Systems and Shortcuts: All time on the project NOT spent editing should still be incorporated into the quote (intake, communication). Your rate/quote must account for this. It should be part of the calculation of a quote.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Scheduling and project management: track time (even if you're not billing for time), determine and monitor capacity, when is YOUR best productive time. Use detailed task lists, templates.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Develop client educational resources: how your process works, tip sheets, how to review changes. These can be web pages, PDFs, even video.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Be prepared for opportunities: Have standard resumes, bio, project lists, sales pitch, quoting formulas. Using prepared responses (TextExpander, Phrase Express, etc.)
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Systems and Shortcuts: Evaluating prospects and quoting: know your ideal clients and your no-gos. Don't waste time on prospects who are a bad fit.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Develop a pricing formula and spreadsheet. Present pricing in a way that is easy for clients to understand (standard documents or TextExpander)
@virtuallori#EdsGuild2023
Systems and Shortcuts: For workflows and checklists, collect info OUTSIDE of your head (the list will remember for you). Document your workflows. Use detailed checklists.
@virtuallori#EdsGuild2023
Systems and Shortcuts: For tracking all the data, it doesn't matter HOW you track (software, apps, spreadsheets, paper), just that you DO
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Systems and Shortcuts: Track all the things: current, clients, prospects, rates and quotes, start and end dates, scope, details, invoicing info, due dates, communication, etc.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Setting up systems, checklists, automated communications can help indie authors while limiting how much time it takes to do so.
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Systems and Shortcuts: Working with independent authors (indies) can sometimes be like herding kittens. Editors may need to educate these authors on the process, expectations, etc.
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