Lisa Waterman Gray - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tell me about yourself...
I have lived in Kansas City for more than 30 years and have been married for 28 years. I was previously a speech therapist, and director of a nonprofit neighborhood and business organization. I have also worked as a cook, hostess, waitress, bread baker and catering assistant. My 20-something daughters live in Colorado and Chicago, and my crazy pooch thinks he’s our kid.

What type of writing & editing do you do?
I write/edit articles and books.

Why should we work together?
I work thoroughly, conscientiously, quickly and personally with each client. I have interviewed more than 7,000 people and written more than half a million words in my career; and I am naturally curious and open-minded.

How much time do you need for a project?
I can typically complete the first draft of an 800- to 1,000-word article within one to three weeks. I can copy edit a 50,000-word manuscript within three to five weeks.

How do you charge for your work?
I charge an hourly or project fee, unless pay is pre-determined by a publication or client.

How do you find sources?
I locate sources through editors/clients, networking and the Internet.

Tell me about your photography...
My photos have appeared in my June 2011 book, An Explorer's Guide: Kansas, the Kansas City guide at www.frontdoor.com, KANSAS! Magazine, Missouri Life Magazine, The Nature Conservancy's Annual Almanac, and on the Kansas City Originals (restaurant association) web site. I also have held multiple independent photography shows. 


 

Editor Commentaries


Lisa Waterman Gray's profiles go beyond her mastery of the written word--they also strike an intellectual and emotional chord with the reader. Lisa's in-depth and entertaining style makes you feel like you've known the subject all of your life. She is engaging and accurate in her reporting, a stickler for deadlines and a delight to work with. -- Walter K. Lopez, managing editor, New Mexico Magazine

 

Lisa makes intuitive pitches, works independently, and delivers well-researched articles on time. She's one of our best. -- Ashley Brenon, Senior Editor, Santé Magazine

 

It’s been a pleasure to work with Lisa on a couple of donor profiles. She gets good quotes, delivers the articles on time and works quickly to resolve last-minute questions or any rewrites needed. -- Wes Isley, Editor, Triumph/an American Cancer Society publication/Pace Communications, Inc.

 

Lisa is one of the most professional writers I have worked with as an editor. She queried me with creative, fresh ideas and turned in clean, well-written manuscripts on time. She also has a wonderful personality and is very easy to work with. I highly recommend her as a freelance writer.  -- Nicole Brechka, Editor-in-Chief, Better Nutrition Magazine

 

One of Kansas City's talented writers, Lisa Waterman Gray is the consummate professional. She meets deadlines, presents strong story ideas and collaborates in defining editorial direction. Lisa has a good eye for detail and offers skillful, complete reporting. -- Bruce Rodgers, Publisher/Editor, eKC online

 

Lisa Waterman Gray is an exceptional writer and a superb interviewer who gleans the true dramatic stories behind events. She's the kind of writer who always delivers. For my book, she helped me find people to interview, and I couldn't have written it without her. -- Barbara Bartocci, author, Meditation in Motion