Providing quality and affordable writing services requires a bit of back and forth between client and freelancer. How often have you seen “Looking for the best quality writers” and then you end up finding out that what that client wants to pay is abysmal, if not laughable. After all, quality should cost something, shouldn’t it? At the same time, you don’t want to price yourself out of what could end up being a lucrative job or a long-term project. You want to set yourself apart and always strive to provide high-quality services, prompt and efficient delivery, and at a price point that your client can afford – and that you’re willing to accept.
How do you go about doing that? Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you understand exactly what the client wants. This means addressing the scope of the project, delivery time frames, client expectations, and so forth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Invite your client to ask questions as well if he or she has concerns about your writing process.
- Have an ample number and type of writing samples that you can send to a potential client upon request. You don’t have to send large documents, but a paragraph or two that displays your writing style for academic, informational, or blog style articles. You can provide the same for ghostwriting fiction as well as nonfiction works, categorized by not only genre, but that focuses on dialogue, narrative, action scenes, and so forth.
- Be specific when drafting an outline of the proposed scope of work. This can be facilitated by sending a client questionnaire or “intake” form. This will insure that you and your client are on the same page.
- Specify a payment plan or a payment contract that meets your needs while still providing the client with options. This should be part of the overall Work for Hire Agreement.
- Define the delivery date and whether that delivery date is solid or fluid, based on client needs. Discuss ahead of time the possibility of the project going beyond the original scope in regard to word length. How will that be dealt with?
As a freelance writer, you’ll likely be working with clients from around the world. Be aware of communication differences, expectations in regard to payment and contracts, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarification regarding expectations before you get started.
Regularly communicate with your clients. Some freelancers prefer e-mail communications or updates while others prefer face-to-face meetings, Skype conferences, personal telephone calls or scheduled updates using Go to Meeting or other options.
The key is to maintain a good line of communication with your client. Have contracts in place that not only protect yourself, but your clients. You can provide high quality and affordable writing services by having such processes in place.