The scope of a project as a freelance journalist can vary widely based on the specific objectives and content needs. To provide clarity, I'd like clients to be aware of the following phases and guidelines:

Project Objectives: Clearly define the purpose and goals of the project, whether it's in-depth feature articles, cultural profiles, narrative content, or other specific journalistic deliverables.

Target Audience: Understand the intended audience for the content, as it greatly influences the tone, style, and approach in crafting engaging and relevant narratives.

Research and Fact-Checking: Allocate time for thorough research and fact-checking to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the content, especially when dealing with cultural or historical topics.

Interviews and Sourcing: If applicable, conduct interviews with experts, individuals, or sources to provide depth and authenticity to the narrative, respecting privacy and obtaining necessary permissions.

Initial Consultation: This phase involves a detailed discussion with the client to understand their objectives, target audience, preferred style, and any specific guidelines or expectations.

Pitch and Proposal: Once objectives are clear, I'd provide a pitch or proposal outlining the proposed approach, story angles, and potential sources or contacts. This ensures alignment before proceeding.

Research and Pre-Writing: Conduct extensive research to gather relevant information, conduct interviews, and establish a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Drafting and Editing: Create an initial draft, ensuring it aligns with the agreed-upon narrative and content guidelines. Multiple rounds of revisions and edits may be conducted to refine the content.

Final Review and Approval: Submit the final version for the client's review, making any necessary adjustments based on their feedback and ensuring satisfaction with the end result.

Clear Communication Channels: Establish a reliable mode of communication for updates, questions, and feedback, ensuring a smooth and effective working relationship.

Deadlines and Milestones: Agree upon project timelines, including deadlines for drafts, revisions, and final submission, to maintain accountability and meet expectations.

Feedback and Revisions: Encourage open and constructive feedback, and establish a process for revisions to ensure the content aligns with the client's vision.

Attribution and Usage Rights: Clarify ownership and usage rights of the content, especially if it will be published or distributed across various platforms.

By adhering to these phases and guidelines, we can work collaboratively to produce high-quality journalistic content that effectively communicates the desired narrative to the intended audience.