FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Not really. Projects tend to be unique. I can give a range over the telephone but I really need to meet with the client to get an understanding of the project before I can quote a price. I have a form agreement that I use to show the client what service s/he will receive for what cost and within what time frame.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I need to meet with a potential customer, face-to-face so we can talk about exactly what a customer wants. It is no good to say that someone wants "a book edited" because it doesn't tell me enough. What kind of book? Edited for grammar and punctuation mainly, or style and content as well? I prefer to see a few sample pages of what customer wants. If a business owner wants new letters or flyers, let me see the old ones. Let's talk about expectations. I had a customer earlier this year who wanted letters asking for donations and sponsorship of his activities. I did several letters and flyers for him, met with him several times, and worked with him throughout the weeks to give him both consulting services and excellent copy. Opportunities for feedback on both sides are crucial to a successful relationship that produces the requested copy.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have both Bachelor's and Master's degrees as well as 15 years teaching at the college level in Illinois and Indiana. I have been a journalist (newspaper) and freelance writer (magazines and individual customer projects).