My process

2010 Process

Contact & project startup
After you contact me with a project, the first thing I'll do is email an Estimate that summarizes what you've asked me to do, how quickly you've asked me to do it and an estimated quote for the project. I'll email this to you and I ask that you email your acceptance back to me before I will begin work.

Billing
I track my hours per project in a spreadsheet so there are no surprises. Though I track my work on an hourly basis, if we have worked out a project cost, I will accommodate overage hours (within reason) to keep within the budget. If I am getting close to budget, I will let you know. I will not exceed budget without your approval. Please note that dependable payment is important to the health of the business. Unfortunately, a late charge seems the only way to ensure prompt payment. Therefore, a 1% interest charge will be applied for each month I am awaiting payment beyond the 30 day remittance window.

Timelines
I am flexible with my timeline. That said, I estimate the time I need according to business hours. If you have an eight-hour job that you present to me on Friday and need completed by Monday, it will likely be a bit more expensive. I will do my best to accommodate quick turnarounds. It really comes down to how busy I am at the time you contact me.

Strategy platform
I think strategy is important. Of course, I do recognize that sometimes you just need a quick headline. My compromise? I will send you a document to capture information on your target audience, competition and market position. This document will ensure that my words resonate with your audience so you can communicate effectively. For the bigger projects, I am happy to work with you to create a brand platform, a communication plan or any of the pieces within these strategy devices. This will give you a foundation for future communication and ensure that you are getting the most out of your efforts.

What to expect
Once I've written a first draft, it will include some notes on my interpretation of your request (as accepted in the Estimate) and any insights or explanations about how I've handled the project. This lets you know the thinking behind the tone, word choice, content order, etc. If I have been involved in the communication strategy, the document will include an overview of the strategy.

I expect the first draft to raise questions and new ideas. The first round of revisions is often more intensive as we work on tone and nail down necessary content. By the second draft, we're usually quite close to completion. The overview for the second draft will reflect any substantial revisions from the first draft.

I will email you a final clean draft with the final invoice. The words are now yours to use as you see fit. I reserve the right to use the writing in my portfolio unless we've agreed to different terms.

Multiple projects
If you are interested in hiring me to write a newsletter, create an ongoing campaign or keep your website current, I am happy to offer you a contract, retainer or multiple-project rate.

Communication
I expect a few phone calls and many emails as we complete your project. I am also available for in-person meetings, as needed.