Shaping Expectations:
How to Work with a Freelance Writer
Thankfully, the occasions when a client relationship has somehow gone bad
have been very rare in my experience, but they have been singularly
painful and mutually unsatisfying. So, for
what it's worth, I offer you what I've learned from these unusual
interactions in the hope of avoiding future misunderstandings.
 You have every right to expect the freelance writer to be
prompt, responsive, courteous, professional, and competent at what she does.
However....
The freelancer can't know your organization as you do. There will
be an inevitable learning curve - even
for someone like me who considers herself a quick study.
You are engaging the services of a writer, not a publisher.
Unless it is clearly and mutually agreed to up front, you shouldn't
assume that the writer will "take care of" professional printing needs
for your project.
Although a decent freelancer will try to minimize
spare demands on your time, you'll have to interact with her at some points.
Return the freelancer's phone calls and respond to emails - especially
those requesting information or clarification.
The freelancer cannot guarantee successful
outcomes, especially for grant writing and
letters of appeal for donations. The field is not an exact science, and it's
unfair to try to trash the writer's reputation if, for
factors beyond the writer's control, results weren't what you'd hoped.
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