My Writing Process: The Top 7 Things I Need to Know Before I Begin

There are basic details I need before I start any project. They determine how I begin and how I set up the piece. It also sets up my process, which I will cover in next week’s blog.

These are the top seven things I need before the first word is written:

The Audience—I can’t begin planning a project until I know the target audience. Am I writing for engineers or students? Is this project for the military or a fashion icon? I cannot even begin to visualize an approach or concept until I can picture the audience. They set the tone, language and approach. Audience is everything.

Intent—I need to know what my clients want to do with the project. This is not the same as what they are asking me to write (script, speech, campaign, etc.), but the details of what they hope the project will fix or fulfill. I need to know their reason and need. It is somewhat surprising how often what they need is not what they are asking for.

The Key Points—I also need to know what has to be included. What are the points that need to be there and what should be left out. I need to know the parameters of the project. Is there politics involved? Are there trigger points that should be avoided?

The Format—Do my clients want a script and collateral materials? Do they just want a blog? Do they need an interactive and immersive eLearning course? Knowing how they want the information delivered is essential. This includes knowing distribution. Is this intended for the web or will it be printed? Do they need 4K if it’s video? The distribution method will affect how the piece is structured.

The Deadline—There is nothing more important than knowing what the deadline is for a project. It determines how much time I can spend on various aspects of it. This is particularly true in a film or video project where I have to leave time for production and post production. It also affects my process. When I have a tight time frame, I have to limit the editing rounds and jump right to the first draft, then final draft.

Research—It helps to get whatever background information I can from my clients before I start my research into the project. If I am doing a project on my own, say for an article, I move this step up in the process. Before I query, I have to find out whether the research is available to support my premise and make sure I have access to that research or interview subject. I never want to pitch an idea I cannot deliver.

Treatment/Outline/Plot—My next step is to figure out what I want to say and how it supports my approach.

In my next blog I will share my typical process in 20 easy (or not so easy) steps.