The client hasn't defined the project scope. How will you navigate the uncertainty in your writing?

1 Seek Clarity

Before diving into the abyss of writing with an undefined project scope, attempt to clarify what is known. Reach out to your client with specific, open-ended questions that encourage them to reveal any preferences or objectives they might have. Even if they can't articulate a full scope, any small detail can act as a beacon, guiding your writing. This initial effort to understand the client's needs, no matter how vague, can prevent significant revisions later on and ensure that your writing aligns with their expectations as closely as possible.

3 Set Boundaries

While it's important to be flexible, you also need to protect your time and effort by setting boundaries. Establish a framework based on what you do know about the project and agree on checkpoints where feedback will be provided. This ensures that you have a structure to work within and that any course corrections happen in a timely manner. Clear communication about what you need from the client to proceed will help keep the project moving forward and prevent scope creep.

4 Incremental Progress

When dealing with uncertainty, making incremental progress is key. Start with broad strokes, outlining general concepts and ideas that can be refined over time. As more information becomes available, you can hone in on specifics, gradually shaping your writing to better fit the emerging scope. This approach allows you to make steady headway while remaining adaptable to changes, ensuring that each section of your writing contributes towards a cohesive whole.

5 Embrace Revision

Revising your work is an inevitable part of writing without a defined scope. View each revision as an opportunity to better align with the client's needs and sharpen your content. Be prepared to rework sections based on feedback and recognize that what you write initially may look very different by the end of the process. A positive attitude towards revision will make the experience more productive and less frustrating for both you and the client.

6 Reflect and Learn

Each project you undertake without a clear scope is a learning experience. Reflect on what strategies worked well and which areas could be improved for future projects. This reflection will not only improve your writing skills but also your ability to navigate uncertainty more effectively. Learning from each project will make you a more versatile writer, capable of tackling a wide range of challenges with confidence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?