FAQs
Most companies that are thinking about working with a new vendor have questions about the way their projects will be handled. What follows are the FAQs – the questions that come up most often.
Do you have a process for working with clients?
If you don't have a formal writing process, the process below covers the essentials. In many cases, we can handle questions by email or text.
1 FREE Initial Consultation. This "discovery meeting" is usually a phone conversation that allows us to go over your project's high-level goals, timelines, and budget.
2 Copywriting Questionnaire. If the project seems like a good fit for both of us, I'll send you a brief questionnaire to help you gather additional details and documents that will help me come up to speed.
3 Q&A Session. When I'm ready with my presentation, we can schedule a review meeting with project stakeholders, such as a project manager, product owner, and a subject matter expert who can answer questions. The meeting agenda will include my presentation, open questions, and plans for communication and collaboration.
4 Proposal and Approval. I will prepare and submit a proposal that includes my fees and terms, plus an invoice for a deposit. For projects under $1,000, I require full payment in advance. For fees over $1,000, I require a 50 percent deposit. (If you need a contract, I can supply that as well.)
5 First Draft and Review. I'll begin by carefully reviewing your website, social media presence, and materials about your competitors. By the time I finish, you can be confident that I will have a clear understanding of your company, your product, its unique selling proposition (USP), and the emotional triggers that will touch your customers.
Typically, you will receive the first draft in 10 to 14 business days, depending on the project's scope and complexity. Please be sure that you and all team members review the draft carefully. I need and will welcome feedback on the tone, message, and offer. If necessary, I have experience in sharing my screen and making revisions as we talk. I am confident that the final draft will delight you.
6 Final Draft and Approval. Once all revisions are made, I will submit a final draft on or before the deadline. If the final draft is approved, I will submit an invoice for the balance, payable upon receipt. After you make the final payment, the copyright will transfer to you, per the terms of our agreement.
If additional revisions are needed, this is not a problem. My fee includes two rounds of revisions, provided the revisions are requested within 30 days of receipt of the final draft and do not represent a change to the initial assignment.
If the requested changes are received more than 30 days after the submission of the final copy or represent a change to the initial assignment, work will be completed at an hourly rate.
7 Wrap-up and Transition to New Projects. Once the project is closed, I provide all my clients with a complimentary follow-up consultation. We can meet briefly to talk about what went well and what could be improved. We can also review related projects that would be a good fit for both of us.
How do you calculate your fees? Do you charge by the hour?
Typically, I charge by the project, not the hour. This approach helps both of us plan our budgets.
My project fee is based on your project description, personal experience, and rate guides issued by professional associations.
What does your fee include? What if I need revisions?
My fee assumes there may be two rounds of minor revisions.
If the scope changes, we will work together to revise the proposal and the fees and help you meet your deadline.
What can I expect from working with you?
As a veteran consultant, I treat my colleagues and clients with professional respect and courtesy.
I prefer an easy-going partnership that lets us focus on showing prospects how your offerings will improve their lives.
This work style has won me praise and appreciation from colleagues.
How long will it take to complete my project?
The answer depends on several factors – the size of your project, the research required, access to subject matter experts, and other projects already on my schedule.
I usually advise clients to plan and allow about a month for typical projects.
TIP: To schedule a FREE discovery meeting to discuss your project goals, schedule, and budget, please see the Contact page.
I have a tight deadline. Can you start right away?
It depends on what other assignments are already on my schedule.
To prevent emergencies, I often suggest that clients work with me to develop a project plan and an editorial plan. This plan will help you develop realistic deadlines that match your market’s needs.
What do clients say about your work?
Please see the page of testimonials from colleagues who have worked with me in the past.