Comments on: 5 Ways to Navigate the Writing Client’s First Draft https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html a freelance writing resource. Thu, 30 Jun 2016 18:39:53 +0000 hourly 1 By: Lori Widmer https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14395 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:01:26 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14395 KeriLyn, I don't blame you. Once into the fire is enough, isn't it?

Cathy, that sounds like a client I had (and I believe you remember him). I wonder if the issue was they simply didn't know what they wanted? That's probably more likely than you not "getting" them.

Ashley, we've all had those instances. I think it's a matter of some clients never having worked with a contractor and not knowing what to expect. Or it could be they suck at conveying what they want, which also happens.

Ah Paula, you became the scapegoat. 🙂 Sounds like you couldn't win that no matter what. You're better off.

Jake, I remember you mentioning that strategy! It's a great one. It removes the need for the client to put fingerprints on the work. You give him/her something to revise and everyone is happy. 🙂

]]> By: Paula Hendrickson https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14392 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 15:01:57 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14392 Jake, my dad (a graphic artist & cartoonist) said he always included one tiny, easy-to-fix flaw for certain clients he knew would have to change something to feel as if they were doing their job, or had some input. I never knew the stealthy strategy had a name. Thanks!

]]> By: Jake Poinier https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14391 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:23:55 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14391 Back in my corporate days, I had a custom magazine client that used to destroy the first draft of his publication, regardless of how good it was. (Including the graphic design.) So, the art director and I would purposefully do something that we knew he wouldn't like, so that it would draw his attention! A few years back, I came across a nifty little article where the author calls it "the blue boat" strategy:
https://practicalbusinesstips.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/business-marketing-the-blue-boat/

He ultimately was a fantastic client, albeit with insanely high standards. After I left my corporate job, he became a loyal freelance client, too.

]]> By: Paula Hendrickson https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14389 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 20:05:33 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14389 A few years back, a new-to-me client sent me the edited copy with tons of questions and "problems" to fix. They'd used Track Changes, so I could see which of the two editors had done what. And what do you know….one of them introduced some of the problems I was being blamed for. I guess they didn't like that I politely pointed it out — "What I wrote was….., so I have no idea what this phrase refers to. Perhaps we could changed it to…..?" — since they never hired me again. Well, there's also the part that I didn't send them any additional article ideas.

]]> By: Ashley https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14388 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:53:11 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14388 Thankfully, I've had very few instances in which a client came back with major edits, and only one of those instances turned out badly. I hate not hitting the mark on the first try, but most of my clients understand that it happens occasionally — and they've taken the time to talk to me about what they like and don't like. And then, of course, I edit and make it right. Love, love, love those clients!

]]> By: Cathy Miller https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14387 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 16:14:06 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14387 I lost a new client over this very issue. I clearly explained the whole draft thing and had even said that because they were a new client I expected we'd need changes until I became more familiar with their business.

They ignored repeated follow-ups from me regarding the draft. When they did finally respond it was to say that I didn't "get" their business. They were polite about it but that was the essence of their feedback. Yet the funny thing was when they sent their revised copy, it had minimal changes. And, no, it wasn't a tactic to avoid paying me. They paid promptly and in full. I was disappointed to say the least.

]]> By: KeriLynn Engel https://wordsonpageblog.com/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html#comment-14386 Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:36:48 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2015/08/5-ways-to-navigate-writing-clients.html/#comment-14386 Yep, I've had two clients who reacted really badly to the first draft, but then refused to tell me what was wrong or what they didn't like about it. Both in the same month last year. I did get an upfront payment in both cases, so at least I got reimbursed for my work.

One of them actually approached me a few months ago to inquire about hiring me again, but I told them my schedule was completely full. I won't work with someone like that twice.

Other clients have requested edits, sure, but politely. I refuse to work with rude people. I admire other writers who can, but it just pisses me off and stresses me out too much. I want to enjoy my work, and the people I work with! 🙂

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