You can certainly develop your article-writing skills over the years. Meanwhile, how about getting an article published this year? If you have neither the skill nor the time, consider collaborating with a ghostwriter.

There is nothing deceptive about working with a ghostwriter, as long as the article's substance is based on your own knowledge, experience, research, and insight. An experienced journalist acting as a ghostwriter can compose an article under your byline using notes, research materials, and/or rough drafts that you provide, as well as personal interviews with you that the ghostwriter conducts.

Many professionals prefer to work with local writers, because the collaborative process can require frequent meetings and voluminous research materials. Others have worked successfully with collaborators whom they've never met face-to-face, thanks to e-mail and collaborative websites.

If you can compose a decent first draft, you may only need an editor; if you don't have one on staff, you can hire a freelancer.

Publishers don't edit like they used to
Do not assume the editorial staff of the publication you're writing for will do a good job of editing—you must ensure that your article is outstanding before you submit it to the publisher. Your reputation is not boosted by getting decent articles published; it is boosted only by getting outstanding articles published.

Cross-examine yourself—before they do
Even if the publication you are writing for has a peer-review process, you should show your manuscript to at least one peer before submitting it to the publication. The worst thing that could happen isn't failing to get your article published; it is getting your article published and then getting attacked publicly for writing an article with a poorly supported premise, faulty reasoning, biased research, inappropriate citations, or overreaching conclusion. Put your manuscript on the witness stand and ask a colleague to cross-examine it!

We know how agonizing it can feel to get an article severely criticized by a peer, and then have to substantially rewrite it. Consider it an opportunity to improve your writing skills and protect your reputation.

Choosing & using freelancers
If you do not have very strong writing and editing talent on staff, here are recommended ways to find freelance ghostwriters and editors:

• Ask colleagues who have worked with freelancers for referrals.

• Get referrals from the editors of your target publications.

• Ask your professional or trade association for referrals.

• Look in the Yellow Pages under writers, editors, public relations, and editorial services. PR firms often use freelancers, and they might give you referrals.

• Place a help-wanted ad for a freelance writer or editor.

• Visit Guru.com, LimeExchange.com, oDesk.com, or Elance.com.

Before you hire a writer, ask to see his or her published writing samples, preferably in the subject area that you want to address. Beware: The samples you receive may look wonderful, but a quick call to an editor might reveal that the writer submitted a draft that needed major revisions, and/or the writer missed his or her deadline and was difficult to work with. You don't want to work with those kinds of writers. So call their editors—if the writer won't give you the editors' contact info, don't hire them.

Of course, ask for references from other professionals with whom a ghostwriter has collaborated.

Ask writer candidates how many years of journalism and feature writing experience they have. Don't hire marketing communications consultants who have never worked as journalists. Marcomm people tend to have a promotional orientation and are prone to writing in upbeat generalities without supporting detail; while feature writers (and some PR professionals) are oriented to giving readers what they really need, in detail and depth.

Hire a writer or editor who will challenge you
Top-notch writers won't just follow your instructions. They will guide you in creating an outstanding article, and challenge you to improve the concept, the structure, and the substance.

Top-notch freelancers (don't hire anything less) charge by the hour, page, word, or project. Typical hourly fees range from $75 to $150. You can easily find writers who charge less, but you might not be satisfied with the results.

Alternatively, top writers might charge in the neighborhood of $200 per single-spaced manuscript page (half that for editing), or 80 cents to a dollar per word. An experienced writer should be able to estimate the total cost of the project in advance. In your agreement with a writer, be sure to include a provision that deducts fees for missing deadlines.