frequently asked questions
Thank you for considering my services. Here's some information about common concerns many people have prior to contracting a professional copywriter.
If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line or give me a call at 604.376.4716. I'll be happy to discuss any other concerns you may have, with no obligation.
"What are your qualifications as a copywriter?"
My first full time career job was as a Marketing Coordinator for professional and reference books, back in 1986. Over the next two and a half decades, I wrote, edited, proofread and evaluated almost every form of the written word you could think of. Along the way, I came to understand that all writing is persuasive, whether you are persuading a reader to find compassion in their heart for a character in a novel, persuading a novice user that a new application is friendly, or persuading a Board of Directors to approve a $17m capital expenditure.
It's knowing your story, understanding their story, and building the rich common ground between them. I find this exciting.
Early in 2009, I decided to focus on marketing copywriting full time. From immersing myself in the world of marketing and copywriting techniques, I have discovered the "sweet spot" where all my skill sets merge with my wisdom of experience.
I've graduated from the American Writers & Artists Institute's (AWAI) B2B copywriting program and attended their annual Bootcamp in November. As well, I completed the curriculum for Michael Stelzner's White Paper Copywriting 2009 Bootcamp. I look forward to learning something new about copywriting or marketing every day, through my ongoing upgrading of skills, my client interactions and from being tuned into the marketing climate in general.
Since August 2009, I have built up a satisfied clientele who have benefited from my abilities to:
- Comprehend their stated needs
- Anticipate and clarify needs they might not even recognize
- Identify and address the challenges and needs of their customers
- Bring enthusiasm, creativity and passion to their strategies and initiatives
You can view some of their testimonials here.
"What is your background?"
I've been working with documents, matching client outputs to user requirements, for over 20 years. As a business consultant, my reputation was built on creating deliverables to meet scope and timeline requirements quickly, so as not to lose valuable time. In various roles, I developed criteria and processes for quality and worked with cross-functional teams to tight deadlines.
Most importantly, I billed based on those deliverables for over a decade. And, because much of it was done in politically sensitive environments, I got good at communicating about it with others along the way.
"What kind of assignments do you handle?"
My strength lies in my ability to get up to speed quickly in new environments and deliver the required materials on time and to specification. You can put your B2B marketing communications materials into my care with confidence. My specialty is white papers and case studies, because of my background. Being creative and imaginative, conceiving of all other forms of marketing materials comes easily to me. Sales or lead generation letters, brochures, websites, landing pages, presentations - because I'm a seasoned consultant, a new industry or flavour of project doesn't phase me. I treat every project as a new project - it keeps me curious and imaginative.
For more information about my copywriting services, take a look at my services page.
"How do you quote projects?"
Quoting a per project flat fee makes the most sense to me, and I've developed my fee schedule based on professional copywriting industry rates.
These fees reflect the process behind each project, no matter how big or small. Sure, the number of hours spent writing similar projects is factored in, but the flat fee also includes research time (background, competitors and industry), and any interviews that might be necessary. As well, all revisions within the original project scope and direction, are included, until the client is satisfied.
Working on a flat fee removes monitoring the clock and ensures quality attention where it belongs: on the end result.
Give me a call at 604.376.4716 or send me an email and we can discuss any projects you have in mind.
"What do you need from us to get started on a project?"
- Statement of Work/Fee Agreement and Payment
First, I will need signoff on the project quote provided. This document, once signed and returned by fax or .pdf, becomes the statement of work and fee agreement. 50 percent of the flat project fee is required to begin work. One week after submitting the initial draft, I will invoice the balance, which is due within 15 days of the invoice date. This span of about three weeks (from the day you receive my initial draft) gives you the time to submit the remaining 50 percent.
- Creative Brief/Kickoff Meeting
By phone or email, I will gather background information in the form of a simple creative brief. I will also require copies of any other sales materials you have on hand, and perhaps some basic competitor and jumping off industry information in order to solidly ramp up.
As the project progresses, I may have other questions for you or other key colleagues in your organization - or perhaps customers.
"How long will it take you to write my copy?"
Usually two weeks is a good benchmark for any substantial project. More complex projects — such as copy for a large website or a white paper entailing subject matter expert interviews — would take longer.
Sometimes, there isn't the luxury of time. And my schedule varies. If you are in a rush, contact me all the same and we can take a look at what can be done realistically.
"How do you handle revisions?"
Revisions that are within the original project scope and direction are included in the agreed flat fee, provided they are assigned within 30 days of your receipt of the copy. These are done promptly and I would count on specific feedback to address any deficiencies.
"Do you guarantee your work?"
I can't guarantee response or conversion rates on direct response copy. It's not a guarantee any copywriter can make - although we'd all like to!
My guarantee is about satisfaction and service. As long as I know clearly the aspects that aren't working, I'll fix it until it does.
"I need something yesterday! How do I contact you?"
Give me a call at 604.376.4716 or drop me a line. We can have a no obligation discussion about your project and go from there.
