A Checklist to Hire a Good Script Writer

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

If you are planning to create an ad or an explainer video, it is of utmost importance that you get a reliable, professional and skilled Script Writer for the task. A script will be the foundation of your video, if a script is well written, there is a possibility the final outcome of the video will turn out to be positive too.

Hiring a good script writer can be tricky, especially if you aren’t a part of the creative field. But there are a few ways you can ensure that the writer you hired will deliver the results you require. Here are a few things to check on your list before you hire the writer:

1. Professional Writer: Hire someone who writes scripts exclusively instead of hiring a content writer or a copywriter. As with every aspect of any business, hiring a professional may be slightly costly but it will be worth it in the long run. Check the writer’s credentials and ask them to send a few script samples for your review. Most writers will oblige. Once you get them, there are basic foolproof ways to differentiate a good script writer from a bad one.
2. Correct Language: The most basic way is to check the language of the script. Is it correct? Are there any grammatical mistakes or spelling errors? Do the sentence structures make sense? Do the sentences fit in well with each other? When you read the narrative of the script, does it feel wrong at any point? If yes, then that is generally because of a language mistake. If the language of the script seems fine, then you can move on to the next step for elimination.
3. Well Researched Content: Determine if the script that the writer sent are well researched. A well researched script will be precise. There will be minimum repetition of content in the script and the writer will have avoided any vague references. A well researched script is generally to the point and the content seems to fit like puzzle pieces.
4. Good Narrative: The next way you can determine a good script writer is through the narrative part of the script. Check if the tone of the narrative conforms with the brand image. Additionally, try listening to the narrative using a text to speech tool. This will allow you to listen to it from an audience perspective. Then see if the narrative actually made you interested in the product or service offered, even a little. If it did, it was a good narrative. If it drives you to think about taking action (downloading an app, visiting a website) it is a really good narrative.
5. Core Messaging Highlighted: While you are in the narrative section you need to check if the narrative conveys the necessary message in a clear and visible manner. There should be one clean message which you remember at the end of the narrative. The script should revolve around that single message, if it does, it is written by a good writer.
6. Clear Communication: Lastly, you need to ensure that the writer can communicate well with you. You are the prime source of information that the writer will have while writing the script. There needs to be mutual understanding, respect and a clear line of communication between you and the writer.

If you find all of the above true and the writer fits your budget, you should go ahead and hire them for a decent and effective animated explainer video.