Q: How do you price your projects?
A: I normally quote a fixed price for a clearly-defined job. If a client needs to ensure that I will be available to them on a recurring basis, we can find a mutually agreeable retainer arrangement.

Q: How long will it take you to write my project?
A: The price quote will specify the time required. Quoted times are based on several factors — the projected length of the content, the amount of time required to research the topic, requirements for advanced graphics, etc. If my proposed schedule won’t fit your requirements, you’re under no obligation to engage me for the project.

Q: I’m in California. You’re in Texas. Can we work together?
A: Earlier in my career, I managed software development projects that spanned multiple offices in multiple countries. I found that clearly defined goals, communicated at the start of a project, are essential to such distributed projects. It is essential to have a phone call or teleconference meeting to kick off the project, another when I complete the first draft, and another to get final acceptance of the work.

Separate phone meetings with expert content providers or customers giving testimonials are often necessary as well. There are several teleconference technologies that make it possible to provide the communication necessary for successful distributed projects. If you feel face-to-face meetings are required, I will include travel costs in my price quote.

Q: Do you require payment up front?
A: Earlier in my career, I managed a software consulting business. I learned the hard way that requiring a partial payment up front is an essential part of a successful consulting or freelance business. A partial payment up front demonstrates that the client organization is committed to the project.

Organizations change. Your manager today might understand the power of online video, but tomorrow your new boss might think that the only place to advertise is in newspapers. Budgets change. You might have the authority to pay for a project today, but tomorrow a budget freeze might curb your spending authority. Such circumstances are beyond your control.

I assume the risk working on projects, knowing that these things happen. I manage the risk by requiring a partial payment up front. Freelancers and consultants who don’t require a partial payment up front are usually desperate for business.

Q: How soon can you start?
A: I can start as soon as I have received the agreed partial up-front payment. If you wire the payment to my bank account, the funds will be available almost immediately. If you send a check through USPS, and the bank requires 10 days to clear funds on an out-of-state check, I might not be able to start for three weeks. How you remit funds is your choice.

Q: What if I want revisions to the project?
A: It is normal to require one or two rounds of revisions. I endeavor to produce results of such quality that you’re delighted to pay the balance of the project fee.

Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: I do not normally work on projects of sufficient duration to justify a volume discount.

Q: What do your price quotes include?
A: Many projects require the efforts of a third party, typically a graphic designer. I can take responsibility for the entire project, engage a designer I’m familiar with, and include their fee in one inclusive bill. Or, you can engage a designer you’re familiar with, and make financial arrangements with them directly. I can work either way.