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I could use some feedback from my fellow tech writers on this one. I have a
client for whom I just finished ghost-writing a book chapter (for a
technical professional organization he belongs to.) I've been working on
this for a month. I started out with a brain dump and an outline, based on
his proposal for the chapter, which he approved. I've been sending him
drafts almost daily, with very little feedback from him (general comments
like 'it needs more meat', etc.) Finally, as it came down to the wire on
the deadline, he had me review the entire document, word for word, with the
documentation specialist for his company. We revised it significantly and I
was under the impression that both the documentation specialist and the boss
were happy with the final version. In fact, I got a voice mail from them
yesterday that the document was on it's way to the publisher.
Now for the problem.
Today, I get another call from the boss stating that he's had his team
review the document and they have indicated it would be publicly and
professional embarrassing for him to publish this document. He's indicated
that he doesn't feel this was my fault and he knows that I worked hard on
this for him, but ultimately, he's just going to have his team write this
thing in a hurry and rush it to the publisher.
I have never had this kind situation arise this close to the finish-line,
though it's certainly nothing new during the process. Now I'm uncertain how
to proceed. I believe in my 100% satisfaction guarantee, but that doesn't
necessarily mean I don't charge anything for work they aren't happy with,
only that I promise to make it right. In this case, I'm not being given the
chance to. As I said, he indicated that he's willing to pay me, but I
really don't know how to proceed, given the circumstances.
Anyone have advice on this type of situation?
Thanks!
-Dia
<-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <-> <->
Dia Blankenship, Senior Consultant
Teknolutionary Communications, Inc.
Technical Writing & IT Marketing Services
<email> dia -at- teknolutionary -dot- com
<web> www.teknolutionary.com
<phone> 703.533.2368
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