Tips for Hiring Content Writers

[huckleberry]

Hi everyone,

I am using oDesk content writers for my website. I'm wondering if I need to keep a few things in mind besides the actual content they are writings. Examples are:
- Should I credit them for the article (i.e. give them a by line)? I don't necessarily know their true identity. None of the writers have requested a by line but I think it may offer authenticity to my site. If I don't give them credit is it okay to make up a fictious writer or even myself (i.e. the real writer would be a ghost writer).
- Should I be concerned about them taking the content they create for me and selling it to other sites?
- Should I request the writers to sign a contract of some sort to ensure the work they create belongs to me?

Thanks,
Huck

[Julzwriter]

Hi Huck,

You can choose whether to credit the writer for the article or not.
Most ghostwriters will not ask for a by line since clients generally
buy the full rights for the articles.
It would be better to credit the original writer rather than coming
up with a fictitious name. Or better still you can use your own name.
Most writers will not resell the content to other websites but you can
come up with a general contract to ensure this.

[realityhack]

A lot depends upon your jurisdiction. In the US you would just have them sign a contract that it was 'work for hire' and you would own the copyright so they would not be able to re-sell the article... *legally*

I would have them sign a contract. Don't bother with a byline except your sites name. Make sure you specify that the content is created for you and you are the sole owner.

[makwanahemant]

it's advisable to sing contract, which help you to get rid of contents that provided by hired writer.

[conorology]

Hi Huck,

You can choose whether to credit the writer for the article or not.
Most ghostwriters will not ask for a by line since clients generally
buy the full rights for the articles.
It would be better to credit the original writer rather than coming
up with a fictitious name. Or better still you can use your own name.
Most writers will not resell the content to other websites but you can
come up with a general contract to ensure this.

In addition to this useful post; I suggest that instead of hiring a part time content writer, why don't you look for someone full time? With this, you'd be able to know the person well and you'd also have the chance to have a good working relationship with him at the very same time your blog or website develops. This way, you'd be able to figure out yourself how trustworthy your writer is to you.