How to hire a Writer

How to hire a writer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step writer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a writer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new writer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Writer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your writer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a writer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine Employee vs Contractor Status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect writer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of writer salaries for various roles:

   Type Of Writer	Description	Hourly Rate
   Writer	Writers and authors develop written content for advertisements, books, magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, blogs, and other online publications.	$19-51
   Technical Editor	A technical editor is someone who proofreads, revises, and edits technical documents. He/She or she checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure that the technical content meets company standards... Show More	$22-38
   Content Editor	A content editor is a professional who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement... Show More	$19-43

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common Skills:

   • Work Ethic
   • Customer Service
   • Web Content
   • Math
   • SEO
   • SQL
   • Twitter
   • Facebook
   • Sketch
   • News Stories
   • Blog Posts
   • Instagram
   • Press Releases
   • Subject Matter Experts

   Check All Skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate AP NEWSCENTER/ENPS and manage CNN feed services.
   • Manage the Instagram account, which mean publishing and keeping up to date with the articles.
   • Manage projects diligently under aggressive deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity and ensuring stories have entertainment and/or educational value.
   • Participate in roundtable discussions offering hot takes and opinions on NBA and NFL teams, players, and coaches.
   • Train all staff on using the CMS.
   • Place stories into CS3 InDesign pages.

   More Writer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your writer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A writer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a writer in Missouri may be lower than in Massachusetts, and an entry-level writer usually earns less than a senior-level writer. Additionally, a writer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average writer salary

   $66,143yearly

   $31.80 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level writer salary

   $40,000 yearly salary

   Updated March 14, 2025

   Average writer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
   1	California	$91,310	$44
   2	Massachusetts	$90,878	$44
   3	District of Columbia	$87,474	$42
   4	Washington	$80,716	$39
   5	New York	$73,334	$35
   6	Pennsylvania	$72,461	$35
   7	Illinois	$70,640	$34
   8	Virginia	$66,497	$32
   9	North Carolina	$65,311	$31
   10	South Carolina	$64,773	$31
   11	Maryland	$62,420	$30
   12	Indiana	$61,386	$30
   13	Wisconsin	$58,789	$28
   14	Louisiana	$57,776	$28
   15	Texas	$56,927	$27
   16	Georgia	$56,695	$27
   17	Ohio	$56,695	$27
   18	Colorado	$56,645	$27
   19	Oklahoma	$54,730	$26
   20	Missouri	$50,496	$24

   Average writer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average Salary	Hourly Rate	Job Openings
   1	Apple	$131,886	$63.41	18
   2	Airbnb	$129,429	$62.23
   3	ORIX USA	$128,837	$61.94
   4	Yahoo	$127,575	$61.33
   5	Google	$126,645	$60.89	10
   6	Ventois	$122,322	$58.81
   7	Vox Media	$119,203	$57.31	5
   8	Microsoft	$119,102	$57.26
   9	The Washington Post	$117,871	$56.67	6
   10	NerdWallet	$116,840	$56.17
   11	VEDICSOFT	$115,303	$55.43
   12	Penske Media	$114,944	$55.26	3
   13	Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP	$112,064	$53.88
   14	Earthjustice	$110,403	$53.08
   15	Nuveen Investments	$108,393	$52.11
   16	Fox News	$108,243	$52.04
   17	Alliance Global Services	$106,587	$51.24
   18	AstraZeneca	$106,539	$51.22	3
   19	Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.c. Or Aza	$104,322	$50.15
   20	Ubertal	$103,690	$49.85

4. Writing a Writer Job Description

   A writer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a writer job description:

   Writer job description example

   Job Title
   Investigational Writer - First Shift
   
   Requisition
   
   JR000012627 Investigational Writer - First Shift (Open)
   
