Comments on: Dare To Ask Questions!

By: Kathryn Pless

Kathryn Pless — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:44:10 +0000

I did just this very recently. I had written some articles and then the client just seemed to evaporate. I asked Anne what I should do and she suggested I contact the client over email. I did and it turned out that he was looking for me, too. Being new to skype I had turned my status on "away" and never turned it back to "available". What started as a misunderstanding ended with my promotion to Managing Editor. He liked my moxie so much and the tactful way I confronted him that he gave me a promotion and a raise. So it's true, ask questions. You never know what response you might get. .-= Kathryn Pless´s last blog ..Seeing the Other Side of the Page =-.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:17:57 +0000

Or listen for the confused pause if you’re not f2f. Good points.

By: jorgekafkazar

jorgekafkazar — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:32:32 +0000

My magic wand is on recharge. Another question set that sometimes should arise is: Is there anyone else at your company who will have to sign off on this? Have they formally approved the scope of this work? Will they be signing your purchase order? Are you the single-point of contact, or is there someone else that I need to contact for input? Do you have a written specification for the deliverables and/or a sample format? The answers to these questions can lead to additional questions or requests for a modification to the contract. If it turns out that everybody and his brother has to approve the final document, beware. You may find yourself doing multiple edits, including retreating to Rev Zero at the last minute when the hitherto uninformed Grand Poobah discovers a late draft and needs to flaunt his/her authority. In such cases, somehow, the writer will often be blamed for any omissions, errors, or added cost and delivery time. The questions may occasionally evoke a fleeting look of panic on the part of your contact as he realizes he's omitted a crucial step. Be watching his expression. .-= jorgekafkazar´s last blog ..Tenirax, Ch V =-.

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:16:27 +0000

Actually I do… but it’s running out of wishes… so I’m in conservation mode… you understand Im sure.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:38:04 +0000

Charlotte:

You mean you don’t have a magic wand? Another fantasy dashed.
.-= Cathy Miller´s last blog ..Health Care Tuesday Brushes Up on Oral Health =-.

By: Charlotte Rains Dixon

Charlotte Rains Dixon — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:33:04 +0000

Great questions. Mine is a variation of the one that Cathy mentioned--"What are your expectations for this project?" I find this is especially important with ghostwriting book projects. Some clients who come to me think I have a magic wand I can wave that will make their books automatic bestsellers. .-= Charlotte Rains Dixon´s last blog ..Lower Your Expectations =-.

By: Toni Star

Toni Star — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:15:59 +0000

Anne, that is so true; particularly in this situation where the site is having logistical problems and some confusion with "Who is on First?" and "What is on Second?" I can see where my questions and concerns are helping them clear up site concerns and payment issues... Toni .-= Toni Star´s last blog ..Check Out My Latest Book, "The Twisted Life of Julia Knight" =-.

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:05:18 +0000

Nice variation… I may adopt it

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:04:56 +0000

Toni, sometimes your questions will actually help the client sort out things they need to sort out.

By: Toni Star

Toni Star — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:50:45 +0000

Good points, Anne! Asked some questions today about pay and some online procedures. Was met with some ambiguity and a bit of negativity but I'm hoping it will work out for the best. But, the point is if I hadn't asked the questions I might not have been paid or found out about an important policy... Toni .-= Toni Star´s last blog ..Check Out My Latest Book, "The Twisted Life of Julia Knight" =-.