Comments on: Questions To Ask Prospective Writing Clients

By: The OMV Weekly Retweet Roundup May 23rd

The OMV Weekly Retweet Roundup May 23rd — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:51:01 +0000

[...] Questions To Ask Prospective Writing Clients http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/2010/05/questions-to-ask-prospective-writing-clients/ [...]

By: jorgekafkazar

jorgekafkazar — Sat, 22 May 2010 01:22:35 +0000

I always ask what format the deliverables should follow. Most people are okay with MicroSquish Word and standard spacing and margins, but the sooner you find out they expect the files in McTavish-Write, using kanji characters, booklet format, and 144 tiff graphics, the better. You may intend, regardless, to draft it in your favorite software, but you'd better at least allow for a translation step at the end, and maybe two such steps. Translations can be hideous, though, so find out early on and try to talk them out of it. .-= jorgekafkazar´s last blog ..Watcher in the Night deciphered =-.

By: Carol Tice

Carol Tice — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:19:37 +0000

I ended up turning my questions into a form I like clients to fill out. I find having them try to put in writing what they want is very helpful in getting them to define their project, goal, and deadlines. I ask a few initial questions, then if it sounds like a real client I let them know I like to gather a lot of info before giving a price quote...could they fill this out? It's really helped me avoid scope creep and other problems with clients. I also get the sense it sort of impresses clients that they're dealing with a real pro -- response has been really positive to the process. .-= Carol Tice´s last blog ..6 Tips For a Great Freelance Writer’s Vacation =-.

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:16:07 +0000

Also excellent questions. I particularly like the scheduling questions and I hadn’t thought to be that specific. Thanks!

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:13:48 +0000

By: Mary@Adventures In Freelancing

Mary@Adventures In Freelancing — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:18:08 +0000

This is such great food for thought, Anne. Great questions to get a feel for what the client wants and whether they’re worth working with. I’m pretty intuitive and enjoy these kinds of conversations as a way to tell me what I might expect. Thanks for the reminder!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:52:15 +0000

These are great questions to ask! I also ask the following questions: What is the deadline? What communication method do you prefer? How often do you want updates? How often do you want to stay in contact? What time is it best to speak with you? What is your schedule? What research have you done? What are your goals for this project? .-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Don’t be Frightened to Pitch Your Ideas =-.