I’ve worked with clients who nixed the need for hiring a professional writer. Does the project suffer? Absolutely. It’s not that there are grammatical or spelling mistakes, it’s that there’s no soul to the writing. It’s as if there was someone standing behind the culprits shoulder whispering “Just the facts mam, only the facts”.

So let’s say you’ve convinced your client to hire a writer for the project at hand. When do you advise your client to bring the them into the project? After your designs are finalised? When the brainstorming beings? When? Also (just to be prepared for questions), what reasons do you give your clients for the timing?

I asked writers, “At what point should writers be brought into a project?” Seems it’s pretty unanimous.

Cheryl

at the beginning

Cheryl Stephens | Mentor/Muse
plainlanguage.com | Building Rapport | Building Rapport : CafePress.com

Liz

Ah, the writer — bring me as soon as you can stand to talk to me. The more I know about where the concept came from, the more I can use the intuitive detail to write LESS. We write more words when we don’t understand what we’re talking about. Give me time to think. Be ready for me to ask questions. I’ll go easy if you know what outcome you want. I’ll work with you if you don’t. If I’m a curious, deep thinking writer to start with, this is a recipe for some winning words. If I’m not, cut and run.

ME (Liz) Strauss | Writer | Career coach | Strategic planner
Successful Blog | Letting Liz Be | Liz Strauss.com | The Blog Herald | Performancing.com | Write With ME

Louise

As early as possible. At the beginning, preferably.

Nancy Friedman | Chief Wordworker
Wordworking | Away With Words

Roy

Early, early, early. And did I mention: early.

Roy Peter Clark | America’s writing coach
Poynter Online - Writing Tools | Book: Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer

Tom

The earlier I get into a project, the more value I can add for a client. The more complex the project, the better the chance a skilled copywriter can save the client money, boost response, or improve the creative.

Tom Chandler | copywriting : online/blogging : marketing plans
Chandler Writes. You Profit. | The Copywriter Underground

tom

When the budget increases. Seriously, the best work involves all participants from beginning to end.

tom mullen | writer & proprietor
EXIT3A.com | ANONYMOUS, JR

Thanks all. That’s exactly what I needed to know!

On Monday I’ll post the responses to What Writers Charge

until the next
Designers WW,
cat