FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have very carefully set my fees based on industry standards for someone with my experience along with the quality of service that I will deliver. As someone who often struggled in this economy, I understand the importance of finding a professional that will not overcharge - while also finding someone who will give me the "most bang for my buck!" I also hope that clients understand that in this venue, Thumbtack requires that I set a price without first having the opportunity to discuss the situation with you, ask various questions, and truly understand the job at hand. SO PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT MY PRICE MAY CHANGE - EITHER HIGHER OR LOWER - based on a thorough review of your needs. For example, a client may say, "I need a ghostwriter to create a memoir for me. That can mean many different things. Do they want me to create a memoir in the form of an essay or a book? There is a huge difference. Do they want me to start from scratch, where I will need to interview them and perhaps others, along with pulling and researching all the information needed? Or do they already have a pre-written outline or draft of their own that they want me to rewrite? Another big difference. Yet, Thumbtack requires me to create a quote based only on the client's initial statement, which is very difficult to do. I may quote for a book only to discover that the client just wants an essay. (Hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference!) For a Wedding Officiant, a couple may say they want someone to marry them on a particular date. That's it. They may want a very simplistic "justice of the peace" type wedding that takes 15 minutes with a few friends. Or they may be planning a wedding with 500 guests at the seashore and want me to create vows, poetry, select special readings, create a very specific presentation that may last 1 1/2 hours, and also want me available for the rehearsal. Again - there is a big difference. HOW YOU CAN HELP: As the client, the more you can tell me up front, the easier it is for me to provide you with a more accurate quote. And if you aren't sure of some things yourself, it's okay to say that too - but do let me know. I would rather provide a very negotiable price that we can work through together. But that means if you see someone you like but the price is much too high - write to inquire why the price is so high. Perceptions may be very different from the lower quotes. The same is true if you think you are getting an amazing deal. Be certain that the professional quoted on everything you really want. What if your "memoir" is a book and they quoted you for an essay? You may go into the agreement with very different expectations, causing a great deal of conflict down the road. MY PROMISE I can certainly promise you that I will never accept a job that I cannot do extremely well - regardless of what it is. I will always work very hard for you. My clients ALWAYS get much more than what they pay for in the long run. My clients are very important to me. They are my return business or recommendations to others, so I am motivated to provide you nothing but the best! Because I so thoroughly enjoy what I do, I want to make things work out for you. If a wedding - I want your ceremony to shine and become everything you dreamed of. If you want someone to write or edit for you - I will slave over the material, incorporating your voice, style, and your every wish. If you are looking for a speaker, I will spend countless hours preparing a presentation that your audience will be extremely happy with. They will be grateful they came.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to get to know my customers as best I can through conversing or questioning verbally or through email (whichever you prefer). This allows me to best serve a client and get to know exactly what they want. Other things I do, include: * Explain EVERYTHING up front so that there is no confusion down the road what our expectations are. * Maintain excellent, open communication so that you can always ask questions and feel very comfortable with the process. I will also provide a steady check-in to inform you as to how things are going. * I will also ask as many questions as needed to be sure that whatever I am doing for you, I will deliver just what you want on target and on time. * I make certain that fees are well understood before we begin. I don't want there to be any discrepancies down the road. My hope is to start a business relationship that will last a long time! I want to give you a good value for your dollar. * I will always deliver material on time or earlier. My goal is always to over-provide, if at all possible. A happy client is the best kind of client!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
* Associates Degree from Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL Majors: English & Business * Bachelors Degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Majors: English & Business * I received several writer's certificates after attending a variety of training schools, conferences, and extended program opportunities over the years. However, I probably received the most "schooling" while working as a Publishing Director for 2 different entertainment companies (Big Idea Productions and Exclaim Entertainment) over ten years. Because I built their book and curriculum publishing departments very successfully from the ground up, I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about many different things and how to work with others. I was not only responsible for the writing and editing of all the books and curriculum, but I also was responsible for hiring, training, and building a department filled with writers, editors, artists, graphic designers, freelancers, salespeople, customer service, Internet specialists, marketing experts, and much more! * I attended three speaker training programs, in addition to working with Toastmasters. * I am certified to marry couples through the Internet.