Understanding Intake Stages

Draft: work in progress, not yet shared

An enquiry in Draft is still being prepared and has not been sent to anyone for comment. It should not be treated as final under any circumstances.

Ready for Enquiry: complete enough to be seen

This stage signals that an enquiry is finished enough for a first look, even if it is not perfect. It tells contacts the author believes it is worth their time.

Under Enquiry: feedback is being gathered

The enquiry is actively with one or more contacts. Nothing should change hands again until this stage is complete, to avoid crossed wires about which record is being commented on.

Changes Requested: specific action is needed

This stage means contacts have identified changes that must be made before the enquiry can move forward. It should always be accompanied by clear feedback, not just a rejected status.

Revised: changes have been made

The author has addressed the requested changes and produced an updated record. This stage signals that the enquiry is ready to go back to contacts, not that it has been converted.

Awaiting Intake: a final decision is pending

The content is considered finished and the only remaining step is a formal decision from whoever has authority to convert it.

Converted and Archived: closed and kept for reference

Converted marks the formal sign-off. Archiving afterwards keeps the record for history without it cluttering your list of enquiries still in progress.

In summary

A clear enquiry process becomes easier to sustain once there is a structure around it: defined intake stages, organised follow-up notes, tracked records and useful follow-up notes. IntakeHarbor organises that information; the enquiry and intake decisions themselves always remain with you and your contacts.

This article is general information about enquiry-enquiry practice. It is not legal advice and does not constitute enquiry or signature certification.