White Paper Process Used by Freelance White Paper Copywriter

Successful White Papers Use an Established Process

In addition to using industry standards when writing white papers, I've developed a standard process for white paper projects. All projects include the following steps:

Initial interview with the client or a point of contact. During the interview, we verify the intended audience for the paper and how the paper will be used or where in the sales cycle the prospect will be getting the paper.
Provide general outline of the paper following the initial interview. The outline will cover the structure, direction, and content summary of the white paper. The client provides approval of the outline. Significant changes to these items after approval of the outline may result in additional charges.
Perform interviews with technical contacts at the company and research as needed.
Deliver first draft of the paper based on the approved outline and the interviews and research.
Client provides comments in hardcopy, electronic, over the phone, or combination.
Provide a second draft incorporating comments. This version will be as a Word document if the client provides graphic design (in which case I provide an additional review of the document after layout) or a PDF ready for printing or posting on the Internet if I provide the graphic design and layout.

My fees for white papers cover writing the paper content, generating tables, and making layout and figure suggestions. I work with some excellent graphic designers. For a complete white paper development service, I simply pass through the designer's costs without mark-up for the client.


	Wondering if you really need a white paper? Download this free white paper to find out if a white paper is the right choice for your information needs. The paper also contains tips on executing a successful white paper project. How to Get the White Paper You Need

White papers are probably one of the hardest pieces for a company to decide how to handle writing. Do you make use of your staff experts or outsource the project?

While using an in-house expert as the white paper writer assures that the white paper is accurate, you run the risk of the project never getting completed because the writer's regular job always has priority or the document may be just an in-depth discussion of the features and workings of the product or service. In either case, you don't get a white paper that can generate qualified leads.

Outsourcing your white paper writing to a professional with an understanding of and experience writing white papers increases the likelihood of a successful project. Working with me you won't lose accuracy because I'll work with your experts. The project will be completed on time. The white paper will focus on benefits and the problems solved for your prospects - an effective lead generation tool.

For a quote specific to your project, call me during business hours or email me any time.