How long to have articles written?

[Mike Murphy]

Hi all,

I wondering what time frame you would consider reasonable for a writer to write a 500 word article? I've actually hired a few writers to each produce (10) 500 word articles for me but I've yet to receive any.

I know I can spin off 10 articles in a couple of hours including reasearch, but I hired people so I can be busy doing other things.

Love to hear the feedback.

Thanks
Mike

[cindybidar]

Did they tell you how long it would take? Time frame for me depends totally on my schedule. If I have nothing to do, I can write 10 articles in a week. If I have a lot of work, it takes longer, but I always tell clients when to expect the work to be done.

[KathleenGageSpeaker]

I usually ask any vendor or VA how long things will take. I write my own articles, but have a "typo" editor. She always gives me date and usually comes in under the time.

What you might try is starting with one article to see how they do with that. If they can't turn one around in a reasonable time, move on to the next person.

[Mike Murphy]

Hi Kathleen,

It looks like I'm going to have to go thru a lot more people! I thought I'd found some really promising writers but got nothing but duds.

On the upside, it's better to find out they stink now then a few months from now. I hired 3 writers to do ten 500 word articles each and I've received 3 articles from one of them...no articles were close to 500 words but at least he did get them to me despite computer failure.

On with the search!

[KathleenGageSpeaker]

Wow! That's amazing about the duds. Sorry to hear that. Amazing this is so prevalent.

[russell]

I have a really good write that I use.

She charges .03 per word, but I just ordered an article last night of 1100 words, and she said ill probably have it this evening. Let me know if you want her contact info.

[kdbbiz]

I usually tell clients that I can do 2 or 3 a day. I also have 2 little kids running around so this works comfortably for me. Any more and I tend to not only start to lose my ideas but my enjoyment with the project(not to mention my kids start to get restless).

Sorry to hear that you have had problems finding quality writers. If you still need someone, you could PM me with what you pay and we could see what we can work out.

[retta719]

Delivery times are going to vary depending on the individual and whether they're working alone or with a writing team, etc.., and of course that's usually discussed before you begin if it's not on their website.

I've been fortunate to have mostly good luck any time I order articles from anyone online, but I've read some pretty horrific stories about chaos and mess and bad content. I only had problems very few times, thank goodness. I should go find something wood and knock.....

[Clare Swindlehurst]

This is one of the reasons why I've yet to outsource - it sounds like some people spend longer chasing around trying to get the content that they've paid for than if they'd just written the articles themselves.

Anyone got any tips on how to find a good VA? Where to look, what to ask for, how to set timescales etc?

[deannatroupe]

Clare, when I was a va in my previous life, there was a forum I used to frequent, Virtual Assistant Forums. They are at http://www.virtualassistantforums.com I'd start looking there for a virtual assistant. There are also some great vas right here on this forum. As far as what to ask for, be specific. Ask for exactly what you need. As far as time scales, set the deadline for a couple of days before you need whatever it is you need done. This way if you have to have rewrites or edits done, you have time to get it done before your deadline.
Hope this helps.
DeAnna Troupe

[danwangert]

How long to have articles written? That depends.

20 minutes to an hour if the writer is really that good and can write about anything.

Longer if there is researching to be done.

If you hire a freelance writer from an outsourcing site, check the writer's work history and feedback. Make them write a sample article.

[kdbbiz]

Always remember though, that just because someone does an article in 20 minutes, doesn't mean that it is quality work that you will like or not have to edit. A lot of people on the freelance sites are from places that English is not their first language and this can often lead to grammar errors, spelling errors or sometimes sentences that just don't make sense or sound right.

As a VA who specializes in ghostwriting, I believe that you get what you pay for. If you want to pay $2-$3 an article, be prepared to have to edit the work yourself. If you pay $10-$15 or more for a 450-550 word article, you will more than likely be happy with it as is and can be ready to post it wherever you need to.

When I first started out 3 years ago, I took the lower paying jobs because I felt like I needed to get some experience and testimonials under my belt. Now though, I realize that as a professional who believes in my own work and end results, that I don't need to lower my rates(unless of course I want to offer a special every now and then), those who also believe in quality will be willing to pay the extra dollar amount.

Just my 2 cents.

[danwangert]

Always remember though, that just because someone does an article in 20 minutes, doesn't mean that it is quality work that you will like or not have to edit. A lot of people on the freelance sites are from places that English is not their first language and this can often lead to grammar errors, spelling errors or sometimes sentences that just don't make sense or sound right.

As a VA who specializes in ghostwriting, I believe that you get what you pay for. If you want to pay $2-$3 an article, be prepared to have to edit the work yourself. If you pay $10-$15 or more for a 450-550 word article, you will more than likely be happy with it as is and can be ready to post it wherever you need to.

When I first started out 3 years ago, I took the lower paying jobs because I felt like I needed to get some experience and testimonials under my belt. Now though, I realize that as a professional who believes in my own work and end results, that I don't need to lower my rates(unless of course I want to offer a special every now and then), those who also believe in quality will be willing to pay the extra dollar amount.

Just my 2 cents.

You got a point there but I wasn't talking about outsource writers. Native english speaking ones that write for a living. I went to a writers forum once to look for people to write articles for me and that was what they said they could do. 20 minutes if they know what the topic is about, longer if it's the sort of topic that needs researching.

[KathleenGageSpeaker]

I couldn't run my business at the way I do without outsourcing. I have several very skilled and reliable people who have taken on detail work that allows me to do those things that monetize my business.

It can be a challenge to find the right person for the job. However, once you do, things can run very smoothly.

[danwangert]

I couldn't run my business at the way I do without outsourcing. I have several very skilled and reliable people who have taken on detail work that allows me to do those things that monetize my business.

It can be a challenge to find the right person for the job. However, once you do, things can run very smoothly.

Same here. There is a need to delegate tasks. Theres so much to do and so very little time. I feel with my PAS there to help me, I can sleep better at night.

[cadehugue]

i take more than a week to complete article.