“Unlocking the Secrets of Storytelling: Discover the Hidden Elements That Can Transform Your Narratives!”
Receiving an email from a potential client can feel like unwrapping a mystery gift—exciting, but often with a side of anxiety. When I got a message that read, “We’re looking for an article about home mortgages for millennials. We’re open to suggestions on formatting. What’s your rate?” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the simplicity. It felt like a polite nudge from a stranger at the door asking for a full course meal without mentioning the number of guests or dietary restrictions.
After seven long years in the freelancing world, I’ve come to realize that a brief three-sentence request can sometimes hide layers of complexity beneath the surface. Sure, an article on home loans sounds straightforward, but those scant details lead to a cascade of questions. How long should the piece be? Will it require interviews? Are there specific products that must be highlighted? If those elements aren’t discussed upfront, the risk of endless revisions looms ominously over the project.
That said, it’s possible to go too far in the opposite direction as well. I don’t need a deep dive into a brand’s entire history to write a concise piece! What I really seek is that *Goldilocks zone*—just the right amount of detail to craft an engaging and informative article without getting lost in the weeds. So, how can we achieve this delicate balance? Let’s explore the essential components of a story brief that will set the stage for success, especially for contributors on Contently.
[LEARN MORE](https://help.contently.com/support/solutions/articles/150000023118-how-to-get-work-with-contently)I recently received an email from a potential new client that gave me pause: “We’re looking for an article about home mortgages for millennials. We’re open to suggestions on formatting. What’s your rate?”
