Workflow
This is the path we take with our clients to transform raw ideas into finished documents. The details will vary depending on the nature, scope, and complexity of your project but the result is always the same: Clear, effective communication that saves you time.
Initial Consultation
We begin simply by discussing your project in a brief phone conversation. What type of document do you need? What do you want to accomplish? Who's the target audience? What reference material do you have? How much additional research will we need to do? What's your schedule?
The result of this conversation will be a creative brief giving both of us a clear understanding of your requirements.
Proposal
Once we know what's involved, we'll prepare a detailed proposal outlining the project, the deliverables, a schedule, and a price.
Purchase Order & Deposit
To accept our proposal you issue a purchase order or a letter of approval, along with the initial payment. Standard practice calls for one-half of the total price up-front.
Reference Material
Along with your go-ahead, we'll need any existing documentation you can provide. Depending on the nature of the project, this may include:
- past brochures, catalogs, ads, and other sales information
- email and internal memos
- news releases
- case studies
- product specifications, engineering and technical documents
- management reports
Basically, any material you have, we need to see. We may also conduct phone or email interviews with you or your subject matter experts.
Outline
Our first deliverable is a detailed outline of the document. This will specify main points, sub-points, supporting facts, descriptions of any applicable graphics, notes on layout and design, etc. If you wish to make changes to the outline, we can discuss them by phone or email. Once you approve the outline, we proceed with the first draft.
Drafts & Reviews
At this stage we proceed with in-depth research, analysis, and interviews, and then deliver the first draft of your project.
In many cases, our first draft is our final draft, with no revisions necessary. However, should you wish to make changes, the project always includes up to two in-scope revisions.
Invoice, Final Payment, Feedback
Along with the first draft we'll provide an invoice for the balance of the agreed upon fee.
Of course, we'd love to hear what you think of our work. You're invited to send a brief email with any comments -- positive or negative -- that will help us improve our service. With your permission, we may include your comments as testimonials on our site.