Written by Lisa Vest
Years ago, leadership expert John C. Maxwell taught me a simple but powerful truth: add value to people. That means being intentional about helping others feel better, become better, or do better—because you genuinely care about them.
As an editor, I want to help my clients. Recently, after listening to one of John Maxwell’s videos on this very topic, I thought about how I add value to my clients and if I am adding value to them as a person. I love helping authors. It’s really a passion of mine that blends my love of the English language and helping my brothers and sisters in Christ to fulfill their God-given purpose in communicating a message He has given them.
As I thought about client feedback I’ve received over the years, the words that gave me the most joy were the ones that mentioned the things I did that made them feel encouraged, seen, and supported. Those things have happened organically from my passion, but I thought how much more of an impact I could have if I purposely think of specific ways to add value to my clients and do that each time with each one. I think what we’ll end up with is more satisfied clients, work that we feel even better about, and possibly more referrals from these delighted customers. With all that in mind, I want to add value to you, my dear editor friends, by giving you 7 Ways to Add Value to Your Clients.
1. Send clients an encouraging note or email
at any point in their editing process. Share with them the strengths you see in their writing or offer them praise for having courage to share their painful story and encourage them that their story will help many.
2. Go the extra mile for them.
I realize most of us are doing this to make a living and can’t give away a lot of free work, but the things I do take a few seconds. For example, I comment on a sentence or paragraph that would make a great quote they can use for their social media when they’re reading to promote their book and sometimes, I’ll give them feedback about why the quote is so powerful. This is not something I tell them I’ll do as their editor; it’s simply something I enjoy doing. Another example: one of my social media clients who is traditionally published, had a book anniversary coming up. She had me create some posts for her, but I went the extra mile by giving her a quick list of ten things she could do on social media to celebrate her book’s anniversary. It took me just minutes and she continues to be a regular customer who knows I believe in her God-given mission.
3. An unexpected gift.
This may not be one everyone will want or be able to do, but since I officially opened my publishing business for indie authors, I began sending clients a publishing gift. As we come to the close of the project, I send a coffee mug with my logo on one side and their name and a short quote or the words “Published Author” on the other side; whatever feels right for that client. This is something that requires more time and money, but it’s so fun to give that gift and I know it goes a long way in helping my clients feel valued. Even if this isn’t in your budget, there are many gifts you could give a client that would be inexpensive or even free from a coffee gift card to a PDF resource that you might typically sell on your website.
4. Celebrate small wins publicly.
Highlight their progress on your own social media (with their permission) or give them a shoutout in your newsletter or blog—helping them build credibility. I recently shared a story on Instagram about how proud I was of my client for setting up her website and even a preorder link for her book she is still writing. This brought people to her Instagram who may be interested in her story about overcoming the grief from her daughter’s suicide.
5. Anticipate needs.
If you see they’ll need help beyond editing, offer any knowledge you have on the process ahead of them. Whether it be ISBNs, resources for cover design, formatting, or marketing basics, you can proactively suggest trusted resources.
6. Pray for your clients.
This is the most important thing you can do for a client. Whether you pray with them when you first meet (if you do that) or just a note via email letting them know you are praying for them throughout their book publishing process, this one simple act of kindness will have an impact that may never be known this side of eternity. Praying over your client and their book’s impact for God’s kingdom will not only bless them, but you.
7. Ongoing relationship.
One last idea of adding value to clients is don’t disappear after a project. Check in later—ask how their launch went, offer a quick piece of advice, or congratulate them on their reviews. As an editor since I’m extensively familiar with their book, I also leave an honest review for them on Amazon and encourage them to continue to ask for reviews.
Being an author has many working parts and having an editor who feels like a partner in their work helps authors more than we know. Staying invested in our clients shows you value them. Not just their book.
If you’ve never thought of ways you can add value to your clients before, consider implementing at least one or more of the ideas above. You and your client will be happy you did.
Lisa D. Vest is an award-winning writer, editor, and publishing professional who calls Melbourne, Florida home. She helps authors bring their stories to life with excellence, integrity, and heart. As the founder of Anchor & Ink Publishing, she partners with writers through ghostwriting, editing, coaching, and self-publishing services. Passionate about faith-based storytelling, Lisa believes every story has the power to inspire and encourage others and even make an eternal difference. She is a wife and mother of two sons and one daughter, and an amazing grandson. She can often be found working at home or in a cozy coffee shop and making homemade sourdough bread on the weekends.