Before I write an article/paper, I write an outline. I always create an outline after a briefing call with a client and before I begin writing a piece. The client receives this outline, and if they are happy with it, I proceed with writing the article. The outline not only helps me while writing but also helps my client. Every account manager/account director communicates differently, and as a medical writer, I need to make sure I understand what the client wants. Providing my clients with an outline ensures: 1. Nothing gets lost in translation. 2. The main messages/points are included and are correct. 3. The level of detail is suitable for my audience. 4. There is an interesting and engaging storyline. 5. The piece will be the correct length. You might think that creating an outline takes too much time, but, trust me, it is worth gold. What steps do you take to ensure you deliver exactly what the client wants? or What steps do you take to ensure your medical writer knows exactly what you expect from your deliverable? #medcomms #medcommsjobs #medicalwriting #communication
In cases where the client provides an outline, I write up a proposal with the information from the outline and the briefing call, and that serves as my document for getting onto the same page!
I love that you use outlines, Anna Isermann, PhD! They may take more time upfront, but they will make the process easier and faster later.
This last week I was reminded of how powerful outlines can be. After creating one for a client I realized their target market was not aligned with the story they wanted to tell. So we pivoted the piece together and came up with a new aligned outline. This saved me a bunch of work, and the client a bunch of funds and time. So crucial!
This is the best way to avoid wasted time and miscommunication. It's easy to think 'same industry, same way of thinking' but that's far from being the case, most times. Better to do this so you can save time and avoid unnecessary frustration by all parties involved!
This is an excellent approach, Anna Isermann, PhD .👏 I do the same.
I agree with it. And most importantly i think journey of a good writer starts from being a good listener
Thanks Anna for this tip. I think writing an outline at first means you have put a clear plan for your article.
This is what I try to explain to my business writing students ALL the time! They're so used to outlining essays and many of them believe that outlines take too much time and they write better when they can just skip the outline. Every semester I have to explain that outlines are documents in their own right and serve multiple purposes.
Freelance Medical Writer & Editor
1yI agree with you Anna Isermann, PhD. I always create an outline and have the client approve it before writing the article. Its easier to spot gaps in the story and fix them at the outline stage. For me, this step is part of the process of writing the article.