FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First I ask the customer to hone in on specifics about what (s)he wants my writing or editing to accomplish. Then I ask the customer to define a specific target audience. For example: "Everyone" is too broad. That answer makes it difficult to accomplish a specific goal. The more specific the customer's goal/purpose and audience, the better the writing will be. If the customer is able to efficiently, concisely answer those questions I will probably go on to discuss time frame, deadlines, length, etc. After that I'll decide if I want the job. If I do we will then move on to discuss price. If we agree on that, we will set up specific steps and deadlines for completing the work, including the specific standards by which the customer will decide if my work is acceptable. After that I will ask for a portion of payment, with the remainder due upon satisfactory completion -- "satisfactory" being defined as meeting the previously set specific requirements.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
MFA in writing from Washington University in St. Louis
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
1. Who's my audience? Be specific. For example, "Parochial school teachers." 2. What's my purpose? What do I want my readers to think and/or do after reading what's written? These questions must be clear in your own mind before a high quality *message* can be drafted.