Q & A

(a work in progress!)

  • I primarily support organisations and individuals with grant applications, tender proposals, award entries and strategic communications.

    I typically provide an end-to-end service which may include independent research, stakeholder interviews, supporting material and submission management (we'll discuss who's hitting the submit button!).

    Supporting material may include business plans, marketing plans, project plans, CVs, profiles, media pitches, media responses and other collateral that strengthens an application or helps get a project over the line.

    I can also liaise with funding bodies, award organisers, assessors and endorsers where appropriate.

    I can assist with funding and tender pipelines, no-bid decision-making and developing content libraries to support future opportunities.

    I don't typically provide editing or review-only services.

  • Get in touch however works best for you - email, web form, Instagram, WhatsApp or LINE and tell me a little about your project, opportunity or deadline.

    I'll usually arrange a time for a chat before confirming whether I'm the right fit, availability, likely timeframes and next steps.

  • Some submissions writers charge by the hour or day. Others use pricing matrices or percentage-based models.

    Iā€™m flexible, depending on organisation needs, but prefer to consider the project as a whole, including factors such as complexity, research requirements, stakeholder engagement, supporting material, timelines, travel, project impact, availability and the level of support required.

    Sometimes the work is in the writing. Sometimes it's in the research, interviews, planning or editing.

    A concise, compelling 50-word response can take longer to develop than 500 words.

    Fees are discussed transparently and agreed before work begins. I donā€™t charge for initial reading and scoping.

  • I can.

    I think of it as a shared-risk arrangement, where a reduced upfront fee is balanced by an agreed outcome-based payment.

    This means I carry more of the risk while establishing trust with a new client. It's a way of demonstrating that I believe in both my work and the client's project.

    Any outcome-based payment must be agreed and budgeted for before work begins. It cannot be paid from grant funding.

    The definition of success will depend on the project and may include funding approval, finalist status, an award win, a commendation or another agreed outcome.

  • I believe I have an uncomfortable responsibility to stay informed and capable with regard to developments in generative AI, including its benefits, drawbacks and broader social and environmental impacts.

    Over recent years, I've tested AI tools against my own work across grant applications, tender proposals, award entries and marketing communications.

    To date, I have not found generative AI improves submission responses. In my experience, AI tools only dilute and weaken a well-written response. There may be exceptions where insufficient information is available to craft a strong response in the first place, or where a large amount of factual information needs to be efficiently compiled, say into a timeline, however I believe the risk of loss of data is high.

    Occasionally, I or a client may use AI as a checking tool to identify typos, gaps, opportunities for clarification or whether a response appears to address the brief.

    I canā€™t claim to never use AI at all. That horse has bolted, Iā€™m afraid.

    I do however minimise reliance on generative AI while the full extent of the impacts of data centres is understood. It's not looking good.

    Sensitive client material will not be uploaded to AI without client permission and direction.

  • Yes, and I respect such a request. However, it may be disingenuous for me to guarantee complete abstinence.

    What I can commit to is not uploading your confidential information, documents or drafts to AI tools.

    Technology providers and platforms used during a project may have their own terms, conditions and AI-related features, outside my control.

    If you have specific requirements regarding AI use, please feel welcome to discuss with me before work begins.

  • Probably not.

    My rates reflect my human capabilities and unique skillset. To date, I have not found generative AI improves grant applications, tender proposals or award entries.

    I also have concerns regarding the social, environmental and ethical impacts of AI, including its impacts on creative industries. I'm not convinced there is no cost to outsourcing research, writing and decision-making to machines.

    At the same time, as an Anglo-Australian woman, I'm not about to tell others what tools they should and shouldn't use, particularly when access to opportunity and resources is not evenly distributed.

    The simple reality is that I do this work because it's where I do my best work. It's where I can contribute positive impact and it's my happy place.

    If AI is essential to the work, I'm probably not required.

  • Unfortunately, no, though I appreciate your position. That horse has bolted. I have already used generative AI and cannot honestly claim to be part of a 100% AI-free supply chain.

    I can commit to not uploading your confidential information, documents or drafts to generative AI tools.

  • Iā€™m very happy to accommodate working on-site, depending on availability, the needs of the project and a suitable workspace.

    I can also work nearby or in a hybrid arrangement, for example from a hotel or mobile office.

    Projects may involve stakeholder interviews, documenting field work, site visits and travel.

    I'm equally comfortable working in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations in Australia and internationally, with experience working in several locations across the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Iā€™m very happy to accommodate across time zones and without additional charges

    Meeting times and availability will depend on project commitments and deadlines at the time.

  • The need for supporting material is often identified during the submission process itself. I have assisted with project plans, business plans, marketing plans, profiles, CVs, speeches, internal documents, letters of support, photography and other collateral.

    I can also assist with liaison with endorsers, assessors and other stakeholders where appropriate.

  • Depending on the needs of the project, yes.

    I started out with Bachelor of Fine Arts (Photography) from the Victorian College of the Arts, however I no longer maintain professional gear.

    Where appropriate, I can assist with project documentation and photography using an iPhone, GoPro or other available equipment.