Working with a Writer

First, let me thank you for considering my health writing or web management services. Please take your time to truly get a feel for who I am (About) and what I do (Portfolio). When you’re ready, the following should give you a good idea of the nitty-gritty of how I really do business.

Writing / Web Project Steps

Contact Me – Send me an e-mail at hi(at sign)michelletraub.com. I prefer e-mail communications, but if you are a phone person, please don’t hesitate to call me on my cell at 203-506-1024. When sending an e-mail or leaving a message, please be as specific as possible about what you are looking for, including word count (for writing assignments), deadline, and proposed budget. I will get back to you, generally within 24 hours, to schedule a phone call where I can gather more details. Or, if I have enough information I will get cracking on a proposal. If you are anxious about what it will all cost, please review my Writing Rates.

Proposal – When I’m clear on the major details of the project I will complete a proposal in MS Word, and e-mail it to you for your review. Then, I sit back and wait (hoping you’ll love it). Proposals are generally good for several weeks, but my availability changes from day to day. So, if you know you want to move forward, contact me as soon as possible to get your project on my schedule. I work quickly and can sometimes accommodate projects with a 24-hour turnaround, but I prefer a time-frame of at least a week or two so that I can do my best work.

Contract – Once you have selected the elements from the proposal that will work best, I will modify it slightly to a more formal contract or letter of agreement spelling out all the specifics. I generally require a down payment based on the terms of the contract before I begin a project. Down payments can be sent by check or paid online through PayPal.

Background / Research – After I receive your approval of the contract (e-mail confirmation is fine), along with your down payment, I will start gathering information. Please provide any and all marketing materials, tag lines, web pages, key words, research studies, and any other information that can help me complete the project.

  • For health articles – If I am writing a health article based on research, I can locate the latest study information, but I welcome any input you have on suggested sources.
  • For business / marketing pieces – I typically use the AP Stylebook for writing. But, I welcome your own personal style guide. Likewise, I can complete a customized style guide for your business (if you don’t already have one) before I start a large project to insure that everything is consistent with your branding and image.

Writing – With research in the ready, I will start writing or coding (web) your project. If the project is large, I will e-mail you pieces as they are complete. Don’t hesitate to contact me if I am heading in the wrong direction, or if you want to modify the project. I work for, and with you, so I keep your interests and input in mind at all times.

Submission – When the project is completed, I will submit all final pieces to you as a MS Word document (or in HTML based on the contract). I can also submit copy as a PDF if that is what you prefer.

Payment – Upon the final submission, I will compile an invoice. The invoice is payable upon receipt generally within two weeks. Again you can mail a check or submit payment online via PayPal. NOTE: Speedy payments are greatly appreciated. I love writing, but I hate dealing with money or tracking down past due invoices.

Easy, right? I promise to make working together as pain-free as possible. I want you to be happy and I will go out of my way to make that happen. If you are ready to get started, see step 1 and Contact Me today.