Making the decision
Choosing an editor or writing coach is a very personal decision that should not be taken lightly. The process of receiving feedback on your writing can be difficult, so it is important to choose someone who has a demeanor that you can work with. Communication is critical to a good working relationship. We become a team that must work well together.
To that end, the first step in the process is to have a free 30-minute chat to make sure that we are a good fit and that our processes and goals align. Sometimes it is not a good fit, and it is better to find that out early on.
defining the project
The next step is to clearly outline the scope of the work. Do you need help starting your project and want to brainstorm? Or, is your resume already written, but you need it customized for a specific job posting? Perhaps you need an outside perspective on a post that you wrote. Clearly understanding the project is critical to its success. The scope may change over time, which is why communication is always key.
- Identify the target audience
- Determine the writing style
- Identify potential roadblocks
- Describe what success looks like
- Create a timeline
Communication
Some people like to talk on the phone, others through Skype, others through text and email. The choice is up to you. I am available 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time (GMT-5), including weekends and most holidays. My response time is usually within the hour because I understand that deadlines frequently occur outside normal business hours. What sets me apart is that I am here when you need me, and my turnaround time is fast.
The process
After defining the fundamentals, we start to work. Again, you define the process because each project is unique. For example:
When first starting a blog, we may have weekly brainstorming calls to discuss the direction and plan the Content Calendar. For coaching on a post, we can go back and forth using Word documents with comments or Google Docs. Book editing can take many forms, from a call regarding every chapter or a complete edit with no feedback until the end. For a mock interview, we schedule a call and make it as real as possible. After the “interview,” we debrief regarding the conversation.
Whatever the process, it needs to work for you. And, we will tweak it until you are satisfied.
“Sam is 100% responsive and absolutely will accomplish your request. She’s very knowledgeable and very wise. I always love to have a conversation with her about my request and other things.”
“Sam was great to work with. She was always on time, always available for feedback. She is a very skilled writer and will do what’s necessary to research the topics to create a great article. In short, she delivered.”