WORK WITH ME
Bring my experience to your writing project
What is it like to work with a content writer?
The first question many people ask is, ‘how quickly can you magic something up for this week’s newsletter?’
Or they’ll have a half-formed idea or an old advice and would like it wordsmithed into something valuable.
Well the (mostly) good news is that I can do that. But you’re going to need to give me a bit more to go on.
Your clients’ time, is precious. So is yours. So we shouldn’t waste anyone’s time with waffle-words to fill a page.
I want to understand what sets your business apart, what you’re trying to achieve and what your clients need from you.
Then we can create something that’s valuable for your clients, and for you.
The content writing process
The actual process can vary depending on the size of the project and how often we’ve worked together before.
But to give you an idea.
Content discovery—Where are you trying to get to?
Trust me when I tell you that it’s easier to start with a clear plan of what we’re trying to achieve.
It’s true that the direction can become clearer as we get deeper into the project. But I’ve spent enough time in endless rounds of rewrites to know that ‘we just need to say something about this topic’ isn’t enough.
We may not know the exact angle, or the most engaging way to frame it yet. But we should have an idea of what we’re trying to achieve. And more importantly—who do we want to reach?
And I’d strongly advise that we go deeper than just ‘raising awareness’.
When I’m working with a marketing team, this initial conversation is usually with the communications or marketing lead.
We scope the project at a high level and make sure we’ve covered off everything that needs to be included. That might include extra research, checking regulatory requirements, meetings, presentations, help with your approval process, etc.
I’ll also want to know which experts or clients we need to involve, and any internal or external issues that might affect timing.
We’ll talk about ballpark pricing expectations and if we’re aligned on those I can send you a proposal.
Proposal—Have I understood you correctly?
Once we’ve agreed to proceed, I’ll send you a proposal.
It will outline my understanding of the project scope, deadlines, deliverables. I’ll also set out my quote and terms and conditions. You can check these details and make sure you agree. Or let me know if there’s anything I’ve misunderstood.
Once you sign the proposal, I can book the project in.
For large jobs, it’s usual practice to require a percentage of the project fee as a first instalment.
Briefing and research—Help me fill in the background
This is where we go deeper into the topic area and your expertise.
I’m very used to working with busy and time-poor subject matter experts, and I’m flexible about how to make the best use of their time.
I have a project briefing document that I need to fill out. I can send that to you if you prefer. Or we can make a time to catch up so I can ask you for the information I need. Then I’ll fill out the brief for you and send it to you so you can check I’ve got it right.
I find it’s much quicker if I can chat briefly to any of the subject matter experts at this early stage too. Often it’s just one insight I get from speaking with them that shapes the direction of the piece – and if we don’t get that until after the draft’s completed it can waste a lot of time in rewrites.
Outline draft—Are we heading in the right direction?
Once I’ve collected all the background information. I can start writing.
If it’s a complex piece, I’ll send you an outline draft and sample to approve first so you can check you’re happy that we agree on the direction, angles and overall approach to the topic.
Your review and feedback
After that I will send you the full draft to review, based on the timeline we’ve agreed.
When I write for clients it’s a collaborative process. I’m aiming to express your ideas. I’ll explain my thinking in the comments so you can see what I was aiming for. But I’m not precious about what I’ve written. Don’t hold back with the red pen if there’s anything you’re concerned about or feel isn’t quite working. I’m not going to be happy unless you’re happy to put your name to the final version.
My proposal generally allows for two rounds of revisions. It’s usually more cost-effective for you to co-ordinate the revisions and send me one consolidated version with the feedback.
Don’t worry, I’m used to working with very complex approval processes, so I am happy to negotiate a plan to suit your needs.
Your finished work
Once we’ve settled the final version and the final invoice, copyright transfers to you and the content is all yours.
How can I help?
It can feel hard to get help writing professional marketing content, thought leadership or website copy.
You need to be confident you've found someone who understands the complexities and how important it is that you get it just right.
I'm an experienced professional content and copywriter. I have degrees in law and communications and experience in government, law firms, medico-legal advisers and not-for-profits.
You can trust me with your words and your professional presentation.