the User that the writing assignment is being taken seriously and may also provide a way for the User to elaborate further on an idea they want communicated or clarify what it is that they are looking for. This process of communication benefits both the User and the Writer.

Create an Outline  
Outlines are an important part of the writing process for any Writer. An outline should be created in advance of any assignment that demonstrated the Writer’s understanding of what the topic is and how that topic will be communicated to a broader audience. For Writers who are working with a particular User for the first time, it may be a good practice of sharing the outline for feedback and confirmation. This also shows the User your professionalism in how you approach the writing process and will earn the Writer a reputation as a serious-minded person.

Confirm Your Understanding of the User’s Requirements
For new Users, a Writer should always make it a habit to communicate back their understanding of what is being requested. This allows the User to see what they are asking of the Writer and confirm that the Writer understands the assignment and is approaching it correctly. This process does not have to be done for every assignment, but beginning the User-Writer relationship on a trust basis requires the User to understand that the Writer knows what is needed and can deliver that through their work product.

Establishing the lines of communication is essential for a healthy working relationship. Regular communication between Writer and User will not only ensure expectations are being met on both sides, but it will ensure the creation of great content.