Don’t Hesitate to Ask Your Writing Client Lots of Questions
Our clients look at us as experts, and we are, more or less. After all, we know how to get words on paper in a way that others find pleasing or informative or entertaining or interesting to read. That doesn’t mean we get everything right.
I have a contract to write about a particular breed of cat. I asked a whole bunch of questions, including who the ideal reader is. I thought I’d gotten complete answers, and I’m sure my client thought he was answering in a complete way.
All of a sudden, however, I realized that although I have a good feel for the age, gender, and income of the reader, and although I know how my client acquired the list he’ll sell this ebook too, I hadn’t gotten clear enough. I didn’t think to ask if the list is mostly owners of cats who actually have a pedigree or if it’s a list of people who are just interested in a more general way in this breed of cat. It makes a difference!
This is one of those “obvious” questions. I left it out because although I know something about this particular breed, I’m not into pedigrees as such. My client probably made his own assumptions.
With a bit of embarrassment, but within minutes of understanding the information I was missing I fired off an email. I’ll have the answer either later today or tomorrow. Meantime, there is work I can be doing on the project, and when I get the reply I’ll be in much better shape.
I’m truly grateful I know I’m not expected to know everything and have learned to ask just as quickly as I can.
Write well and often,
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2 opinions for Don’t Hesitate to Ask Your Writing Client Lots of Questions
Devon Ellington
May 31, 2007 at 8:26 am
One of the most exciting things about being a writer is that we get to ask questions all the time, and continually learn.
Good for you, not being afraid to ask!
Anne Wayman
May 31, 2007 at 10:07 am
;)
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