Whatever your project is, we start the same way: with a real conversation.

The process is flexible, but it usually looks something like this.

Step One: Let’s Talk

Our first conversation is a free 15–30 minute consultation by phone, Zoom, or email.

It’s a chance for me to understand what you’re working on, where things stand, what you need, and whether I’m the right person to help.

Depending on the project, it may be useful for you to send:

• An existing draft or manuscript
• Background or strategy materials
• Examples of previous communications
• Information about your audience
• A target deadline or timeline

For business and communications projects, we’ll talk about the audience, objectives, voice, and what success looks like.

For books and creative projects, we’ll talk about where you are in the process, what you’re trying to accomplish, and where you could use help.

Step Two: I’ll Recommend an Approach

If it looks like a good fit, I’ll follow up with a straightforward proposal or written agreement outlining:

• The scope of the work
• Deliverables
• Timeline and milestones
• Fees and payment terms

Depending on the project, I work on an hourly, flat-fee, or retainer basis.

he goal is simply to make sure we both know what we’re doing before the work begins.

Step Three: We Get to Work

Once we agree on the approach and terms, we begin.

My process is collaborative. Some clients want me to take a project and run with it. Others want close involvement at every stage. Most fall somewhere in between.

I adapt to the project and to the people I’m working with.

Rates & Billing

Fees depend on the nature, complexity, and duration of the work.

I generally offer:

• Hourly consulting for shorter or open-ended engagements
• Flat project fees when the scope can be clearly defined
• Retainers for ongoing communications or editorial support

Most projects require a deposit to begin. The exact arrangement will always be clear before we start.

Revisions & Collaboration

Writing is iterative, and revisions are a normal part of the process.

For clearly defined writing projects, the proposal will specify what is included. For ongoing editorial or consulting work, we’ll establish a process that makes sense for the engagement.

I put considerable effort into understanding the project at the beginning. That usually means fewer surprises — and fewer unnecessary rounds of revision — later.

Working With Your Team

I’m comfortable working independently or as part of an existing team.

Over the years, I’ve worked with executives, editors, designers, developers, marketers, researchers, agencies, and subject-matter experts. I can adapt to established workflows and tools or help create a workable process when one doesn’t yet exist.

My role may be writer, editor, strategist, sounding board, or some combination of all four.

Why Work With Me?

I bring editorial judgment.
I’m good at seeing the structure inside complicated or unfinished material and identifying what really needs to be said.

I bridge business and storytelling.
My background spans corporate communications, technology, Hollywood, journalism, books, theater, and long-form narrative.

I protect your voice.
Whether I’m working with an executive, an organization, or an author, my goal is not to make the work sound like me. It’s to help it sound more fully like you.

I bring experience without a formula.
After more than 25 years across very different kinds of projects, I’ve learned that good work rarely comes from forcing every client through the same process.

Questions?

If you have a project in mind — even if you’re not entirely sure what kind of help you need — get in touch and tell me a little about it.

Book a free intro call or email me.

When I get an idea for an article, I usually picture how I want it to turn out, but it rarely comes up to my ideal. Warren usually exceeds my vision.

 

Claudia Mueller, Editor, The Iowa Source