Having written for, edited, launched, and managed publications for nearly 20 years before founding West Gold Editorial in 1994, Susan West and Michael Gold know what it takes to make a magazine or Web site successful. We call it smart content.

WHAT IS SMART CONTENT?
It's information, resources, and experiences that are intelligently conceived, executed at a high level, engagingly packaged—and aimed squarely at the needs of your audience as well as those of your business.

We're ready to help you build smart content into every level of your product, from refining the big concept to suggesting catchy headlines, from dreaming up magazine departments to testing the user-friendliness of your Web site, from researching readers to coaching editors.

HOW WE START
During our initial, complimentary meeting, we ask you lots of questions...

•	Who are your readers or Web site visitors?
•	What do they need, how do they think and speak, and where else do they get their information?
•	How do you hope to realize your business plan or fulfill your mission by serving this audience?
•	What are your biggest challenges?

After reviewing any background information you provide, we discuss ways we might be able to help: facilitate your brainstorming of a new project, guide the planning and execution, rev up your editorial engine. (See our full list of services for publications and Web sites.) We follow up with a written proposal that details tasks, timing, and estimated costs. Fees are based on standard hourly and daily rates.

HOW WE WORK
Because West Gold Editorial is a two-person firm, we work in a flexible, personalized manner. We don't swoop in and take over like the big companies. We work as colleagues and coaches with you, your managers, and your staff.

And because we understand the big picture—that editorial must work within a business model and as part of a visual package—we can connect you with expertise in those areas as well. We frequently work with publishing business consultants such as Marty Walker, Cheryl Woodard, and Jim Tucker, with design experts such as William Drenttel and Jessica Helfand, and with Web design and development pros such as Primatial to deliver a complete package of services to our clients.

Our clients include media giants, specialized publishers, professional associations, membership organizations, and non-profits.

If you'd like to know more about how we might work with you, please contact us.