In my freelance writing career, I have worked with large multinational companies and small privately-owned businesses, as well as numerous trade and consumer publications. I have written about topics as diverse as pet food nutrition, retirement planning, women’s fashions, and neurological research on Alzheimer’s in the elderly. One of the joys of being a freelance writer is that I get to work on a variety of writing projects for print and Web that draw on my experience in both journalism and marketing. It’s like circuit training for the brain.
When I am approached about a freelance writing project, often one of the first questions I hear is, “How does the process work?” Generally speaking, it goes something like this…
- We have an initial discussion via phone or email concerning the nature and scope of the project. Questions that I commonly ask include:
– What type of content are you looking for? (E.g., are you in need of a white paper, marketing brochure, e-newsletter, etc.?)
– Will the project require independent research (e.g., interviews or online searches), or will background material be provided?
– What is the time frame?
– What is the review process? (E.g., is there one point person for feedback, or will the copy go through a committee for comments and approval?) - I will submit a proposal that summarizes the scope and timing of the project and includes a quote for an hourly rate or flat project fee.
- We get started!
Three simple steps, really. My goal is to understand your needs, and my job is to make your job easier.
If you would like to read more on this topic, I encourage you to check out my blog post on Tips for Working with a Freelance Writer. To inquire about a project, please email me at leslie@lesliejthompson.com.