3. Act Like the Boss You Are Supposed to Be Ultimately, it is up to the managing editor to enforce deadlines and standards, to provide honest and constructive feedback so that freelancers can make any adjustments needed for future projects, and to take action when a freelancer is not meet- ing expectations. One of the best ways to build great relationships with your freelancers is by always providing strong leader- ship and direction. Finally, just because freelancers are typically a virtual part of your team doesn’t mean that you should only have virtual contact with them. Build strong relationships with all of your freelancers by ensuring you have regular touch points by phone and, if possible, in person. Bring them into the fold — both of your team and your company — and you will find that they are more engaged, feel a greater sense of accountability, and produce better content. 8" Tip: Whenever possible, negotiate flat fees with your freelancers on a project-by-project basis. Doing so, rather than allowing your freelancers to charge you by the hour or by the word, will help you manage costs and set clear expectations for everyone from the outset of each project. It also puts the onus on the freelancers to manage their time effectively. 8" It Takes a Content Factory! | 71