PROCESS

CONCEPT-->INCEPTION-->FINAL PRODUCT: working with all facets of the writing process

From that first meeting where I just listen (usually with a pen in my hand—you’d be amazed how surprised people are later to learn what amazing quotes came from their very own lips!) to the project vision and summary I provide, to the layout, design, appendices, forewords, dedications, indexes, decision between saddle stitching and perfect bound and all the steps in between—I will take the project from that first meeting,

I will bring my dictaphone, my notebook, and at least two pens in case one runs out and I will help you  decide where to buy the wrapping paper for the Christmas gift of your family history--or some other delivery of the project.

INTERVIEW
PROJECT SUMMARY AND VISION (PSV)
APPROVAL AND INVOICE
 

INTERVIEW: concept and intention

Like any job you've ever had, you have an interview (in person or via telephone--depending on where you are located!).  In our first meeting, I want to get to know you and your business.  Your business is your story, unless, of course, you're writing a memoir, in which case your life is your story.

I need to know your voice, your tone, and your INTENTION.  Because if you wanted me to write something for you in MY voice, well what would be the point? I've got lots to write in my own voice.  That's not the point of our collaboration.

So we'll sit down, and I'll probably take a ton of notes, because that's what I do.  I'll write down keywords you might use, audiences you might want to reach. In the case of a memoir, for example, I'll ask you what kind of books you like, which authors you read--if you prefer something organized chronologically, thematically, by character--all those literary terms you spent time learning in any English lit class you ever took.

In the case of something like a medical insurance document, I'm probably going to need to do some research--which is like interviewing the subject about which I'm writing.  You can't write about what you don't know.

PROJECT SUMMARY AND VISION (PSV): vision and integrity of the structural whole

After our meeting, I will draft for you a Project Summary and Vision (PSV).  This proposal will include a paraphrase of what we've discussed, rates, which we will have discussed, and a proposed schedule.  Depending on your needs, and how often we need to meet, the schedule may have many specific dates in it.

This proposal is like a quote for a product.  It includes an estimate, my hours, and how long I think it will take, based on my previous and meticulous examination of your particular case.  It might also include a sample, so, if you already have a website and you want me to rewrite parts of it, I will present you with the old text and with my revised text.  It's important for you to see what I am doing and for you to be sure that I'm understanding your INTENTION.

The proposal is very thorough.  It takes me a fair amount of time to do, because it sets the tone for our whole relationship.

The proposal also includes estimated administrative and revision time.  As much as I'd love it to be the case, I don't imagine that the first thing I give you is going to be exactly what you want (though I'm going to do my best to make it so!). Administrative time includes emailing with each other to clarify issues, talking on the phone, me fixing any issues, and delivering the product back to you.

I generally overestimate this time and never go over it.  And I don't charge you for what I don't do.

A note about meetings:  Admin time, NOT in cases of web copy or grant writing, for example, does not cover the category of meetings.  This sort of thing will be specifically and separately outlined in the proposal.  If, for example, we're working on a memoir, and you're telling me your story and I've got a dictaphone, well, this is the whole art of storytelling--I'll include those differently.

This meeting time will also, in the case of memoir, allow us to review various documents--layout planner, photograph organizers, forewords, introductions, indexes, and other items essential to your book.

So I'm not just checking your spelling!

APPROVAL AND INVOICE: finished product

Preservation successful.

I do not consider a project complete until you are satisfied that we have preserved the integrity of your intention.

I want your site, your article, your resume, your newsletter, your grant proposal, or whatever we've worked on together to look like YOUR work, not mine.  I've got my own stuff to write!

Once we have completed your project to our mutual approval, and only then, I will send you an invoice.  Prompt payment is appreciated.