I should know. I have been one for 20 years. What do freelance writers like me bring to someone like you, a business owner or organization leader? Let me give you the ABCs:

Audience connection. Freelance writers should easily be able to understand your organization from the audience point of view, both because of their experience as writers and because they see your organization from the outside in. If your freelance writer isn’t pushing you to think about what your audience needs and wants to know, show her the door.

Beautiful writing, by which I mean concise, clear, and creative. Whether you want a freelance writer to write about neurosurgery, your newest hire, or trending haircuts, she should be able to provide you with content that will attract readers and keep them reading until the very end. Will she hit it out of the ballpark every time? Probably not, but if she can’t get eyes on the page, then she’s not the writer for you.

Conscientious. Freelance writers understand the importance of getting the facts right (see below). They know how to interview sources and take notes. They understand how to do research.

Dependable. Good freelance writers not only turn in their work by the deadline, they communicate with their clients along the way to let them know how it’s going and if there may be issues beyond the freelancer’s control. The freelance writer you hire should return your phone calls and emails in a timely manner. She’s on time for scheduled calls and meetings.

Error-free. Everyone can use a copyeditor, and that includes even the best freelance writers. That said, however, your freelance writer should be turning over copy that is free of all but the smallest copyedits (and most of the time, even those should not be an issue).

Bonus E: Experienced. While it’s okay to hire a freelance writer who is new to freelancing, if that person does not have published writing samples to show you, be wary. You want someone who has enough experience to have produced published content. She needs to understand the process of producing content, including researching, interviewing, and editing (including copyediting).

Factual. Even “The New Yorker” doesn’t hire as many fact-checkers as it used to. Freelance writers know how to find source material that is credible. They check facts given to them by people they interview. They know how and when to cite paraphrased and quoted material.

Genuine. You have the sense that you can trust your freelance writer and that what she says she will do, she delivers.

Hard-working. You don’t want someone who delivers a tossed-off first draft or who isn’t willing to do the preparation and research needed to produce a good finished piece of content. How do you know if the freelance writer you are considering is capable and conscientious? Call references. Freelancer writers should be able to provide two to three clients who can vouch for their work and work habits.

Independent. If you find that the freelance writer you hired is constantly asking for direction or doesn’t seem to understand what you want no matter how many times you explain it, she’s probably not a writer you can work with long term. If she can’t make calls, find information, or do any of the components that are part of producing quality content without assistance, then she may cause you more headaches than she will relieve them.

Judicious. Freelance writers can make judgments about their content, knowing when, where, and how to edit a piece. They understand how to write for different audiences and in various contexts.

Likable. If you don’t enjoy working with your freelancer, then find someone who is enjoyable to work with.

Sherri Alms has produced content of all kinds for a range of clients since 1997. Email her to discuss your organization’s writing needs.