   Location
   
   Hobart, NY (Pharma) - USA036
   
   Additional Locations
   
   Job Description
   
   SummaryLeads and writes in-depth technical investigations of product quality and equipment related events to determine scope of impact, root cause, corrective actions and rationale to support product disposition. Utilizes root cause analysis tools and lean principles to determine root cause and corrective actions. This is an independent role with progressive responsibilities. Individuals are expected to perform the necessary functions of the role with minimal oversight.Essential FunctionsCollaborate with All Levels of the Organization Works with operators, engineers, subject matter experts, maintenance, supervisors, senior managers, etc., to form in-depth understanding of complex processes, procedures, equipment and event details. Collaborates with Quality Assurance, Validation, and various other departments for events which may potentially affect the safety, integrity, strength, purity, quality, or validated state of the product, to determine projected path forward and product disposition.Thorough and Timely Investigations, Root Cause(s) Identified and Corrective Actions Implemented Lead, investigate, write and provide support for all Exception Investigations, Triage Investigations, Out of Specification Investigations, SCARs and Customer Complaints. Perform risk assessments to support disposition of investigations. Lead and/or participate on equipment/process RCA investigation teams. Perform in-depth trending of Quality Systems to identify gaps and drive corrective actions. Own and drive implementation of Simple and Standard CAPAs. Create, revise, format, review and functionally approve SOPs, forms, batch records, training documents, etc., for technical and non-technical users.Project Management, Tasks Effectively Managed Prioritize and process work according to demand changes, production schedules and backorder. Assess workload capacity, adjust, delegate and/or seeks support as applicable. Effectively arrange and allocate time for efficiency and to meet deadlines. Utilize investigational checks lists, track and follow up on critical and non-critical outstanding items. Plan tasks accordingly to meet or exceed projected deadlines. Coordinates and sets clear agenda and expectations with others.Effective and Concise Communications Writes clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect. Works and communicates effectively in a team environment. Maintains and communicates routine daily status updates on all open investigations. Displays interpersonal skills, confidence, patients and fosters team environment.General Functions Performed: Prepare and present presentations for MRB and CAPA. Perform Change Controls. Lead and/or support projects as assigned by the Compliance Manager or Focus Factory. Provides training and support to equivalent or other level positions as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by supervision or as required by the position, including and not limited to duties of other level positions.Position Summary: Proficient in investigational writing. Knowledge of the listed essential functions and is able to perform/apply at a proficient to advanced level. Requires limited guidance, has sound decision quality and can individually make complex decisions while taking into consideration requirements and production demands. Leads and manages complex major events, projects and cross functional teams. Performs in-depth trending, identifying deficiencies/gaps and recommends/finalizes appropriate corrective actions with area owners. Acts as mentor for investigations, RCA, writing, etc. Conducts functional review and approval of investigations, change controls, forms/SOPs, batch records, etc.Minimum RequirementsEducation: High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor or Associates Degree preferred with equivalent combination of education, directly related experience and competencies may be considered.Experience: 5+ years of related experience to perform the essential functions of the position within quality and quantity standards Excellent writing, editing, proofing and communication skills Attention to detail, accuracy, critical thinking and problem solving. Strong oral communication skills; experience in presenting technical information in a live setting. Project and time management. Organization. Ability to adapt rapidly to change, adjust responsibilities, time, and objectives accordingly with minimal oversight. Ability to analyze and synthesize complex content. Experience in creating documentation for audiences with different levels of technical skills. Knowledge of cGMPs Knowledge and understanding manufacturing and packaging instructions, processes, SOP's, etc. Knowledge, understanding and application of continuous improvement methods Knowledge, understanding and application of RCA tools and methods Basic computer skills including Word, Excel and database software. Interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate at all organizational levels in a variety of settings and formats. Ability to identify and resolve people and task related issues involving non-standard situations.Organizational Relationship/Scope:Written Communications: Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.Problem Solving: Rigorously and systematically connects information, processes and events by organizing divergent information and searching for common themes, patterns, and causal connections. Undertakes a complex task by breaking it down into manageable parts in a systematic, detailed way. Thinks of several possible explanations or alternatives for a situation and anticipates potential obstacles and develops contingency plans to overcome them. Uses intelligence, common sense, hard work and tenacity to solve particularly difficult or complicated challenges.Analytical: Uses a systematic approach in solving problems through analysis of problem and evaluation of alternate solutions; uses logic, mathematics, or other problem-solving tools in data analysis or in generating solutions; logically and thoughtfully sortsthrough ambiguity and alternatives with rigor and discipline that crystallizes ideas for action; goes beyond analyzing factual information to develop a conceptual understanding of the meaning of a range of information; integrates diverse themes and lines of reasoning to create new insights or levels of understanding for the issue at hand; thinks in terms of generalized models rather than concrete details.Keeping on Point: Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice to do and the trivial; quickly senses what's the next most useful thing to work on; focuses on the critical few tasks that really add value and puts aside or delays the rest.Influencing Others: Moves people toward willing involvement in a particular course of action using techniques that appeal to logic, values or emotion; presents arguments that address others' most important concerns and issues and looks for win-win solutions; involves others in a process or decision to ensure their support; identifies and proposes solutions that benefit all parties involved in a situation; accurately anticipates the implications of events or decisions for various stakeholders in the organization and plans accordingly.Process Management: Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient work flow; knows what to measure and how to measure it; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others can't; can simplify complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources.Attention to Detail/Focus: Is thorough and precise in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently. Double-checks the accuracy of information and work product to provide accurate and consistent work. Provides information on a timely basis and in a usable form to others who need to act on it. Compares observations of finished work to what is expected to find inconsistencies.Listening: Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; can accurately restate the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees.Decision Quality: Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.

   Copy This Example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right writer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with writers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit writers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your writer job on Zippia to find and recruit writer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting writers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new writer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the writer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new writer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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