In an effort to get your work before the eyes of more readers, do not make the mistake of rewriting the article someone hires you to review.
Publish Insights 7 August 2021
Make a Name For Yourself
Writers need to have their work published. It is not only for experience, but to establish legitimacy. Linking to several web pages substantiates user profiles and personal biographies. Adapting to the writing style of multiple websites can be difficult. It is easier to provide expert reviews of articles other people write. In this capacity, you are not the writer, though you may get a mention.
Sometimes the articles you review require much editing to correct grammar or facts. This is why the writer or editor seeks your services. On the other extreme, reviewers may want to edit material with their personal insights in order to claim authorship.
Distinguish Writers From Reviewers
Some reviewers are anonymous ghostwriters. Others get their name mentioned. I have hired professionals who blur the line between reviewer and writer. It becomes apparent in the way they reference the assignment.
I mention the title of an article to review. They respond that they will begin writing it. Other clues are long turnarounds and high reviewer fees. Selective edits make it into the final. So they may be putting more effort into work than necessary.
If you are an editor accepting a guest submission or hiring a freelance writer, you may need to massage the text to conform to site guidelines. But if someone hires you to review work, focus on grammar and professional accuracy.
Commandeering someone else’s work is not necessary unless they provide you with a basic outline to develop. In many cases, no edits are required when working with skilled writers. The goal is to have a fresh pair of eyes fact check conclusions.
By sticking to the task, the writer will have more confidence publishing work. Whether you get a mention or not, you will develop a reputation for good results. Developing a rapport, possibly later contribute separate articles with full name credit.
Main photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels.
