Clients regularly ask us different versions of that question. They usually follow it by noting how hard the task can be.

We’ve learned a lot over the last 27 years about what to look for and what to avoid. Here are four key lessons:

Curiosity is key. We often refer to a great candidate as “our kind of nerd”—somebody who thinks everything is interesting when you look closely enough. A curious writer will dive into your subject and engage with it; readers will find their enthusiasm infectious.

Ego is a no-go. Some writers who are new to The Writing Company eat up our edits, because they’re eager to improve the piece and their skills. They tend to be keepers. Others chafe at our feedback, and that’s a bright red flag. Defensiveness isn’t just unpleasant; it stops a writer from learning and growing.

Reporting skills beat subject-matter expertise. Experts tend to focus on what they already know. Good reporters focus on giving readers what they need to know and have the research, interviewing and writing skills to deliver it.

Resumes demonstrate skill…at writing resumes. We mostly disregard the contents of resumes. They tell us almost nothing about a writer’s most important qualities, including the items above and the ability to write clearly, hit deadlines, communicate well and work as part of a team.

Please reach out if you want to discuss what makes good writing and good writers. We’d love to hear from you.