How can you collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders to create effective writing projects?

1 Identify your SMEs and stakeholders

Before you start writing, you need to identify who your SMEs and stakeholders are. They may be internal or external to your organization, depending on the nature and scope of your project. For example, if you are writing a user guide for a software product, your SMEs may be the developers, testers, or trainers who know how the product works. Your stakeholders may be the project manager, the client, or the end-users who have expectations and feedback for your writing. You can use tools such as stakeholder maps or analysis grids to help you identify and prioritize your SMEs and stakeholders.

2 Communicate your purpose and process

Once you have identified your SMEs and stakeholders, you need to communicate with them clearly and regularly. You need to explain the purpose and scope of your writing project, as well as your writing process and timeline. You also need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, such as who will provide information, review drafts, approve changes, or give feedback. You can use tools such as project briefs, outlines, or checklists to help you communicate your purpose and process.

3 Gather information and feedback

The next step is to gather information and feedback from your SMEs and stakeholders. You need to ask relevant and specific questions that will help you understand the topic, the audience, and the goals of your writing project. You also need to listen actively and respectfully to their answers, opinions, and suggestions. You can use tools such as interviews, surveys, or focus groups to help you gather information and feedback.

4 Evaluate and incorporate information and feedback

After you have gathered information and feedback from your SMEs and stakeholders, you need to evaluate and incorporate them into your writing project. You need to check the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of the information, as well as the consistency, clarity, and tone of your writing. You also need to balance the different perspectives, expectations, and preferences of your SMEs and stakeholders, while maintaining your own voice and style. You can use tools such as editing, proofreading, or revision to help you evaluate and incorporate information and feedback.

5 Share and acknowledge your results

The final step is to share and acknowledge your results with your SMEs and stakeholders. You need to deliver your writing project on time and within budget, as well as meet the quality standards and criteria agreed upon. You also need to thank your SMEs and stakeholders for their contribution and collaboration, as well as share any feedback or outcomes that may be relevant or useful for them. You can use tools such as reports, presentations, or testimonials to help you share and acknowledge your results.

6 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?