What to Say When You Send in Your Client's Artwork to Advertising Publications or Printers

There really isn't any great secret to sending finished artwork to the publisher or printer, and it's not something you need to be scared of either. You just want to be polite and succinct, and offer the opportunity to contact you if they have questions or issues.

I've worked in a prepress environment before and found that the freelancers that assumed that their files were perfect (the ones with an attitude) were often the ones that very poor support and attention if there was actually something wrong with their file(s).

"Hi Jenny!
Here’s the ad I’ve been working with the folks over at BUSINESS NAME on their ¼ page ad for the NAME OF THE PUBLICATION. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly at PHONE NUMBER, I’d be happy to talk with you. Thank you in advance for your help!

When you have a moment would you drop me a return email or call me to let me know you received this communication? I want to make sure you received it and that your prepress department is okay with what I have submitted."

By the way, if you're not offering to send your finished advertisements or collateral materials to the publication/printers for your clients - you should be. Let your clients know that you want to handle this so it takes the work off of their plate.

PS - Thanks to Phil in ND for dropping me a line and letting me know about a web site called ShareRanks. Apparently the "Verbal Kung Fu for Freelancers" book was listed 5th on the Top Books for Freelancers.

Thanks for the 411, Phil and good luck with your current sticky client situation...hit me up with an email if you need some additional advice on it.

These guys ranked Verbal Kung Fu as just 5th though...come on man :)