Have you ever been surprised or even frustrated by a question your writer asks during an initial project discussion? Perhaps some of them seem extraneous and you wonder why she is asking.

I get it. I’ve been asked about some of my information-gathering questions. For example, I was recently asked why I needed to know about the client’s legal department participation in the project. It was then that I realized a brief discussion about this topic might be helpful for you, my readers.

Here are two examples of the types of information that facilitate project planning and completion, and how they do so.

Content Plan

• What do you want this content to do for you?
• What format do you have in mind and why?
• What tone do you want to use, and how promotional do you want the content to be?
• Is there a length min/max for this content?
• Do you have existing content about this topic? If so, please send it to me.

Your answers to these questions are invaluable to building an accurate and thorough scope of work. They can also confirm or help adjust the content plan so it is laser-focused on your goal for the content and fits well with your bigger content strategy.

Timeframe

• Do you have a “go live” due date and, if so, when is that?
• What is your internal review process, including the number of reviewers? Does your legal department need to review the content?
• How many SMEs, clients, or others would you like me to talk with about the content?
• Are there any internal prerequisites that must be met before this project can begin?

This information is crucial to building a schedule that is comprehensive and meets your needs. It is also important for building an accurate project budget.

So the next time you’re discussing a new project with your writer, go ahead and ask about the purpose of the questions. It will enrich the discussion, not detract from it!