How to work with a Subject Matter Expert - Part II

This is the second post of a series. Read the first post here.

To recap:

You have a project, a deadline, and a Subject Matter Expert (SME). You and SME have discussed the exterior details of the project, like deadlines and milestones, start and end dates. The SME is aware of what to do, or who to talk to, if they run into snags, and they know your expectations for their contributions. What's next?


2. Help your SME get started 

Every writing project starts somewhere. The question is - where? Poised at the start line, fingers in position on the keyboard, can be the most difficult place to be. That's because we learn how to start something by doing it; that is, from experience. Starting fresh with a new project means there is no experience on which to rely. Without a blueprint or map for guidance, we freeze at this point because we have a vague end goal in mind but do not know how to get there.

Below are a few ideas for supporting your SME through this confusing period.

Provide your SME with tips and resources. 

This approach is part psychology, part concrete guidance. It might seem like you're just passing along "how to's" about brainstorming creatively or sizing jpeg images to your SME. The subtext, however, is that you're sharing their burden, and making their problems your own. They're experiencing trouble starting the project because they have writer's block, and you're going to find them a solution. They will feel supported and validated, and ready to perform.

• With your SME, determine the audience and the purpose of the document. Information may be power, but it is also clarity.
• Refer the SME to solid writing resources before they start. Consider sending them links to articles on brainstorming, how to start a writing project, how to write an introduction, and when to use images.

Check on their progress periodically.

Usually SMEs need blocks of distraction-free time to immerse themselves in writing projects. Give your SME some space but keep communication lines open. Contact them regularly to ask if they need help or guidance. They may appreciate hearing a few words of motivation, too.

Stay tuned for the third part of this series, where we examine the science of editing and the sport of giving constructive feedback.

Happy learning,
Fran