While every project is unique, I generally follow an eight-step process from first contact to the finished product.
- Start with clarity
At the beginning of every writing project, it’s important to have a common understanding of the results you want to achieve. Once we agree on the written objectives, timelines and terms of the project, I roll up my sleeves and get going.
- Gather information
I like to gather as much information as I can before I put fingers to the keyboard. I am particularly interested in your organization, the details of your project, and the profile of your typical donor or customer. I will read your website and ask for digital copies of brochures, newsletters, annual reports, letters and other materials you prepare for donors. As I read through your materials, I gain a sense of your organization’s “voice” and the kind of relationship you want to cultivate with your partners or customers.
- Conduct research
Now it’s time to immerse myself into your world — and the world of your donors or customers. I read, learn about and begin to feel the heartbeat of your mission. I go online and look at other sites your donors might visit to get a sense of how they see the world and what you have to offer them. All the while, I’m collecting important information — cutting and pasting these nuggets into a long text file. No structure, no formatting, just relevant information.
- Ask questions
Once the initial research is done, I stand back and ask questions. “Are there gaps where more information is needed? Is there a fact or story that could make the difference in this piece?” Sometimes I can answer these questions myself. More often the answers come from a phone call, an interview or a request for another piece of information.
- Develop an outline
As I spend time with the materials and with your goals firmly in mind, a “big idea” emerges around which I craft the entire piece. At that point I create an outline and order all of the research information in my text file to support this story line. In most cases I will share this outline with my clients to get their feedback at this important stage of the process.
- Write copy
Once the outline is approved, I write the copy. The writing process includes producing an initial draft followed by many edits and revisions before I’m prepared to send it to you for review. In fact, I always spend more time revising the copy than writing the first draft. - Revise
You know your own donors and customers best. As clients read my copy, I encourage them to provide detailed feedback. Often it’s easiest to send your comments using the “Track Changes” feature in Microsoft Word or adding comments to a pdf file. However, you can send your feedback in the way that is most convenient for you. In most cases, minor revisions are all that are needed. But I will revise the copy until you are satisfied and can accept it without reservation.I suggest that clients email me a pdf of the copy in the final layout form. I will check to ensure that everything is in the right place, and provide another set of eyes before it’s posted or goes to press.
- Results
I appreciate it when clients keep me posted on the results. I love to hear how much money you raised — or any other feedback that will help improve my writing and client service.
Are you ready to put me to work for you?
Contact me today.
