Tips for Acquiring High-Quality Content Without Engaging in Extensive Writing
In today's digital world, effective editorial leadership is crucial for producing high-quality content and fostering strong working relationships. Recognising this need, Contently has published a new guide titled 'Coaching Writers to Success'.
This resource aims to help content leaders improve output, streamline workflows, and build healthier working relationships. The guide provides practical tips on how to give feedback, emphasising suggestions over redlines, clarity over critique, and encouragement where it's due.
At the heart of the guide is the belief that good feedback doesn't just fix; it teaches, improving both the content and the relationship between the editor and writer. By giving complete, thoughtful feedback, not just what to fix, but why, one can set the tone for a more collaborative dynamic.
The guide offers frameworks for setting expectations, establishing feedback loops, and tracking progress over time. It also includes a writer handoff checklist, a feedback checklist for reviews that actually help, and coaching strategies to improve content, save time, and strengthen relationships.
A ready-to-use feedback checklist is also included to ensure reviews are consistent, comprehensive, and constructive, even when pressed for time. Clarity alone isn't enough; coaching also involves being available throughout the process for quick check-ins, thoughtful feedback, and providing context.
The guide focuses on strong writer management, including defining goals, clarifying audience, setting expectations, and aligning on what 'done' looks like. It also provides tips for adapting coaching style based on experience level, prioritising edits when time is tight, and giving praise that actually sticks.
Over time, a more collaborative dynamic leads to faster turnarounds, fewer misunderstandings, and writers who are genuinely invested in the brand's success. In the world of freelance or distributed teams, communication can easily get lost in digital spaces like Slack threads and tracked changes. The guide offers strategies for maintaining clear communication in such environments.
Relationships matter, even in digital spaces like Google Docs, as they can significantly impact the quality of the content and the working relationship. By fostering a culture of open communication, respect, and psychological safety, creative partnerships can thrive.
For those who need help with editorial leadership, Contently offers the services of a ClearVoice content specialist. With 'Coaching Writers to Success', content leaders now have a powerful tool to improve their editorial practices and build a repeatable, scalable system for success.
