I don't want to read all this; I just want to get started. What's the first step?
I recommend that all my prospective clients first read this FAQ before initially contacting me about their project needs. It heads off a lot of potential problems later on down the road.
If you have already read everything and are ready to start your project, please contact me via this easy form. Please fill it out completely; your information will automatically be included in my project database, and an initial call scheduled. I generally am able to return calls for serious inquiries within a business day of receiving the request.
What is a copywriter?
A copywriter professionally writes "copy" - the written English language content of websites, brochures, white papers, and a broad array of other marketing, sales and promotional materials. The term is commonly confused with "copyright", which is something completely different - the registration of legal property rights with the U.S. Copyright Office.
What is the difference between B2B and B2C copywriting?
There are significant differences. B2C (Business-To-Consumer) copywriting refers to material written in support of selling a product or service to retail customers; B2B (Business-To-Business) copywriting focuses on marketing and sales aimed at companies selling mainly to other companies. B2C marketing tends to appeal more to emotions while a B2B pitch must build a coherent and compelling business case - two very different objectives, requiring very different skill sets and disciplines.
While I do occasionally write for high profile B2C projects, the vast bulk of my work is in the world of B2B copywriting.
How much do you charge, and how do you bill it?
I bill on an hourly basis, but I no longer post my rates online; contact me for my current hourly rate.
Once I have everything I need to know in order to draft a formal estimate, I'll project what I see as the maximum number of hours necessary to complete your project under reasonable conditions. This will include initial consultation, research, drafting, revision and final edit. I then set this hourly total into our contract as a DNE (Do Not Exceed) level; once the contract is in force, I can not and will not work or bill hours in excess of the DNE level without signed, written authorization from the client. I then bill a third of the DNE up front as a deposit, payable upon contract execution.
From that point forward, I bill hourly for services rendered. Should the project grow in scope or otherwise require an expansion of the DNE or other contract terms, I will then email the client a one-page contract extension letter to sign.
Invoices are mailed out shortly after the start of the month, balances due within 30 days of the invoice date.
How long will my project take to complete?
One of the first questions I ask a new prospect is, what's your timeframe? When do you need this done? And the answer is always the same: "ASAP."
Most projects can be completed within one to three weeks of contract execution. However, that depends on a long list of factors - the size of my current workload (which fluctuates significantly with the seasons), the complexity of your project, how well things are organized on your end, etc. For that reason, I can only offer a firm completion date for first draft. The rest depends on you.
If you require a faster turnaround than I initially offer, I may be willing to bump you to the front of the line in return for a 25-50% rush fee (at my discretion). Ask me for more details.
What payment methods do you accept?
I only accept payment in United States currency. For clients in the United States, my preference is payment by check drawn against the client's business bank account; for international clients, I am willing to consider other payment options. Very rarely do I accept credit card payments for domestic clients.
Who manages the project?
Every project contract includes a clause that designates a single primary point of contact (PPC) representing the client, clearly stating that neither the PPC nor myself may solicit or accept work instructions from anyone else without the direct documented agreement of both parties. PPC designation will come up in our initial call; the official PPC may delegate control to another party, so long as we both agree on it in advance.
Under no circumstances will I accept project direction from anyone outside of the formal PPC designation chain. This policy is in place to protect both the client and myself, and to ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible.
Who owns the copyrights to the work you perform?
Upon project completion, I transfer all copyrights for the finished project to the client. While I will ask occasionally for permission to reproduce the copy on a limited basis for promotional reasons (i.e., in my portfolio), I retain no exclusive intellectual property rights to the material.
Can you work with our graphic design or creative team?
I have my own trusted contacts in graphic design, photography and other disciplines, but I can just as easily work with your in-house or outsourced creative team. We will discuss project team members in our initial call, along with the chain of responsibility and communications.
Are you willing to travel?
Yes. While the vast majority of my client projects are conducted over email and the phone, I am asked on occasion to travel for a job. On projects that require me to travel, the client will be charged on a per diem basis, along with any expenses (air fare, car rental, hotel room, etc.) I'm forced to incur during the trip. Payment for some or all of these expenses will be required in advance, per my discretion. We will discuss this in the initial call.
Will I have to sign a contract?
Yes. I require a signed contract and deposit prior to the start of every project.
Our attorneys tell me that we have to use our own contract. Can we still work together?
Probably not. I'm comfortable with my own contract; if we can't work under my standard agreement, then we most likely won't come to terms on a working arrangement.
