Okay, I confess—I'm too young with too little experience to technically have "frequently" asked questions.
The common questions I can think of, I get from in-person acquaintances: "You're paid for writing?" and "How can I improve my writing?" (For some ideas for that second one, check out Cuppa Caff.) So this section covers some questions I've seen around, been asked, or imagined might be hopping around your brain.
- Do you accept special arrangements for test samples?
- How quickly do you write?
- Is your content original?
- Have you really written as much as you say?
- Have you ever missed a deadline?
- Who did you hire to design your web pages?
- How much do you exaggerate in advertising?
- Will you work with clients by phone?
- Will you work with clients via IM?
- You sound like a cutie! Can I have your IM?
- May I submit another question?
Do you accept special arrangements for test samples?
Certainly! If you have a multi-faceted or large project, I would be willing to negotiate a test sample to demonstrate my performance to you.
How quickly do you write?
Here's where I pull the "None of your business" line. My writing speed doesn't really matter, since I edit as I write. I know I'm not be the fastest writer out there for a shoddy first draft, but I know I'm one of few who can provide decent content without performing a cursory proofread afterwards.
Spend more time editing a slough of content from another writer if you prefer. Or you could hire me as the proofreader, if you prefer not hiring me to write the original content. I like editing.
How many hours I have open to write per week varies with my school and work schedules.
Is your content original?
Yes! Plagiarism is theft. In my 18 months of paid writing, I have never nor have I ever been accused of plagiarism, nor will I ever plagiarize another writer.
Have you really written as much as you say?
Yes. Most have been ghostwritten, which is why a search engine doesn't reveal my byline very much, except on NFIB.com. Why would I lie? Pretending you wouldn't be able to tell if I lacked skill would be insulting your intelligence. If I ask for more input than most, it's because my style's likewise more adaptable.
Have you ever missed a deadline?
Here's where my honesty policy bites me: yes, I have missed a deadline, early this year. I was extremely ill and my computer had randomly died, but I do not say that to excuse myself. I was at fault and accepted full responsibility for the matter. Upon my apology, the client did not fire me from the project or altogether as I told her I'd accept.
In all other cases, I have alerted a client on those occassions where something is going to interfere with a deadline; that has so far only happened on occassion with long-term projects with quotas or a long-term assignment with a swift deadline.
My several months of gall bladder attacks weren't fun.
Who did you hire to design your web pages?
Me. Like 'em?
How much do you exaggerate in advertising?
I don't. I refuse to irritate either of us with that aggravating and transparent method.
Will you work with clients by phone?
No, sorry. It's not exactly very practical when you have to leave your phone off most of the day, anyway, or you'll have points docked from your final grades.
Will you work with clients via IM?
No. There's no need for it. I really don't need IM popping up and dinging while I'm in the middle of class, sorry.
You sound like a cutie! Can I have your IM?
You sound like a potential predator. Can I block your IP?
…I so wanted to say that to the guy who asked me that question.
May I submit another question?
Of course. You can e-mail me with the message box on my contact page.