Frequently Asked Questions Some people have never worked with a commercial writer before, so they are not sure as to what we do. Others have experience in working with a copywriter, but prefer to get additional insight into the nature of the person working with them. Either way, if we were sitting face to face, you would be asking me questions. Let me attempt to answer these questions here Q. What experience do you have?
A. I have been a professional copywriter since 1988. Before that, I wrote for my own business needs. In 1988 I decided to get paid for doing what comes naturally. During the early years I wrote the ad copy for my own business-consulting agency. If you want to know what works, try it out on your own business. I did, and out of necessity, studied every idea, concept and business writing style I could get my hands on. When it doesn’t work for you, your quickly learn what does work, or you go broke. I am still studying to this day. I have written slogans, new names, product ads, service ads, announcement ads, direct mail packages, trade show ads, brochures, web sites and online advertising.
Q. Do you work locally, travel or can you work anywhere?
A. I can work anywhere, I just don't like too. I will travel for the preliminary work up of the contract, but you will find that I can produce copy for you faster if I am using a computer system I am familiar with. Because I multi-task to the max, I often have two or three programs open at the same time, but in most network environments, the programs I use are not part of the standard load, thus slowing down my writing and costing the client more in terms of time, while I learn their system. I prefer working from the comfort of my own computer. I have all my programs loaded, and my idea folders packed with information. My Win2000 server system is equal if not better then most corporate computer networks. And as it sits behind a duel firewall system, hooked into a 24/7 DSL connection, I can work remotely on your network, similar to being there. All I need is access permissions and a password.
Q. What happens if we're not satisfied?
A. My work is guaranteed, and I make every effort to make sure of that. The problem with writing is that once the material is placed on paper, it has an influence on the reader and therefore is useable by the client in whole or in part. But I will make revisions, often at no charge, unless there has been a significant change from the original objectives. Then I do charge a revision fee. Q. Why do you require 50% of your fee in advance?
A. The 50% retainer is a standard charge but not always cast in stone. It all depends on the type of project. For example, the self-promotion articles I write require 50% up front. When I send you the draft, I have reached a halfway point. These drafts can be used by you at this stage, therefore you have paid up for useable material should you need to stop the project. | If the project is more complex, requiring drafts, changes and then new drafts, I will usually work on 33% basis as an up front charge. Check my fee schedule and you will see that there are cases for hourly work, as well as provisions for when a project is canceled for any reason. Q. If I wanted to hire you, how would I go about it?
A. The fastest way is by calling me direct at 719.536.0505, or by e-mail. Tell me what it is we will be working on, what time crunches you are under, etc. We have to establish the verbal end of the communication first, especially if I am ghost writing an article for you. From this conversation we can determine how to proceed. I'll need the basic information as well as your URL and/or print materials giving me the background I need to write your copy. I require a signed agreement. I invoice through PayPal, and Checks, PayPal, Visa and MasterCard are acceptable through them. Signing up for a PayPal account is free and simple to do. You will receive an invoice for the remaining balance after you have approved the copy. Upon payment, I will release the copy to you. Q. What is the average length of time from first meeting to final completion of a project?
A. Naturally - that depends on the scope of the project. For example, when I ghost write a piece for the newsletter, I usually have a draft done in a few days. Once you review it and stamp your approval on the draft, I can finalize it in one or two days. This gives me time to polish, edit and revise until I'm satisfied with every word. Newsletter contracts however, take a little longer.
Q. Do you work with clients out of the country?
A. Yes. Between the technologies of Internet, geographical location is no longer an obstacle to long distance contracting. My online proofing process let’s me work with clients’ abroad as easily as with those right here at home
Q. What kind of assignments do you handle?
A. I cover the full spectrum. About 25% of my business is writing Web site content, with 65% going towards e-books, newsletter articles and ghost writing. I also do brochures and in store literature which counts for the remaining 10%. See a complete breakdown of past projects here.
Q. If I have a Rush job, can you help? A. Sometimes. Again, it depends on the project, when you require it, and my current commitments. The best thing to do is call me directly and we'll talk about it. I won't promise you something I don't think I can accomplish. Q. I have a team of in house writers now, but occasionally we tackle something outside of the skill sets of my writers. If within your skills, can you work with my current team to accomplish a given project. A. Yes. Get me in touch with the team lead and we can work out the details. My rates revert to an hourly basis for these types of assignments, unless I am not dependent on the team to make the project. |
Experience Q&A
