Getting the Assignment Right

It's easier for a good writer to produce an article on brain surgery than it is for a brain surgeon to do so. Most “experts” know their craft so well that they simply can’t explain it to anyone else in lay terms.

When AlfaBlue was hiring writers for the new   Cavemen Workout   project, seven prospects who had backgrounds in fitness and exercise were identified and invited to bid on the RFP. Two of them ended up being contracted.

Comparing A vs. B

Writer A described herself as a “personal trainer and bodybuilder specializing in fitness and medical writing.” Writer B said she was a “certified personal trainer and nutritionist (with) eight years of writing experience.” Each writer was asked to submit ten articles, seven on assigned topics and three on subjects of their own choice.

I don’t know how other writers feel about being given the opportunity to write about “anything at all,” but for me it’s an opportunity to shine. And the first question I ask myself isn’t “What would I like to write?” It is “What would the client like to read?”

Professional writing is always and ever about selling your skills. Even after you get the contract, you are still competing for the client’s unwavering faith in your ability to deliver whatever is required. You have to write for readers, not just for yourself.

Both Writer A and Writer B selected “free choice” subjects that were obviously related to their respective backgrounds in medical writing and nutrition. Both showed they could use a little help with grammar, spelling and punctuation—as I mentioned, most experts do.

But it was not necessary to read beyond the unedited titles of two of the articles that were submitted to know which of the personal trainers was going to be the preferred one to work with:

A: Why Caveman Workouts Can Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes

B: Balancing Carbs and Fats in Your Diet

Writer A tied her article directly into the theme of the web site and that, in my humble opinion, is priceless. How hard would it have been for Writer B to focus on the Paleo Diet instead?

Because both writers really know their stuff, they have each been awarded additional assignments. How they respond to coaching and editing will determine which one continues working for the site long term. Any bets?

Next up in the Diary will be the importance of a “Hot Meal,” and how it can give you the inside edge on making money for your writing.

T.A.J.