FAQ's
How much do you charge?
- Because I work out of my home and have very little
overhead, my rates are extremely reasonable. I'll give
you a detailed quote for your project based upon the
number of hours I estimate the project will require,
taking into account the complexities of the project
and/or your industry. My clients feel they receive
excellent value for their money. I will complete your
project on time and on budget. For pricing information,
click here.
Do you require a deposit?
- Yes. Once we've agreed on a price for your project,
I'll need 1/2 in advance, and I'll bill you for the
balance upon completion (due within 15 days). For
ongoing clients, the advance deposit required is 1/3
with the balance due 30 days from completion.
I've never used a copywriter before. How does the process
work?
- I'll make the process as quick and pleasant
for you as possible. I'll meet with you either in person
or over the phone. If there are other people involved in
the project, I'll ask to meet with the whole team. We'll
talk about what the project entails and the background
materials I'll need. I'll ask a lot of questions so I
understand exactly what you're looking for, and I'll
collect all the background materials, if any, from you.
(Sometimes the background materials are available
online, in which case I just need website addresses).
Then I'll go to work. My goal is to get back to
you with a piece that's as polished and finished as
possible. If I've done my homework right, and if I've
received clear direction from you and your team, I'm
generally able to hit the mark with the first draft I
turn in to you. If there are revisions you'd like me to
make, we'll discuss your feedback, and I'll make your
revisions. Then if needed I can work with your
production staff to answer their questions until the
project is 100% finished.
How long are your turnaround times?
- I set my own schedule, so I'm generally able to give
you a quick turnaround if needed. Keep in mind that
'fast' isn't necessarily best, and sometimes a little
longer lead time translates into a better finished
product. The bottom line is that we'll work together to
discuss your needs, and I'll do my best to accommodate
your timetable. Once I commit to a deadline, I'll meet it -- you can count on that.
What kind of work do you handle?
- I handle a wide variety of business writing needs
such as website content, sales letters, corporate
communications, advertising copy, annual reports,
brochures, training manuals, training presentations,
scripts, and so on. To see some samples, click
here.
What's the difference between what you do and an Ad
Agency? Do I need an Ad Agency?
- It's simple. You'll save a lot of money coming to me
instead of an Ad Agency. Unlike an Ad Agency with high
overhead that they pass on to their clients, you'll be
working directly with me. That means you get 'direct
from the factory' pricing and attention. For most Ad
Agencies, copywriting is a small part of what they
offer, or they outsource to people like me and increase
the rates you are charged so they can pocket a
percentage for their trouble. Sometimes they even
require you to provide your own copy.
For many projects, it's simply unnecessary to employ
the full range of services offered by an Ad Agency. If
you need a copy-driven project done (like a brochure,
website content, manual, training presentation, speech,
article, annual report etc.) you can save a great deal
by working directly with me. And your experience will
likely be much better because I'm so nice to work with!
Does it matter if we live in different parts of the
country?
- No. Happily, location simply isn't an issue these
days. With the phone and the web, I often work with
clients that I never meet face-to-face.
What if I cancel a project already in process?
- I understand that sometimes situations change.
You'll be charged only for the work that has been
completed through the date of the cancellation. And
hopefully we'll get together on another project in the
future.
How do you deliver the finished copy to me?
- It's up to you. I can deliver your copy via email
attachment, CD, or hard copy. Most of the time my
clients like their copy delivered by email attachment
(Word document).
Once my project is done, who owns the rights to it?
- Once you've paid me, the copy is 100% yours to do
with as you please. You own all the rights. I may ask
your permission to use the project in my portfolio, but
I won't use it without your permission.
What if I have a rough draft already written that just
needs editing or polishing?
- That's great! I'll be happy to edit your copy for
content, flow, layout, grammar, punctuation, and
spelling. This is a great way to get professional
writing results for a very reasonable fee and a quick
turn-around.
PROOFREADING
- You provide your document in final draft format
(Word-compatible file)
- I'll go over your text with a fine-toothed comb
and make corrections as needed to: spelling,
punctuation, grammar, and proper word usage
- I'll make suggestions regarding factual
problems, style, formatting, etc.
- I'll return your document to you in its final
corrected format.
CONTENT EDITING
- I'll make your document sparkle while retaining
your personal writing style.
- I'll edit your content as follows:
- improve clarity and flow
- eliminate extra words and make alternative
word choices
- rework of any awkward phrases
- make your document comfortable to read, easy
to understand
- organize sentences and paragraphs
- make suggestions for completeness and
clarity as needed
- Proofreading will be included (see above).
- Provide your document in either hand-written or
electronic format (Word-compatible file). Note:
Handwritten documents will have to be transcribed at
my regular hourly rate.
- I'll return your document to you in its final,
corrected format.
What if I don't like the first draft?
- While my goal is to provide you with copy that's
right the first time (and on many projects I meet that
goal) I understand that sometimes revisions are
required. We'll discuss the revisions, and I'll complete
them quickly and cheerfully until you're happy.
Do you have references available from other clients?
Do you provide website or graphic design services?
- I have created a
few complete websites, but I am mainly a writer.
However, I work with an experienced team of graphic
designers and website developers. I can either refer you
to them or I can subcontract to them and supervise your entire project,
beginning to end. If you have your own technical team, I
can easily work with them to complete your project as I
speak their 'lingo'.
What if you don't have any experience with my industry?
- No problem. I often work with industries in which I
have no prior experience. I enjoy research and the
challenge associated with a new industry, and I'll take
the time to become familiar with your company, your
product or service, and your competition.
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