Dear Editor: I Need GOOD Writers
Dear Editor:
I’ve placed a Craigslist ad seeking writers and I am overwhelmed with replies, but most of them are terrible or not right for my needs. How can I find some good writers? I know they are out there. But they aren’t replying to my ad that’s for sure.
Ahh, the search for a decent writer. It’s not easy to find a diamond among all the lumps of coal, but one thing is certain; many editors don’t help themselves out toomuch because they post calls for writers that are vague or ill-defined.
For starters–advertise for good writers in the places good writers gather. If you hang out a job ad on Craigslist, you’re going to attract a lot of newcomers, wanna-bes and just plain lame writers. Not all writers who search Craigslist ads for jobs are poor writers, but the ratio is extremely skewed.
Try posting your call for writers in a much more targeted way–put an ad online in the really good freelance writing sites and avoid places that cater solely to new writers. You can also try seeking writers on your city’s job board websites or subject-specific sites related to your publication’s audience.
