4 Tips on Getting the Most From Your Revision Request

Prose Media strives to deliver polished content that is both compelling and true to your brand. To help us get it right the first time, we ask that you clarify your needs in a brief but comprehensive questionnaire that covers length, tone, goals, research, and target audience. Our writers often hit the bull’s-eye the first time — or require only minor tweaks. Should the results ever miss the mark, we offer a seamless, efficient revision process based on precise client feedback. The following four tips will help Prose connect the dots and pave the smoothest possible path to complete satisfaction.

1. Use comments to clarify issues

Content that differs from client expectations usually falls into two general categories: Substance (missed the point) or Edits (text needs fine-tuning). Prose asks that you handle “comments” for each category in a slightly different way so the writer is not left guessing:

For substance or structural issues, insert general comments at the very beginning of the problematic text. These comments may call out issues with voice, tone, target audience, format, concept, direction — whatever the overarching flaws might be.

For specific text edits, use in-text comments that pinpoint the exact word, phrase, or sentence you are referencing. The writer can see exactly what needs to be altered.

Without these distinctions, a writer might rewrite an entire paragraph that pleased you or may only edit one sentence of a problematic section. Match the placement of your comments to the nature of your concern.

2. Be direct and honest

Yes, your writer invested time and effort in a best effort. That doesn't mean you should tiptoe around hard-line feedback. Prose is writing this for you, and our sole purpose is your satisfaction. Even the bitter truth is constructive when conveyed with respect and accompanied by precise feedback. Our relationship is collaborative, and we need to know exactly why you are not pleased. Openness and transparency are the keys to a long-term mutually satisfying partnership and our ability to consistently meet your needs and expectations.

3. Be specific — every detail matters

Make sure that your feedback directs specific action. Vague or general criticism makes it nearly impossible for a writer to provide spot-on revisions. “I don't like this” points to a problem but offers no sense of direction. The writer might rephrase that text a dozen ways and still fail to please. Now compare that wording with this: “The opener needs to stress the hidden benefits of our user platform.” The writer knows exactly what to do. Always imagine yourself in the writer's shoes and clarify the problem by asking these questions:

• How does this miss the mark?
• Why is something wrong or ineffective?
• What was overlooked?

4. Revisit your original questionnaire

At the end of a revision process, take a moment to circle back and compare shortfalls with the clarity of your original Content Brief/Questionnaire. Did the writer miss something you explained well, or were the directions too vague from the beginning? Not everyone is an immediate expert at providing precise input, but the revision process is a great teacher. Consider the difference between “Write about 3-D printing” versus “Explain how 3-D printing is changing the manufacturing industry.” Better directives result in fewer errors.

Prose bends to meet your needs

We understand that entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations have different needs and expectations. You may have content points that are very flexible, and you would prefer for us to work our magic. That type of laissez faire relationship can be just as satisfying as one that revolves around precise directives where every point is absolute. Your project needs may even be a mixture of those two approaches. Our Content Brief/Questionnaire makes it quick and easy for you to communicate your desires and for us to effectively manage results, project after project. The highest level of guidance and clarity will help our talented writers meet their goal: pleasing you the first time — every time.