Donna's FAQ
You probably have some questions about what I can do and how I work. Here they are -- the answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. What type of writing do you do?
A. I'm best at copy that's meant to be read -- print or web content.I have also worked on radio, TV and video scripts.
Q. Do you have experience with high-tech?
A. Yes -- I've written many high-tech business-to-business brochures for AT&T, software companies, a wireless distributor, a technology consulting company and more. In fact, making complicated and difficult information easy to understand is my specialty.
Q. How do you do it?
A. I learn the material. I prefer, if possible, to get information directly from the subject matter experts. I have no problem asking basic questions, and I listen carefully to the answers. It's like cramming for an exam. And I aced a lot of exams.
Q. Does it work?
A. Yes. My copy is usually very close to what the client wants right away. In fact, AT&T accepted the first draft of copy for the Business Success Through Information Technology brochure with no changes.
Who's answering all the questions? I am -- Donna Andersen. Now you're no longer reading a plain, faceless web site.
Q. We're not sure exactly what we want to say. Can you help us?
A. Yes. That's part of the service I provide -- I identify the information you should convey. If you can talk to me generally about what your organization does, and tell me what's important about your products or services, I'll take it from there and craft your message.
Q. Can you write on medical topics?
A. Yes, especially medical information geared towards consumers. I've written about prescription heartburn medication, diet medication, diabetes supplies, cardiac rehabilitation, psychological counseling programs and hospital services. The process is the same as writing high-tech, or any complicated topic: Learn the material. I'm a quick study.
Q. Can you write for an internal employee audience?
A. Yes. I've written employee newsletters and motivation programs for more than 10 years, so I've covered just about every human resources topic -- policy issues, medical benefits, 401(k), bonuses, employee picnics, the works.
Q. How would you describe your writing style?
A. Clear and concise. If you're looking for fluff, I'm really not your writer.
Q. Can you write with Attitude?
A. Yes. Next question?
Q. Can you get a project produced?
A. Yes -- I have handled many projects from conception through delivery. My resources include designers, photographers, printers, mail houses and e-business consultants.
Q. Can you write a web site?
A. Yes. In fact, writing for the web is definitely different from writing for print -- copy needs to be shorter, and links need to be descriptive. For more information, see my secrets of web writing.
Q. Can you ghost-write speeches and articles?
A. Yes -- I've frequently written newsletter columns for business executives. Usually I meet with the executive, tape record our discussion of the topic, and then write it in the first person, as if coming from him or her. To make the article authentic, I incorporate words and phrases the executive uses as much as possible. I use the same process when writing speeches.
Q. What's your approach to newsletters?
A. I follow the guidelines of magazine journalism.Unlike newspapers, which are supposed to be objective (impossible, but that's another story), magazine articles are meant to convince the reader of the publication's point of view. Newsletters have the same goal. I believe in following journalistic standards -- like identifying people who are quoted and pictured. It adds to the publication's credibility, and the believability of the message.
Q. Are you dependable?
A. Extremely. I'm good at planning and time management, which means I don't miss deadlines. Sometimes my efforts to get the job done are downright heroic.
Q. Where are you located?
A. I have offices in Atlantic City and Delran, New Jersey, so I consider Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware and New York City to be local. But with phone, fax and email, of course, I can handle assignments from just about anywhere -- from Cleveland to Australia. It's nice to have face-to-face rapport with my clients, but I have successfully worked with people whom I never met.
Q. Are you easy to get along with?
A.Yes -- I do everything I can to make my clients' jobs easier. If you want references, just ask..
