Sample Client Questionnaire
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Use this sample client questionnaire to create your own tool to screen and focus on freelance clients and freelance projects.
Basics
- Name/Company Name/Are you the main decision-maker for the potential project?
- Willing to provide the names of past contractors/freelancers hired?
- Briefly, explain the project type. (writing, editing, translation, other)
- Briefly, explain the project format. (ebook, lesson plans, website, media pieces, blog, other)
- What is your preferred deadline? Is there a specific reason/event for this deadline?
- What is your projected budget range for the project?
- How did you find the tone of your company? Or, what is the culture/tone that you are hoping to convey through this project?
- Describe your target audience/reader/customer. (consider geographic, demographics, tech-savvy, education level, reading level)
- Prior to today, how has this need been fulfilled? (old web content, outdated brochure, Google translate, not fulfilled)
- What current/rough materials, research or portions of the publication are available for me to review? If accessible, please provide details. (past titles, current site, past press materials)
- Why have these materials not worked in the past? What obstacles or failures are you experiencing that make you want to write/edit/translate now?
Project Specs
- Think of your blog/brochure/site/ebook: What is the primary action desired or takeaway message?
- What is your main goal for the publication? (sell copies, increase blog traffic, educate)
- What kind of research do you anticipate for this project?
- What roadblocks or issues do you anticipate in this project?
Work Specs
- (Longer projects) How closely do you prefer to work? Do you want daily/weekly check-ins? In person/email/phone?
- What platforms/tools do you anticipate I'll need to complete this project? Or, what tools do you prefer I use?
- How do you envision I submit this project to you? (CMS, Word document, Wordpress, directly to your site, PDF)
Writing Clients
- What is your target?
- What is your target length? (total word/by page/total pages/by word)
- Will the text be edited by a third party after I provide it?
- What is the general education/reading level of your readers/audience/customers?
- Who will own the copyright to the work? (Or, if you purchase established rights, what are they typically?)
- Is a byline given?
- How and by whom will the final version be published? When?
Editing Clients
- Are you seeking a hard copy or electronic edit?
- What format/platform is the piece currently in? Are you seeking an edit in a different platform?
- Are you willing to credit me as an editor once the piece is published?
- How many times has the piece been edited before?
- At what level?
- By whom?
- Will the text be edited by another party after me?
- What level of editing do you feel you need?
- Do you want story and thematic feedback?
- Do you want structure, arrangement, an order of events, flow, etc edited?
- Do you want graphics and running components (chapter titles, page numbers) edited?
- Do you want spelling and grammar corrections?
- How and by whom will the final version be published? When?
Translation
- In what geographic area will the translation be used?
- If the translation will live online, what geographic area do you anticipate using it most?
- What is your target dialect?
- What is your target audience within that dialect (demographics)?
- What format/platform is the piece currently in? Do you want the translation provided on a different platform? Which?
- Are you willing to credit me as a translator once the piece is published?
- How and by whom will the final version be published? When?
Debrief
- Please provide any final thoughts on the project.
- Please provide suggestions for future client support? What would improve my service?
- Do you anticipate any future writing/editing/translation needs?
- Is there anyone in your social or professional circles who would benefit from the services I provide?
- Would you provide a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation for me?
- Would you be willing to provide me the courtesy copy of the publication?
- Can I use your work as an example on my website?