"What had seemed easy in imagination was rather hard in reality." L. M. Montgomery

Everyone has great expectations of the end result of a project submitted to a writer.  The writer also has great expectations of the quality of their work being submitted. On occasion the expectations do not necessarily match and that can lead to disappointment.  How can a client and a writer avoid mismatched expectations?  Effective communication is the key to delivering the expectations to the writer and for the writer delivering the expectations to the writer. 

The best way to communicate with the writer is to let the writer know what absolutely needs to be included in the project.  This is best done by avoiding words like "if you could", "anything you decide" or "do your best on the topic".  These phrases do not give a writer a clear idea of what is needed. 

Try instead to give clear and concise instruction that give specific topics to cover, areas to avoid and directions on the format.  Consider if you want the writer to focus more time and attention on the format of the title page or the content in the paper.  Too many directions on how to format the title page can frustrate the writer if there are not enough enough details about the content. 

It is not one sided communication but two sided communication that makes the relationship work for both parties.  The writer must be knowledgable enough in the subject to ask pointed questions about what needs to be included.  Even if the subject is outside of the comfort zone of the writer, it is essential that the writer ask questions whenever there is confusion aobut what is needed.  The client is unable to know what the writer needs if not told. 

There are going to occassions where revisions are going  be needed.  This should certainly be expected by the writer and should not take the revisions personally.  This is aided by the client asking for revisions as specifically as possible without detrimental comments about the writers skills or abilities. This builds animosity between the client and the writer and will not result in the revision needed. 

The relationship that is built upon effective communication offers both parties to have realistic expectations of what will be accomplished by both parties.  "The way to achieve happiness is to have a high standard for yourself and a medium one for everyone else."  Marcelene Cox