Thanks for subscribing to the Build Your Video-Editing Career newsletter! On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, I dive deep into how to build a long-term editing career outside of Hollywood.

Recently I posted this thread:

Knowing my pre-project process has helped me ask better questions, deliver successful projects, and earn higher rates.

In today’s issue, I dive deep into each step so you can do the same.

Step 1: Conversation

Before I start any video I ask the client a series of questions. These help me understand the needs and goals of the project.

By leading the discussion I can get the info I need and understand the project better. This way I’m a partner with the client and not just a button clicker.

Here are the questions I ask:

1. How did you get into this [topic]? Why are you passionate about this?

2. What is your main struggle right now?

3. What worked well to reach this outcome before?

4. What didn’t work well?

5. What specific outcome do you hope to achieve with this video?

6. When do you hope to release this video?

7. Do you have a budget range?

I take notes during the conversation so I can refer to the answers later.

Before hanging up, I schedule a follow-up meeting. This gives structure to what comes next.

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

You can skip the budget question. Beyond that the other questions can still apply when you talk with your supervisor.

Step 2: Recap

After I finish the call, I spend a short time reviewing my notes. Then I send a quick email recapping what I heard.

Here’s the email template I use:

Repeating what I heard shows I listened and I understand their vision and goal. It also provides opportunity for revisions. This way everyone has a clear picture of the project needs.

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

Take notes as your supervisor tells you about the project. Then summarize and repeat the details back.

Step 3: Rate/Date proposal

Once I have a clear idea of the work involved, I estimate the time needed to finish the project.

Here’s a screenshot of the spreadsheet I built to help me, but a piece of paper also does the trick.

If it’s a large project, I’ll put in the days I think each step will take. If it’s shorter, I’ll do the hours. This gets multiplied by my current rate.

(A key part of this is knowing how long elements take me. I use Clockify to track my time.)

If it’s a corporate client with multiple people involved, I’ll type up a professional-looking proposal. If it’s a smaller client or agency, I’ll send an email.

Regardless of the method, I’ll include these elements:

• The Big Win

• The areas of need (editing, color, etc)

• My flat rate (with an expiration date)

• My estimated timeline dates

I never tell them my estimated days or hours, outside of when I’ll complete the final deliverables. This keeps us focused on the Big Win, not tracking hours.

(There are times when a time-based rate makes sense. For more on pricing I recommend Tom Hirst’s guide Pricing Freelance Projects.)

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

You obviously won’t include a rate but it can still be helpful to estimate your time and set goals for yourself.

Step 4: Reminders

It’s a huge relief once I send a proposal! Followed quickly by anxiety that I overpriced, they won’t accept, etc, etc.

This is why scheduling a follow-up meeting helps. If I haven’t scheduled one, I’ll set reminders for when to check in. Usually these are set for 3 and 7 business days.

I do this in a client relations management app called Capsule. You can also use a calendar or reminders app.

Don’t be shy about following up. Over the years I’ve been thanked multiple times.

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

It can still be helpful to set reminders based on your estimated timeline. This will help you stay on track or know if your estimates are off.

Step 5: Automated setup

Once the proposal is approved, I create a series of folders across different apps and hard drives. Rather than do these manually I found ways to automate them.

I add a new project card on Trello (my project management app) and Zapier creates folders in Frame.io (video reviews), Clockify, and Google Drive (notes and emailed assets.) I also copy/paste a folder structure and project files on my hard drive.

My goal is to click one button and have my admin tasks done for me.

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

If your company has nothing in place, look for one-step ways to prep your project within the apps you use.

Step 6: Contract and invoice

Contracts are a vital part of freelance editing and every project needs. (Confession: I don’t make one if I’m doing a small project for repeat clients—though I probably should.)

For building a contract, I recommend using Indy. They have an incredible contract creator that fills in the details as you go. (Disclaimer: we both get a free month if you use the link above.)

Personally I use a template document. I just copy/paste the needs, rate, and timeline from the proposal (see how crucial that part is?) and send it for signature via Adobe Document Cloud. (It’s included in the Adobe Creative Cloud and the best I’ve tried.)

🖥 STAFF EDITORS

Rejoice! You don’t have to worry about this step!

Step 7: Start project

With all the tedious admin automated or out of the way, I’m ready to start the project! 🙌

Wrap-up

Good things happen when you outline your process.

You are able to:

• Be a trusted partner

• Focus on creativity instead of admin

And your client:

• Knows they are in good hands

• Trusts you more

• Knows the end product will achieve their goals

All this means you'll get more satisfaction from the project, have happier clients, and a higher rate.

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That’s it for this week’s deep dive! What did you find helpful? I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for reading,

- Jesse

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