A constant concern, when outsourcing copywriting or “content creation”, is the writer’s English language skills and ability, including spelling, grammer and the ability to “write like a native English speaker sounds”.
One way to to assess skill level is to read their posts on public “job/assignment seeking” forums. If their writing sounds wooden or if they make errors handling simple statements of business practices then you already know what to expect.
A better way is to engage in an old-fashioned online real-time chat via IM, using Yahoo Messenger or MSN messenger, preferably followed by a Skype session if you believe you have found someone able to handle your assignments.
A real-time back and forth exchange should quickly establish a content developer’s or copywriter’s vocabulary, grammatical abilities, naturalness or flow of expression, and typing speed/skill.
So, next time you are wondering if your writer-candidate possesses the degree of writing ability your work requires ask to see a writing sample.
Live. In real time.
If you are planning on outsourcing a larger or multi-article writing project then, after passing the “IM test” ask for a Skype session to further discuss research needs, search skills, article structure, outlining practices, editing, etc. Unless, of course, you prefer to set yourself up for a disappointing ourcome.
A copywriting “test” by IM. Simple, isn’t it? 
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