Comments on: Free Advice Friday: The Writing Client Interview

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 14:43:21 +0000

Amen to what both you ladies say. It very much is you interviewing the client. My favorite questions are "What are your expectations of our partnership?"; "Who is the point person and is that person the decision maker?"; "How quickly can you respond to drafts and edits?"

That last one is a big one -- it tells if they're committed to the project and it sets expectations on both sides.

By: Jennifer Mattern

Jennifer Mattern — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 02:16:07 +0000

I have a similar approach to Devon. It's very two-way. They need to see that I'm a good fit for them. And I need to see that they're a good fit for me. If either isn't true, I don't move forward. I like to find out a bit about their business and their goals. How they articulate those things tells me a lot about what the working relationship might be like.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 23:21:34 +0000

I look at it as a conversation. I'm interviewing them as much as they're interviewing me.

I research them, and have questions prepared.

If I don't have much experience in something, but tell them I have a sharp learning curve (which I do).

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 18:53:49 +0000

I approach them about the same way… most of mine come out of the blue, without much warning… when I get the dreaded price question I say in my most serious voice, "I promise to charge you no more than a million dollars a day… plus expenses of course." Most laugh and it breaks the ice.. a couple have said they'll put the check in the mail right away… we laugh… then I tell them I don't yet know how much, that I'd like to work out a flat fee, if that's true, etc. etc. etc.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 18:29:29 +0000

Good one, Paula!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 17:01:35 +0000

Who doesn't love Free Advice Friday?

Another way to address a shortcoming is to say, "I haven't had much experience with that, but I'm eager to learn."