How Much Truth for Potential Clients?
If you’re ghostwriting or writing for clients, you’ll sometimes find yourself being asked to evaluate a piece of writing prior to getting hired. Usually, although the writing may be technically okay, it lacks something, some spark, something that will draw the reader in. The question then becomes how much truth do you tell the potential client about their writing sample.
I always try to tell the whole truth, but as gently as I can without waffling. I’ll usually start by saying something positive, then follow with some suggestions about structure or organization if that applies. But ultimately I have to find a way that says, in essence, “this really isn’t very good and if you expect to find a publisher there’s a whole bunch of work to be done.” I don’t put it that way, of course. Instead I’ll talk about hooking the reader and answering the reader’s implicit “what’s in it for me?” Sometimes I’ll urge the writer to be firm and take a stand; sometimes I’ll suggest they not be dogmatic… it really depends on the sample itself.
I always remind them than writing and editing is far from an exact science and that others may feel differently. Then I point, somehow, to my experience. I’ve found if I pull my punches in order to get a client, there are always problems later on. On the other hand, if I gently tell the truth, if they hire me, we’re much more likely to complete the project well.
What do you tell clients in this situation?
Write well and often,
Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing - a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision - for those who want to get a book written.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Ghostwriting
2 opinions for How Much Truth for Potential Clients?
Matt Keegan
Feb 2, 2008 at 7:48 am
Agreed! Sooner or later, you have to be up front with the client, even if it means pointing out something that they may not want to hear. As you mentioned, it is all in the delivery of your message.
I find that if a client is still resistant, then we’re likely not going to be able to work together without creating a lot of friction down the line. Too much friction is like stress — it’ll wear you out before long.
Who needs that?
Anne Wayman
Feb 2, 2008 at 8:25 am
No one needs that Matt, as you say. I’ve learned to be willing to let any client go anytime… nicely if possible… it doesn’t happen often to me but when it does, there’s always another one… and my sense is both of us are glad I didn’t make a fuss, and was even helpful, as the relationship ended.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: