Daphne Gray-Grant

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I think you have one of the most valuable and insightful business writing resources on the web (and, as Im sure you know, there are thousands of them out there). No matter how busy I am, your newsletter is the one email I always open the moment it hits my inbox!
Leslie Talbot
Principal, G2G Sales, Cambridge, MA

I have to stop myself replying to your email each week to tell you how great I think your writing is. I've held off for two months now, so: I think your writing is great. Yours is the only newsletter that I read every time. Inspiring and concise, with humour. Love it.
Andrew Lightheart,
RealSmartNow.net
Singapore

You don't know me, but you've made such a big difference in my writing as I launched and then grew my copywriting business over the past year. Your newsletter is the only one I read right when I get it.
Kelly Parkinson,
Copylicious
Oakland, Calif.

I read your Power Writing tips religiously. I have learned more from them than I did in all my years at Catholic School. Your stuff is valuable to everyone regardless of their business function.
Mary Anne Doggett
Interactive Communications, Inc.
New York, NY

Unlike most newsletters I subscribe to (many of which I delete in frustration or let accumulate in my inbox for "later") I read yours the moment they come in. I love that they’re short, easy to read, and informative.
Nadine Pederson
Black Swan Services
West Vancouver, B.C.

Just had to tell you that, once again, your newsletter has brought enlightenment, enjoyment, and a welcome dose of sanity to my inbox. I love hearing from you each week.
Fran Sammis
Teledyne Storm Products
Woodridge, IL

I just wanted to let you know that I read 100% of your writing. Of the many newsletters that come to my inbox, yours is the only one I read from start to finish every time. TGIT (Thank God it's Tuesday).
Laura Williams
Mississauga, Ont.

Thank you for your recent newsletter. What a powerful concept! I think you've just given me a key to my writer's block. Your newsletter is terrific!
Lisa Ham
Bend, Ore.

I just don’t know how you do it. Every column of yours I read is noteworthy. I’m working on two books (one for Oxford University Press and the other for Prometheus Books) that are each due in a couple of months. I’ve got two major research projects and teaching to boot. I don’t read anything extra.
Except your emails. They’re worth their weight in gold.
Barbara A. Oakley, Ph.D., P.E., FAIMBE
Associate Professor of Engineering
Oakland University
Rochester MI

As a new writer and web owner, I had subscribed to several writing-type newsletters -- yours is the only one I have kept. It's short and sweet; and it offers value.
Julie DeHart
Manila, Philippines

 

 

Coaching/Consulting

Are readers tossing your newsletter in the trash?

It's a fact. Many newsletters never get read. They're too long, too dull, too corporate. You may have sweated hours, days or weeks writing the thing. You may have spent a fortune on printing and mailing. But for what? If readers don't read, you've wasted your time and money. Your efforts will head straight for the recycling bin.

Why "re-designs" don't work

Whenever corporate pubs are in trouble, someone always says, "let's do a re-design!" Then they say, "and hey, let's write shorter, punchier stories." Well, sure you can switch typefaces, add a 1-point rule around photos, throw in some pull-quotes and limit all stories to 250 words. But as an old boss of mine used to say, "that's just re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."

Content is what counts. If your content is weak a pretty design won't help. If your stories don't resonate with readers it doesn't matter whether the body type is Arial or Times Roman. If the writing is dull - 500 words or 250 words - what's the difference?

You can't force people to read, can you?

No, you can't. But did you ever wonder how daily newspapers get people to spend so much time reading mostly bad news? And pay for it? You can use those same strategies to get people to read your words. The Corporate Publication Coach draws upon the techniques of daily journalism to help you (and maybe your whole communications department) write, edit and organize better, faster.

What's a Publication Coach?

Consulting from the Corporate Publication Coach doesn't follow "normal" rules. Over the years, I've honed a highly effective system that doesn't involve expensive and time-consuming travel.  See how we can work together.  Just call me the ghost editor who won't haunt your offices!

No time for coaching?

The beauty of my system is that it takes very little of your time. You send me files; I send you back advice that you can read at your leisure. As well, if we're working on your writing, you get two services for the price of one! Not only do you receive coaching, but you get your writing edited by a professional -- and I always work with real live writing -- stuff you can use in your publication,  not theoretical homework!

My consulting is built to be flexible. I work one-on-one and with teams. I help start up new pubs or re-energize old ones. I coach people on writing, editing and time management (geared to the special challenges faced by corporate communicators.)

I also provide an "editor in your back pocket" retainer service - answering your trickiest questions between editions and reviewing your corporate pub just before it goes to the printers.

If you'd like to learn what the Publication Coach could do for you, please call 604-228-8818 or email me, for a free, no-obligation discussion and estimate.