Constant Content

I have a couple of questions, having just received my first private request! Maybe this will be helpful to others in the same situation. I'd love to hear from anyone who's had private requests (a few, or a lot)!

My two questions for now are:

1. How quickly after you receive a private request do you try to submit it? Is there a standard time that you feel is acceptable? How do you (or do you at all?) factor weekends into that timeframe?

(I have asked my requester about deadline expectations, if there are any, but I'd be interested in hearing from others. In this case, I felt submission within 24 hours was okay.)

2. Is the "friendly reminder" from support an automated message that I'll get every time I get a private request? I was (or am?) fearful that it was a reminder because I hadn't submitted something quickly enough!

Anyone else have questions? Chime in!

Hi, congrats on your first private request. May it be the first of many!

#2 -- yes, that's an automated notice that you get whenever you have a new private request. Mine never say "friendly reminder" though, just "New Private Request" so ....?

#1 -- I always let the customer know that I received their assignment and that I'll be working on it promptly. This is a good time to let them know when you plan on having the article(s) ready for them or to ask what their deadline is (like you did). Some need articles ASAP while others say "anytime in the next 30 days is fine."

Also, if it's a large request, I ask how they want their articles delivered such as in daily batches, one large batch, or individually. Most want them bundled because it's easier for them to manage (fewer articles to load into their shopping cart, fewer files to download, fewer files to open, etc).

Weekends don't seem to be a problem. Some will send a request over the weekend and I often complete them if I can or am willing but that's really a bonus, it's not usually expected. At the very least, if I get a request on the weekend, I respond promptly and let them know I'll be starting first thing Monday or something like that which has always been fine. If I'm out of town (with no Internet access), I respond as soon as I get back and it's not an issue.

I think the most important thing is to reassure them that you got the assignment and will be working on it right away. Thanking them and doing an awesome job are other golden rules that come to mind

I'm sure you'll do just fine!

the reminder is not normal, we just wanted to be sure the email system was working, since the request came in while we were working on it. With private requests I think acknowledgment of the request is a good start, the quicker the acknowledgment the better.

Thank you both for your response. The "friendly reminder" didn't look automated, but it makes perfect sense now that it was sent to make sure the system was working. I've been getting requests, thankfully, though I know some others haven't.

The advice on acknowledgement is especially helpful. I can see how even a "Got it, thank you" (in more professional language) would make the requester feel good about working with the author through CC.

Thanks for the advice!