Why copywriteZ ?

Maybe you are visiting www.copywriteZ.me out of curiosity about me or about what a copywriter does…especially if you’ve never hired a freelance copywriter before.

More than likely, you are here because as a business owner or manager, or a marketing professional, you have a pressing need for high-quality copywriting.

And, you probably have some questions. Maybe I can answer a few of them for you right now:

What are your qualifications as a copywriter?

Over the last 5 years, I have written copy for retailers and service providers in many industries including medicine and dental care, marketing and advertising, sports equipment, construction and mortgage firms, and non-profits including environmental organizations, social aid providers and churches.

I have written a large variety of project types including:

Do you have experience in my field?

Chances are, if I haven’t worked with your particular product or service, I have worked with one very similar. Here are some examples:

Agency

City/State

Service/Corporations

Retail

Healthcare

Nonprofit

Do you perform any services other than writing?

Yes, though they are closely related to writing. I perform both copy critiques as well as proofreading/editing services.

What is a copy critique?

A copy critique provides you with an objective review of a website, an ad, a sales letter, a brochure or any other type of writing project. The critique can be over an existing piece or a draft of copy in the production stages.

In a copy critique, you’ll answer a few questions about the scope of your project, including your target audience, goals and distribution. I will conduct any further research on your behalf, then I will provide you with a written report that analyzes your copy in detail.

The report will cover the plusses and minuses of the copy. With the target audience and intended goals of the piece in mind, I’ll assess the effectiveness of the piece and suggest what should be changed… and how.

A critique covers copy, design, strategy and the offer. It also includes specific suggestions for revisions.

A copy critique is perfect for clients who want a second opinion on a new project, or who want to revitalize an old project.

How much will my project cost?

For any copywriting assignment, we will come to a written agreement on my fee. Although every project is unique, my Rate Schedule should help you estimate a general figure. However, we will agree to a price prior to any project for your protection as well as mine.

How long will it take for you to write my copy?

Two to three weeks, or more, is an excellent time frame for almost any project. This gives me time to gather information, establish a concept, write primary drafts, and revise the copy until I am satisfied with it’s quality. Some larger projects may have several checkpoint deadlines. This is so that you can be sure that the ongoing work is in line with your final vision for the project.

I realize that some projects are needed in a hurry. If you need a rushed job, let me know up front, and I will make every effort to take your project. And, you don’t need to worry about quality on rushed jobs. I will not take on a project unless I can guarantee that you will have my best copy on or before your deadline.

What happens if we want changes in the copy?

Make a note of any changes you would like and I’ll make them – fast. Any charges for revisions – as long as they are requested within 30 days of your receipt of the copy – are included in the flat rate for the project. Keep in mind, a revision is on the existing project. A request that involves a change in the overall assignment may require an adjustment in the fee.

Most clients are immediately satisfied with the copy upon receiving it. But, if you are not 100% satisfied, I will make any and all revisions you request – at my expense.

How do we get started?

It’s easy. It starts with a phone call or an email. We can discuss your project that way, or set up a personal meeting – an excellent way to begin a project.

We’ll talk about your goals for your project, as well as your target audience and distribution strategy. If you have any existing brochures or other literature concerning your brand or your product, these can provide me with background information I’ll use to write your copy.

Finally, we’ll agree on the details of the project including the deadline and the fee, and we’ll put it on paper.

Then, I’ll get to work, and you will receive your copy on or before the deadline you have set. Remember, the copy is guaranteed to please you, and revisions are on me until you are satisfied.

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27 January 2010

5 reasons to hire a copywriter

1. Time – You can write. You might even be better than many professional writers out there. But, you aren’t a writer. Your position requires other duties of you. Writing takes time. Awesome writing takes a lot of time… and research… and formatting… and editing… and correspondence with webmasters, editors or designers. If time is money, it’s easy to see the value of knowing a good copywriter.

2. Productivity – With a copywriter, you can set your deadline and forget it. When that day arrives, your copy will be polished and complete. Since it’s not one of 20 items on your “to do” list, you’ll never be tempted to put it off. Wise planning, especially since that writing project could generate lots of attention and revenue for your company.

3. Connections – You’ve got a great idea for a website, or a brochure, or a radio spot. Now, do you know a quality graphic designer? Or a printer? Or an ad executive? Do you know how to deliver the copy in a format they can use? A professional copywriter can be worth their fee in this area alone, and they’ll do their part to ensure your final project is on time. Some will even compare vendors’ prices and do light layout work for you.

4. Knowledge – If you're alive, you’re a writer. But, how much do you practice? What have you studied? How large is your bag of tricks and techniques? Hopefully it’s growing everyday. Good for you! But, you may still feel that you don’t quite have the chops for the project at hand. Or, you may be looking to hire because of reasons 1-3 above. No worries! Copywriters usually possess a unique combination of education, experience and motivation. They practice their craft for hours a day. They read voraciously. They save great sales letters and ads. Most can be shockingly creative, but it’s their knowledge and effort that get you results.

5. Fun – Most writers (and other creatives) smell good, have taste in clothes, and drop everything for a good lunch meeting. Some writers surround themselves with interesting and nostalgic contraband (lava lamps, Calvin and Hobbs books and a Shawshank Redemption movie poster). Others sit under park trees while they write. Many writers are fun to talk to and fun to work with. And, it’s especially fun when they help you profit.

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