Notes on Interviewing & Hiring Freelancers

Interviewing Freelancers

Self-publishing a book requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, some of which you may not yet possess. To ensure that each step of the process is handled correctly and to avoid costly mistakes, hiring freelancers to help you often makes sense. Some of the freelancers you may need to hire include a ghostwriter, an editor, a graphic designer for layout and or/cover design, a proofreader, salespeople, a public relations/advertising specialist, and a Web site designer.

Interview the freelancer to ensure that they have experience working on book projects similar to yours. Ask the following questions:

• What previous experience do you have?
• Have you ever worked on similar book projects in the past?
• What are your fees? How do you want to be paid (by the house or at pre-defined set rate)?
• Can you complete the necessary work in a timely manner (based on the author's publication schedule)
• Can you provide samples of your previous work or list projects you've worked on in the past and provide references?

More Tips for Hiring Freelancers

Here are some additional tips for hiring qualified freelancers:

• Make sure that the freelancer understands your book target audience and knows how to reach them appropriately.
• Review education, training, and past work experience.
• Check references.
• Review the freelancer's portfolio of work.
• Negotiate the price or fees in advance. Payment can be based on a flat fee or by the hour. Get a written estimate from the freelancer about the time commitment necessary.
• Negotiate the price or fees in advance. Payment can be based on a flat fee or by the hour. Get a written estimate from the freelancer about the time commitment necessary.
• Ensure that the freelancer has time in his schedule to work on your project that matches your time frame.
• Determine if you can work with the people you hire. Freelancers shouldn't compromise your creative vision, so from a creative and personality standpoint, try to pick people you mesh with.