∧ How we work
Draft to Press
Borrowed from print production, because it's still the most honest way to describe how a piece of writing gets made: a manuscript goes through drafting, proofing, and revision before it goes to press. Five stages, real turnaround windows, a defined number of revisions — here's exactly what happens after you check out.
The five stages
Brief
Scope, audience, and package confirmed at checkout. You'll fill in a short project brief — what the page or piece needs to do, who it's talking to, links to anything we should read first. This is the only thing we need from you before the writing starts.
Ties to: Checkout, step 3 (Project brief)
Draft
We write the first draft inside the turnaround window stated on your package — most single pieces land in 5 business days; larger packages and retainers state their own window on the package card. You get a complete draft, not an outline to react to.
Ties to: packages[].turnaround
Proof
You review the draft and mark it up — literally send back a proof, the same term a printer uses. Comment directly, flag what's off, tell us what's already working. This is the stage the site's proof-red accent refers to; it's functional here, not decorative.
Ties to: the caret motif / PROOF_MODE
Revise
We apply your feedback across the revision rounds included in your package — 2 rounds on most standard packages, up to 3 on larger engagements (each package states its own count). Revisions address the draft you marked up, not a new brief — if the scope changes mid-project, we'll tell you plainly rather than quietly absorbing it.
Ties to: packages[].revisions
Press
Final files are delivered in the format you need — copy doc, CMS-ready blocks, or pasted directly into your site if you've given us access. The engagement closes there. No surprise final invoice, no "just one more thing."
Ties to: Order confirmation / delivery
What we need from you
- A completed project brief at checkout — the more specific, the faster the first draft.
- One reviewer, or one consolidated set of feedback per round — conflicting notes from three people slow the Proof stage down.
- A response within a few business days at the Proof stage — the turnaround clock on the next stage starts when we hear back.
- Access to anything the piece depends on — existing brand guidelines, product specs, CMS login if you want copy placed directly.
Typical turnaround, by package type
Exact turnaround for your package is stated on its package card and confirmed again at checkout.
Process FAQ
It depends on the package — turnaround windows range from 5 business days (a single page or article) to 20 business days (a full brand narrative or white paper). Each package states its own window, confirmed again at checkout.
A completed project brief at checkout — what the piece needs to do, who it's talking to, and anything we should read first. That's the only thing required before drafting starts.
Most standard packages include 2 rounds; our largest packages include 3. The exact count is stated on every package card and reused as-is at the Revise stage.
You complete checkout, including the project brief. We confirm the brief and turnaround window, then move straight into the Draft stage — no separate kickoff call required unless you want one.
