Project management

Jan 15

The generous, the versatile, and 3 other types of content writers to avoid

By Cristina N. Business, Content writing, Project management

After editing thousands of web content pieces created by hundreds of freelancers, I’ve developed a nose for the characteristics of the professional writers I’d recommend to any business. Though no two freelancers are alike, some are more likely than others to hinder your content writing projects.

When I say “type”, I mean a freelance content writer who acts in a certain way when hired to write for a client. Writers of any type can change the way they act from one project to the next. Also, since all the types I’m discussing here are professional writers, they are all capable of creating content that helps brands succeed.

That being said, if I had to hire a freelance writer, I’d steer away from these types, to make my life easier and avoid some risks to my content marketing project. Read More

Jul 09

What’s one thing that could improve communicating EU research?

By Cristina N. business documents, Project management, Short and sweet

Communicating EU research is a requirement for those receiving project funding from the European Union. Unfortunately, communicating their research results effectively isn’t.

Browsing EU project websites will reveal that many project teams are unaware of audience analysis. So, understanding the reader’s needs is one thing that could improve communicating EU research. This short post will explain how understanding your audience will improve the quality of your EU project communications.

Who’s your reader?

Jul 30

What freelance editors can learn from project managers

By Cristina N. Editing, Freelance, Project management

If you’re a freelance editor, you’ve likely chosen this career because you love the written word and the chance to learn from every new editing project. But how do you manage your editing projects? Do you underestimate costs, overestimate requirements, and go above and beyond to make your clients happy?

To keep your editing business thriving, take a cue from project managers. Here are seven project-management-related concepts you should know more about if you want to manage your editing projects better.

Jul 16

Tips from an editor on managing content writing projects

By Cristina N. Editing, Project management, Writing

If you’re interested in creating digital marketing content, an online training course, or any other type of written materials for your business, you’ll need to develop content. To keep costs relatively low, you may prefer to hire freelance editors and writers rather than work with a marketing agency.

But managing content writing projects can be a herculean task. You need to define your project’s goals, budget, and schedule. You need to put together a team of freelance writers and editors. You need to train your team and define ground rules. You also need to create an editorial style guide. Finally, you need to take care of all the logistical details—from the cloud platform to use to NDAs.

Here are some things you should know before getting started with your content writing project to increase its likelihood of success. Read More

Aug 14

The small-business owner’s proofreading checklist

By Cristina N. Business, Project management, Proofreading

Proofreading means checking the final version of a written text to find and correct any errors that eluded the copyeditor. (If you’re not sure what copyediting is, read What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?) But proofreading business reports is often more complex than that, which is why a proofreading checklist is useful.

Multiple revisions offer opportunities for introducing errors in the document, and tight deadlines can sabotage you. So, proofreading your business documents may involve not just finding and fixing typos but also some amount of fact-checking and light editing.