FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
There are basically two ways that I am compensated: 1) By the hour, beginning with a standard rate and potentially adjusting that rate depending on the scope of the project and the person's budget; 2) By bidding on the project, with a not-to-exceed amount.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After agreeing on the basics over the phone (rate, timeline, availability, etc.), the process begins with the initial meeting and informal interview: getting to know the person, who they are and what they aspire to, and defining their project and goal(s). Asking relevant, open-ended questions reveals much of what will go into their written piece. This initial meeting also establishes a rapport and puts a client at ease through being heard, having accurately reflected back what they are needing, and receiving suggestions as to how the piece(s) could go. Once we agree on a starting point and structure, we lay out next stepsi.e., a first draft deadline, a workable system for exchanging revision comments and edits, and an overall end date. I then get to work, send completed material in stages for review and comments, make adjustments as needed, and when complete get sign off for final approval. Thats it in a nutshell.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My training goes back many years! I've helped countless friends define their career or business goals, their educational aspirations, and/or their ideas through helping them write cover letters, resumes, and college application essays and papers. As I developed my own career in writing and editing, I continued to help on the side - with great results. Eventually, at the behest of some of my satisfied friends and via word of mouth, I began doing this same work professionally. It's very satisfying, if painstaking at times!