I wanted to start a discussion on how authors speak with customers. I had to go into the public request and select the option to attach an existing article. I noticed the buyer is new here, so I began with a simple welcome to C-C. I explained this article was already in my portfolio and I thought it might fit his needs. I explain this so he doesn't think I am somehow an instantaneous writer.I touched on my credentials (very briefly, one sentence, didn't give him my resume lol). I then offered to double check his public request and see if I had any ideas to write other articles, but that if he likes the article I attached, I am happy to work with a Private Request to write other titles his organization can use.
Finally, I wished him the best of luck in finding content for his site, and that the authors here are very helpful. I closed with a simple thank you for bringing his business to C-C and signed my Always Smiling, EAW
I don't know if the buyer will use my article or not, or if he will contact me through C-C private request for additional work. I do know my formula of professional correspondence does get polite responses from buyers, even when they don't select my article. In general, our writing here speaks for itself. But I would suggest, if you have a situation where you need to speak with a customer through C-C's message system, you keep the message professional, kind, and give as much customer service as you can. After all, we all benefit when buyers become repeat customers, and I know there are a number of new writers here on the forums.
Any other experienced writers have some tips on communicating with customers? **Stepping off soapbox**