[JonoMarshall]

Lately I seem to spend most of my time re-doing layouts because the sodding copy gets changed AGAIN.

How many revisions should be considered "normal"..? I'm pondering having a word with the comms exec to try and sign off all content before it gets passed my way... it's a big waste of time!

Rant over I guess, but how many revisions would you put up with from a boss/client?

[Coops]

Oh mate, I get this all the time with my main client. I'm currently trying to get copy approved before I receive it - I'd definitely recommend you try and do the same...

[Do Gooder]

we quote for three revisions.. tends to focus things.. a bit.

[Dusteh]

Emphasise the need for 'final copy' and perhaps explain what it actually means. Changes to the final copy once the design process has started incurs extra cost at an hourly rate.

Thats in theory of course, but it doesn't hurt to make this point in the proposal.

[steveb]

If you get stuck with the wrong kind of cutomer, text revisions continue up to and past the time when the "final version" goes to the printers. At my last workplace, a Helsinki corporate communications bureau, my work partner frequently had to call the printers to have them make alterations to PDFs which had already received final approval.
As for me, I refuse to start placing text in documents before the final version has been signed for, but there are still the voluntary adjustments to be made correcting the customer's spelling and grammar. They don't really come under the responsibility of the pre-press dogsbody but it's less stressful than having to listen to the customer company's MD/CEO bitching about why no-one has checked this copy!

[badaboom]

Bane of my life – constant amends.

DoGooder is right best to put restrictions at early stage – great in theory but not always possible.

If you can, invoice as “Authors Amends” another way to ‘focus minds’ and greatly satisfying!