 |
 |
 |
 |
Whenever someone asks me what it takes to succeed as
a freelance writer, I tell them the most important thing is to be
someone your clients want to work with. There are a lot of
good writers out there. If all it took to make a living at this was
to be a good writer, there’d be fewer good writers moonlighting at
Home Depot.
Before going off on my own in 1996, I spent more than
20 years managing communications departments with large budgets and
a wide range of accountabilities. I worked with a lot of writers in
those days, but I always came back to the two or three who took the
time to ask questions and get their heads around the assignment, met
their deadlines, turned in clean manuscripts ... and ... were
enjoyable to work with.
Because writing is an art and not a science, there
isn’t just one right way to write. I want my clients to feel
comfortable asking why something’s written the way it is – and
requesting something different, if that’s what they have in mind.
There’s enough stress on everyone in business today; nobody wants to
be put off about talking to the hired help. |
 |
 |
 |
How many times have you hired someone to write
something for you, spent hours gathering and outlining background
material, edited a couple of drafts – then, wound up writing the
thing yourself the night before it was due? Been there, done that.
More often than not, it wasn’t because the writing wasn’t
technically OK – it was because the writer didn’t listen well or
couldn’t be persuaded to see another point of view.
That simply doesn’t happen to people who work with
me. They get what they want, on time, and without getting itchy
about yanking the assignment back in-house. |
 |
 |
I know the difference between taking myself seriously
and taking my clients seriously.
Twenty years of wearing suits and ties was great boot
camp. I understand the importance of deadlines and not showing up
for meetings in sandals and shorts.
I know how important the boss’
comfort level is, and how quickly it can go away.
I know when
sentence fragments represent effective communication, and when they
represent a faulty grasp of grammar.
I know the difference between advertising copy and
public testimony, and have written lots of each. I’ve also written
lots of internal and external publications, annual reports,
speeches, feature articles, op-eds, and video scripts. I don’t
pretend to be a photographer, but I can help out in that department
when the budget doesn’t include a shooter.
Finally, I realize that I am your organization
to anyone I may contact on assignment for you. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TOP OF PAGE
|
