As a gaming company or publication, your success relies heavily on the quality (and frequency) of your game coverage. Whether it's through reviews, interviews, or news articles, your audience expects accurate and engaging content that showcases the best of the gaming world. Unless you're some kind of crazy virtuoso living in a parallel dimension where days are 60 hours long, you can't do it all on your own.
This is where choosing the best freelance game journalist comes into play. Freelance game writers can give you a hand building up articles for your website--whether it's a review here and there or a news post every day. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of working with a freelance game journalist, what qualities to look for, and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Freelance game journalist vs full-time writers
A full-time writer is an employee of a publication or company with a set salary who contributes articles and reviews on a regular basis. In contrast, a freelance writer is an independent contractor who works on a project-by-project basis and is paid per assignment.
Full-time writers can provide consistency and stability, but freelance writers offer a unique perspective and a wider range of experience. Freelance game journalists often work with multiple publications, giving them exposure to different audiences and gaming niches. Additionally, freelancers have a more flexible schedule, can often work on short notice or tight deadlines, and are more affordable for gaming publications still trying to establish themselves online.
Benefits of working with a freelance game journalist
- Expertise: Freelancers are experts in their field, honing their skills through years of experience and a deep passion for gaming. It's tough being a freelance game writer, so only the most dedicated thrive.
- Cost-effective: Freelancers work on a per-project basis, meaning they get paid when they do work. You can choose more expensive but experienced writers for complex pieces or stick with newcomers who might charge a little less.
- Flexibility: Freelancers have a more flexible schedule and can often work on short notice or tight deadlines. You can scale up the work you give freelancers or scale it down as you see fit.
- Quality: Freelancers provide high-quality content that engages your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
Qualities to look for in a freelance game journalist
First and foremost, you want to find an individual who has experience writing about games. They should be knowledgeable about the gaming industry, have played a variety of games, and be up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. While any writer can create content about games, it will be obvious to gamers when someone is writing about something they don't understand.
Another quality to look for is excellent communication skills. Freelancers work independently, which means that they need to be able to communicate effectively with you and your team. They should be responsive to emails, provide regular updates on their progress, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
Arguably the most important thing: you want to find someone who is reliable and punctual. Deadlines are essential in the gaming industry, and missing them can have a significant impact on your success. Look for a freelancer who is organized, meets deadlines consistently, and has a track record of delivering high-quality work on time.
How to choose the best freelance game journalist for your needs
First, identify your content needs. What type of content do you need--reviews, interviews, news articles? Once you've done this you can narrow your search for freelance game journalists who specialize in that type of content. Most will have some experience in all areas of game writing, but creating fast-paced news articles is a vastly different skill from writing in-depth reviews.
Next, you'll want to research potential candidates. Look for their portfolios, read their previous work, and check their references. You want to find someone who has experience and a track record of producing high-quality content. This step is often skipped during hiring, as it can be time-consuming. But stick with it; the rewards are worth it!
Once you've narrowed down your options, you can start the interview process. Ask questions about their experience, their communication skills, and their approach to deadlines. You want to find someone who is a good fit for your company or publication and who shares your vision for your content.
Questions to ask when interviewing a freelance game journalist
- What type of gaming content do you specialize in?
- What is your experience with writing about games?
- How do you communicate with your clients?
- How do you approach deadlines?
- What is your process for researching and writing about games?
Choosing the best freelance game journalist on your success.
Choosing the best freelance game journalist can have a significant impact on your success as a gaming company or publication. Freelancers bring a fresh perspective, expertise, and cost-effective solutions to your content needs. When selecting a freelancer, look for qualities such as experience, communication skills, and reliability. By collaborating with a freelance game journalist, you can level up your game coverage and engage your audience with high-quality content.
For over 15 years, VGJobs has been the go-to destination for game publications looking to hire writers and freelance game journalists searching for work. If you need to hire a freelancer (or even a full-timer), start your search right here.
Post your job opening today, hire a great freelance game journalist tomorrow!