Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What do you charge?
A. I assess fees by the project. Click here to get a free quote for your project.
Q. What do you write?
A. I write content you can use in your marketing materials, including Web content, ads, sales letters, and articles. Just get in touch with me to discuss your project.
Q. What if your fee is higher than my budget?
A. There are a number of things we can do to reduce my services so that you can afford the fee.
To give just one example: two free revisions are normally included in each project. I can eliminate the revisions to reduce your fee. Contact me and we can discuss your project and your budget.
Q. Can you take a look at my Web site and tell me what needs to be done to fix it?
Q. Do you require a contract?
A. Yes—a letter of agreement gives you a guarantee that I will deliver your requested work on time, and for the fee promised. And it helps keep the project scope clear for both of us. (View a sample letter of agreement here.)
Q. What kind of clients do you work with?
A. Most of my clients to date have been in small business, real estate, and publishing.
But if you're with a nonprofit or larger business, I'm happy to discuss how I can help you; just contact me about your request.
Q. How will we communicate and exchange materials?
A. Through e-mail, fax, and mail. We can also communicate by phone if needed.
But we'll need to exchange some materials—such as the letter of agreement—by fax or mail.
Q. Do you work with long-distance clients?
A. Yes. Because I work via e-mail, fax, mail, and phone, I can work with you wherever you're located.
Q. Do you ask for any payment up front?
A. Yes, I ask for one half of the total fee before beginning work. I do this as a compromise that gives assurances to both of us. You don't have to pay the entire fee up front; and I receive some compensation before beginning.
Q. Do you design and produce pieces, or just write the copy?
A. I do the writing only. If you need a designer, I suggest you look for a local designer with experience in direct response. (If that's out of your budget, I can give you a couple of other suggestions.)
Q. What services do you include in the project fee?
A. Unless we’ve agreed otherwise, when I quote you a project fee for copywriting, it covers all of the following:
o Research
o Correspondence by e-mail or fax*
o Writing
o Up to two revisions
o A final proofread of the piece before it's printed (or displayed on a Web site)
*Long-distance phone calls (not including faxes) will be invoiced separately.
Q. What is a revision?
A. After I've written your copy, I give you a chance to look it over and request specific changes. You get up to two revisions with each project at no extra charge. If I disagree with a change, I'll tell you, but the final decision is up to you. This helps guarantee you get the copy you want.
Q. How long does it take you to complete a project?
A. Usually two to four weeks. It depends on the length and type of piece requested, how much research is needed, and my current schedule. But whatever deadline we agree on, I will meet it, guaranteed.
To find out how long I need for your project, submit the request form for a free quote.
Q. What format do you deliver the project in?
A. You have your choice of formats: Microsoft Word 2007, .pdf, or a password-protected Web page on my Web site. You can select your preference on the request form.
Q. Do you donate any profits to charity?
Yes—starting this year, 10% of all Word and Phrase profits will be donated to one of 5 charities at the end of each year.
The 5 charities are: The American Autoimmune and Related Diseases Association; Best Friends Animal Society; The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation; The National Alliance to End Homelessness; and the Rocky Mountain Institute, all of which have the highest rating (4 stars) on Charity Navigator.
Q. What is bartering?
Bartering is an exchange of goods or services, in this case between you (or your business) and me. No money is exchanged. But we'll still sign a letter of agreement, and report the value of the service received as income on our tax return. It can be a good option when you don't have the budget for copywriting.
Q. I'd like you to write something for me. What do I do?
I'll respond with a quote and my availability for the project, including my estimated delivery date. If we decide to go ahead with the job, we'll sign a letter of agreement to complete the order.
To learn more about how I work, visit the About and How It Works pages. If you have any other questions, let me know. Thank you for your interest in Word and Phrase!
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