Finding a copywriter

[AverageJoe]

Hi seomoz,

This is not quite a SEO issue, but I have a feeling you may be able help.

English is a second language to me and copywriting is not my favorite sport. So, I've decided to find a copywriter. But have no clue how to look for one.

I have hired ton of programmers, designers, and other technical resources in the past. People that have concrete skills - programmer where I could say do X, Y & Z and I can check if X, Y & Z were done - are no problem for me to hire. It still takes a long time, but that's not an issue.

I know I want the copywriter to write in certain style (style of seomoz.org, woot.com or  doubleyourdating.com). How do you define writing like that? Can writing like that can be defined? And put into requirements? Do you need 'customer avatar' or 'marketing voice' document or something similar? How do I find a kick ass copywriter?

Optimisticly hoping there is a better answer than just 'test bulkload of them'!

Thank you,
Your big fan!

[AverageJoe]

Keri,

Thank you for the reply. I looked at all three links and they all are insighful.

[KeriMorgret]

Two SEOmoz articles talk about hiring copywriters in general, setting expectations, how to help the relationship go well, etc. The second blog post has over sixty comments, and the discussion is worth reading as well.

http://www.seomoz.org/ugc/how-to-talk-to-your-copywriter

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/whiteboard-friday-outsourcing-content-creation

[KeriMorgret]

Michael Gray (graywolf) wrote a review of TextBroker at http://www.wolf-howl.com/reviews/textbroker-com-review/. I have no affiliation, but wanted to pass along more information about one of these services. He does mention tone in the review.

[StoreCrowd]

Check out TextBroker, probably one of the best places for affordable copy I've found

[Getz.pro]

I would try a college as they have writing students that are skilled and work cheap : )

I would give examples of style you want and ask to see recent article they have written. If you need actual writing terms, talk to a writing professor and ask for tips on how to recruit students.

[TheARKlady]

There are a lot of different types of writing services that are available for hire at a variety of different sites just like programmers, designers and other tech people.  Most can be found through freelancing sites.

I think by "like that" you mean SEO writing. It is a specialty type of service and so use that term. There are some people who are able to take on the "voice" that you want to convey if you have one you want to mimic across the site and the best thing to to is to find someone and ask to see their portfoilio or look at their rankings from previous contracts.