Dave Answers Your Questions About The Tucson Wordsmith

What exactly does The Tucson Wordsmith do?

     I help people communicate their ideas effectively. That’s it in a nutshell.

Who are The Tucson Wordsmith’s customers?

     Individuals and businesses, big and small. Not everyone can afford a full-time professional writer on-staff, so all too often the task of knocking out a critical article, newsletter, proposal, grant, or report goes to a manager who may already have too much on his or her plate, or to an administrative assistant who has to juggle conflicting priorities, constant interruptions, and ringing phones. I’m here to give your project my full attention; to help you say it right.

     I’m local, I’m dependable, and I’m affordable. If you have a communication problem, let me provide the solution.

Where does The Tucson Wordsmith work?

     My “smithy” is in my home office in Tucson, but I am happy to meet with you at your place of business or over a cup of coffee at a location comfortable for you. Or, we can work by phone, fax, or e-mail.

How does The Tucson Wordsmith work?

     Every assignment is unique in some way, but when working with my clients, I follow these simple steps.

     Step One: Meet the client, listen carefully to his or her need.

     Step Two: Based on the client’s information, determine an efficient strategy for providing a cost-effective solution.

     Step Three: Write up a work order specifying the work to be performed, the timeframe for completion, the terms of the agreement, and a cost estimate. Receive the client’s approval and authorization.

     Step Four: Roll up the sleeves and get to work! Provide progress reports to the client as necessary or as specified in the work order.

     Step Five: Deliver the solution on time to the client! (Sometimes complex jobs will require adjustments or revisions: reasonable provisions for any adjustments will be indicated in the work order. One hundred percent client satisfaction is my goal!)

     Step Six: I will issue an invoice within seven days of delivery.

     Note: I will never ask for money up front before delivery, unless the job specifically requires the purchase of specific materials or sub-contracted services that I do not have on hand. Any requirements of this kind will be specified and agreed to at the time the work order is signed. Large, complex, or long-term projects that are cancelled by the client before completion may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Why Should I Use a Professional Writer? I’ve Got Computer Programs For That Stuff!

     Desktop publishing programs can do amazing things, but however impressive, the physical product (brochure, newsletter, resume, letter, ad) itself is not as important as the message. Your question should always be “What is the best way to get my message across?”

     Think of it this way: How many times have you watched a particularly amusing or entertaining commercial on TV, only to realize when it was over that you have no idea what brand or company it was advertising? Perhaps you’ll keep your eye out for that commercial and remember the brand after the second or third viewing, and that's fine for them, but does your business have the budget to run that many commercials? Probably not. Moral of the story: Clever packaging is good, but the message has to come through, or you’re wasting your money.

    Ultimately, I believe that satisfying the client’s needs should deliver one or more of the following benefits:

• Generate increased sales and/or revenue;
• Inform a clientele, constituency or membership of current events;
• Communicate a strong, confident and reassuring message during a time of change;
• Teach or advocate a vital message or procedure;
• Correct a misconception or eliminate confusion and conflicting signals;
• Stimulate public interest and excitement about a person, event, product or service;
• Outline vital message points in a clear and persuasive manner.

Is there anything The Tucson Wordsmith doesn't do?

     There are some things I don't do, but it's a small list:

• Web design or other graphics design work. I’m a content guy. I see my job as getting the wording right, and I will cheerfully work with your IT, Web, and graphics folks to develop a perfect total package.
• Term papers, theses, and other homework. Sorry, that would be cheating. Also, I don’t plagiarize (i.e., use somebody else’s writing and call it my own).
• Translation or transcription.
• Dispense legal advice. I am not an attorney. I do advise my clients to have any and all communications vetted by their attorney prior to releasing any materials for public view.
• Work on “spec.”
• Work on projects that appear to involve illegal, unethical, or discriminatory activities or content. Your business is your business; in my business, I prefer to keep it clean and “on the level.”

Questions? Please call me at (520) 909-7084 or send me an e-mail at dave@thetucsonwordsmith.com

Creative and business content from The Tucson Wordsmith is clearly written for the client’s intended audience, and in a professional “voice” that seamlessly matches the client’s image.  All work, regardless of length and complexity will be performed on time and on budget. Satisfaction is always guaranteed.