Q: What is a copywriter?
A: A copywriter writes to persuade, convey a message, inspire an action or evoke an emotion.
Q: What is freelance writing?
A: Commercial writing is work done for corporations or other business entities on a freelance basis. That means websites, marketing brochures, presentations, reports, ad copy, newsletters, direct mail campaigns, speeches, trade articles, tenders, annual reports, video scripts and about a zillion other types of projects.
Q: What is copyediting?
A: Copyediting is a process of checking existing text for the correct use of punctuation, technical errors, issues of clarity and general readability. It makes the copy clear, correct, concise, comprehensible and consistent. This is a good option for those on a tight budget who want to save on costs by providing their own text and having it professionally edited.
Q: What is proofreading?
A: Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process. It is the reading of a gallery proof or computer screen to find and correct production errors – they may be either text or art/design. It focuses on surface errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Q: Why would I use a copywriter?
A: Copywriters are experts in the use of words. It’s not just thinking of words to suit an audience. It’s knowing:
- How to sort the ideas and words into the right order
- How to use the right tone for the type of document and audience
- The impact of grammar. punctuation and formatting
- That the piece of writing has balance and flow
- How to make the copy say what it means and mean what it says
Q: How much do copywriters cost?
A: Rates vary depending on the type of job and its complexity. Each and every project is different. A final rate and timing can only be quoted once it is known what you precisely want from your brand and/or copy, and how much work will be necessary to achieve your goal.
I quote in a number of ways, including fixed prices for individual projects. The easiest way to get a quick and accurate idea of the price of a job you want to be completed is to email me and send the basic details of your request. A written, fixed-price proposal will then be sent to you.
Q: What is included in a quote or price estimate?
A: When I provide original copywriting, two revisions (minor alterations and short additions) are included as part of the initial quote. Any changes that may need to be made (after the agreed second draft alterations have been made) will be charged at an hourly rate. Alterations that are of greater scope than minor additions or alterations will be charged at the normal hourly rate.
Q: What information is required for a quote?
A: For us to give you the best idea of how much a project will cost, you’ll need to provide some basic information. Generally that includes things such as:
- How any pages of copy do you require?
- What type of material do you require – website, brochure, speech, submission
- If website material, which pages – Home Page, About Us
- Intended word length of material to be produced
- How much information already exists in relation to the material to be created?
Or, look here for a complete list.
Q: What kind of copy do you write?
A: Web content, business plans, tenders, sales letters and materials, advertising copy, proposals, profiles, newsletters, articles, brochures, postcards, press releases, annual reports, editing, proofing drafts and more. If you don’t see something on this list, just send me details of your needs, and I’ll let you know if I can create the style of copy or story that suits your project.
Q: Have you written for my type of business?
A: I’ve written for a wide range of businesses and industries but if I haven’t, after a quick discussion of your requirements and a bit of research, I’ll let you know if I have enough knowledge to confidently write about your product or service. As we work together on future projects our expertise will grow and hopefully I’ll become a valuable resource. We’ll develop a ‘short hand’ for working together and your projects will be completed with optimum efficiency.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Of course this depends on the type of project and what other work is already booked, however generally I like to have at least one week for shorter projects and 2-4 weeks for more involved projects. This gives me time to ensure your final draft is completely polished and ready for presentation. However, if you have a rush job, let me know your deadline and I’ll let you know if I can help. Your copy will always be delivered to you on or before deadline.
Q: What are your Terms?
A: For regular clients, payment is due seven days from invoice. For overseas jobs and those booked online, we require a 50% deposit. An invoice for the balance will be sent prior to delivery of your final drafts, after payment of this they will be delivered immediately. Before starting any projects, a signed letter of agreement or an email (accepting the quote and terms) is required.
Q: Can you edit a draft I have already written?
A: Yes. If you have pre-written copy that needs a second opinion or an injection of a bit of spark, I can go through it and bring it to life.
Q: Can I see your previous work?
A: Yes, by clicking on the Samples section, you will see several samples. If you need to see more, please contact me and I can send you additional samples.
Q: Are there things you do NOT do?
A: Yes. They are -
- Cost estimates and budgets – We can give you an idea of our charges when quoting on a specific project, or an ongoing basis. But we do not go to other suppliers (e.g., printers, graphic artists) to collect quotations for their portion of the overall job. We can however recommend suppliers you can contact for such quotes.
- Media research – If you want to buy space, air time, or mailing lists, we can send you to specialists in those areas, who will provide their recommendations. We can also review the media selections they recommend to you. But we do not do media research, nor do we act as middleman between you and the media experts.
- Scheduling – We do not create formal media schedules. We can suggest milestones and time frames for your marketing program.
Q: How do we get started?
A: After our initial consultation, I’ll ask you to send me as much background material as you can. This will be kept strictly confidential and is used for research purposes only. I’ll ask for copies of lots of bits and pieces, as well as picking your brains on various things. Other questions may follow as the project develops.
This is all designed to study the brand, product or company —its features, benefits, past performance, applications, and markets. Digging for the facts will pay off, because in copywriting, branding and marketing, specifics sell.
When I’ve written your first draft, I’ll send it to you for your approval. You can send me additions or notes which I’ll gladly incorporate. Over the next 10-30 days, two revisions will be completed – ensuring you are completely satisfied with the final draft.
Q: How do I hire you?
A: Easy. Just email me your details. I look forward to hearing from you and getting started on writing your story.
