How to hire Wikipedia editors
Wikipedia has come a long way from the days when it was an unreliable source of information. Today an army of volunteers routinely screen content and remove erroneous articles. Every piece of information needs to be properly cited, lest it be deleted by one of these editors. If you’ve been struggling to get your business page or personal bio uploaded to Wikipedia, a Wikipedia editor can help.
So how do you hire Wikipedia consultants? What follows are some tips for finding top Wikipedia editors on Upwork.
How to shortlist Wikipedia professionals
As you’re browsing available Wikipedia consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the contractors you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Industry fit. You want a Wikipedia editor who understands your industry so that they can write a quality Wikipedia page about you, your business, or your organization.
- Wikipedia service awards. Experienced Wikipedia editors will display a service award emblem on their profile based on their number of edits and years of experience.
- Feedback Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular Wikipedia editor.
How to write an effective Wikipedia editing job post
With a clear picture of your ideal Wikipedia editor in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective Wikipedia editing job post should include:
- Scope of work: From business pages to product entries, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: Mention any preferences for subject matter expertise (e.g., knowledge of outdoor activities for a hiking apparel business page).
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to leverage the largest collaborative encyclopedia on the web for your business? Log in and post your Wikipedia editing job on Upwork today.
WIKIPEDIA EDITORS FAQ
What is Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that is constantly being revised and expanded by the collective input of thousands of volunteer contributors. A Wikipedia editor can help you upload a Wikipedia article that meets the standards set forth by the Wikimedia Foundation, giving your post the best chance for avoiding removal.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in Wikipedia professionals:
- Writing and editing
- Subject matter expertise
- Familiarity with Wikipedia guidelines (e.g., WP:GNG, WP:NPV, WP:SIGCOV, WP:AUTOBIO, WP:CITE, WP:NFT)
Why hire Wikipedia editors?
The trick to finding top Wikipedia editors is to identify your needs. Do you need someone to write a biography for yourself or a company executive? Or do you require someone with software expertise to write multiple pages to cover the different technical products and services? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a Wikipedia editor?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced Wikipedia editor may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their Wikipedia services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.