Our Approach

We focus on meeting your needs. At Watts & Associates, our goal is to create a piece that communicates your message clearly and persuasively, within your schedule and budget constraints.

We typically start by gathering basic information: what the purpose of the piece is, who the audience is, and what the key message is that you want to communicate. We also determine the scope of work—for example, the length of the piece, number of drafts to be written, and date by which you need it completed. Based on this information, we put together a bid and schedule.

Next, we prepare an outline. We can meet with you to work out the key points you want to cover and the best order in which to address them—or, if you already have an outline, we can move directly into the data-gathering step. We do recommend that all those who will be involved in approving the project have a chance to see and approve the outline; that minimizes rework later.

Interviews are generally the most efficient way to gather data—either through an in-person meeting or by telephone.

Then we get to work writing the first draft. During the writing process, we may check back with you to get further clarification on some points, because we want that first draft to be as accurate as possible. We don't call these initial efforts "rough" drafts, by the way, because there's nothing rough about them: they are carefully written and polished to convey the message and information you gave us. If you have thought out in advance what you want the piece to convey and all reviewers have signed off on the outline, changes to the first draft are usually fairly minimal.

After all reviewers have seen the first draft—and you've consolidated their comments into a single master copy—we review the feedback, ask for clarification as necessary, and then prepare the second draft. That's often the end of the process, although some companies will want a third draft for executive-level approval (or, in the case of pieces that describe work you've done for your customers, for customer approval).

Throughout the process, we closely monitor cost and schedule and keep you informed if any scope-of-work changes are likely to affect them. We understand the importance of keeping our commitments, and have developed a reputation for delivering work on time and on—or under—budget.