Writer. Third, take into consideration persona you will assume when writing piece. Think about tone you want to use and image you want to present to your audience. From what perspective are you writing? What impression do you want to give your readers? For example, if you get a new job, you will want to announce it to your friends, your clients - and your current supervisor. You wouldn't think of using same tone in all three letters, would you? You might sound enthusiastic and informal with your friends and enthusiastic and polite with your clients. Depending on your relationship with your current supervisor, you will probably be official and reticent with her or him.

Subject (or message). How should you say it? The length or purpose of piece lends itself to your subject. It's very hard to fit a full-length board report on a post card; at same time, you wouldn't want to write a memo about your travels in jungle during your summer vacation. Note that this same as your purpose: your subject or message is content itself; ask yourself what piece is about and decide what is most appropriate format for it to take.

Good writers routinely analyze four elements of PAWS. Using it to prepare your writing, whether it's a personal email, formal business report, or your best selling novel, will improve your writing and get your argument across clearly.

7. Who will be doing writing?

Busy, successful writers often outsource writing projects to other writers. Any businessperson who does this will be sure to send work to someone he or she trusts to do work to your specifications. However, if you are used to working with one particular writer you may not want your job farmed out. Think about it before you decide.

8. What is included in price?

Revisions? How many? Will writer expect to get reimbursed for travel time or long distance phone calls for research? Will s/he charge for meeting in person?

9. What other services do you provide?

Sometimes writers offer graphic design services as well as freelance writing. If this is case, they might be focused on more than writing your piece - they also have to worry about design, layout and production. If you want a top-notch copywriter, stick with someone who concentrates on writing.

If, however, writer is teamed up with other professionals or can refer you to designers or printers, feel free to take advantage of this service.

10. I have another project for you. Will you accept?

If you like writer's work, by all means, hire her/him again! It is good to establish long term relationships with writers for several reasons:

*Reliability and dependability are hard to come by. If you find somebody that works well with you, that you can count on to be professional and meet your deadlines, it is wise to hire that person again.

*Style. A writer, or any contracted vendor, will get to know your company and its products over time. The better they know you and your needs, better able they are to help you.

*Consistency. If you are using same person to write all your materials, you will send a consistent message throughout your internal and external communications. Your corporate image will flourish as a result.

Ask these questions and you are sure to find a talented, hard working, creative and dependable freelance writer with whom you can build a lucrative relationship.