Getting the Best from Freelance Writers
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0092-8615199 Copyright 0 1999 Drug Information Association Inc.
GETTING THE BEST FROM FREELANCE WRITERS DIANAE. H. BARKLEY,BSc, MD, MRCP Phocus, Basel, Switzerland
Contracting out can significantly relieve pressure on internal resources, but it can also be a time-consuming and frustrating activity. The success of contracting out is significantly enhanced b y a planning stage to decide: why the job is being contracted out (time, expertise), what exactly is needed, who the writer should be, where the writer should be based, when the document is needed, and how much the work should cost. During planning, internal issues must be resolved, a written brief prepared, timelines constructed, and the budget determined. The writer will need a data package and should provide regular updates on progress throughout the writing phase. At least one cycle of revision will nonnally be required. The final stage is the evaluation of the project and payment of the freelancer In conclusion, the use of freelancers can bring substantial benefits as long as the process is properly planned and managed. Key Words: Freelancers; Contracting out; Project management; Medical writing; Document preparation
INTRODUCTION
THE PLANNING PHASE
THE CONTRACTING OUT of work to freelance writers can significantly relieve pressure on internal company resources. Ideally, freelancers will save company time and may bring in expertise which is not available inhouse. If not properly managed, however, contracting out work can become a time-consuming and frustrating activity. Broadly, the process of contracting out to a freelancer can be divided into five phases: planning, contacting and briefing of the freelancer, writing, revision, and delivery of the final product.
The success of contracting out to a freelancer is highly dependent on the effort put into planning. Time spent at the planning phase will significantly reduce the amount of client time needed during the review process. The first step must always be for the client to determine his or her own requirements, before establishing contact with the writer and formalizing the agreement between the two parties; planning must also cover how the progress of the writing phase will be managed, and how the material produced will be reviewed. Investment of time at the planning phase can significantly reduce the amount of time the client needs to spend supervising the writing phase. Once all requirements have been identified and uncertainties clarified during the planning phase, contacting and briefing the freelancer and managing the writing process itself should be simple. In
Based on a presentation made at the DIA Workshop “Document Preparation for the Global Pharmaceutical Industry,” September 29-30 1997, Bruges, Belgium. Reprint address: Dr. Diana Barkley, Phocus, Bruderholzallee 167, 4059 Basel, Switzerland. E-mail: [email protected]
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Diana Barkley
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addition, good planning is important to ensure that the final product is both of high
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