The Write Place has a history of expanding its services to meet the needs of its clients. In its 15 years—the last four with an office in Macomb, Illinois—Write Place owner Carol Van Klompenburg has helped her business evolve from a one-person writing shop to a full-service communications agency with a team that includes writing, design, and marketing professionals.
“As our clients’ needs have increased, we also have grown our services and our expertise so we can meet those needs,” said Van Klompenburg. “Today, The Write Place can provide a complete array of communications services.”
Begun initially by Van Klompenburg in Pella, Iowa, The Write Place has worked with more than 300 clients. These clients’ needs vary greatly, and so The Write Place satisfies each one through a combination of specifically tailored communications services.
The Write Place begins work on a project at whatever point its clients need the help—from needs assessment, through conceptualization, writing, design, editing, proofreading, and printing. “I like to think of us as a support team for our clients,” said Alexis Thomas, The Write Place manager. “We learn about the culture, products, and customers of a client company and then communicate in the voice of the client to their target audience.”
The Write Place is celebrating its 15 years in business by offering two specials. Through May 15, clients launching a new project as well as new customers will receive a 15 percent discount on a project. From May 15 through June 15, writers who sign a book publishing contract with The Write Place will receive a 15 percent discount. Email query@thewriteplace.biz to take advantage of these specials.
“Many small businesses either underestimate or don’t have the free time required to plan and execute an effective branding plan or promotional campaign,” Thomas said. “Our team of writing, design, and creative specialists are skilled at project coordination as well as producing communication products. We help clients put together an effective mix that can include newsletters, e-newsletter content, direct mail campaigns, press releases, radio ad copy, newspaper and magazine ad designs.”
The Write Place can also help clients with social media content, brand identity, Web site content and organization, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, catalogs, employee manuals, and logo design.
It’s always rewarding to help our clients improve their marketing and communication and meet their deadlines,” Van Klompenburg said. “It’s very gratifying to help enable our clients to focus on what they do best—their core business.”
Pella Corporation Corporate Communications & Foundation Director Mary Van Zante commented, “The Write Place understands our products and vocabulary and produces superb communication pieces that are a match for our corporate culture and branding. I am confident in their ability to respond in a prompt, professional manner regardless of the task.”
McDonough District Hospital is one of The Write Place’s Macomb clients. “The Write Place has been a valuable resource for us,” said John Maguire, director of public relations and fund development for the hospital. “While providing us with local insight and regional perspective, The Write Place creates clean, bright, and eye-catching designs to help us promote our services.”
In addition to its other services, The Write Place also has a book publishing arm. Business owner Van Klompenburg is the author of more than a dozen books and plays, and now uses her skills to help writers become published authors.
“Fifteen years ago, most people wouldn’t have thought it possible that they could write a book that could be bound and published,” Van Klompenburg said. “Today, with the changes in the self-publishing services, we are helping many writers fulfill their dream of becoming published authors.”
Books published by The Write Place have included children’s books, biographies, poetry, memoirs, guidebooks, health books, and others. While some writers want help with the proofing, editing, layout and cover design, other writers only want help handling the publishing details.
No matter who the client is—large or small businesses, non-profit organizations, or individuals—The Write Place treats each of them as individuals by personalizing its services to them.
“Today’s economy demands that businesses and organizations develop effective and cost-efficient communications strategies making use of today’s ever-evolving media,” Thomas said. “At the same time, organizations must deal with daily deadlines, unexpected projects, and unforeseen circumstances. We can fill in their communications gaps because we are small enough to be flexible, and large enough to provide a comprehensive array of services by knowledgeable and experienced professionals.”
