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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a sales writer?
- Sales writer, advertising writer, copywriter... these are all synonyms. They all refer to a
freelance writer who writes specifically to increase sales.
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- This includes ads, letters, promotional emails, and other messages designed to create a sale. It also includes related tasks such as creating media releases (to get the business owner free exposure in the media), promoting (and possibly creating) the business owner's website, and getting traffic from Internet search engines.
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- As an advertising writer, everything I do is
designed to increase your sales in one way or another.
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Are you a writer, or a marketing consultant?
- Both. Almost every project I do involves writing one or more sales messages (usually ads or some other promotional material).
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- However, this must be done within the context of a sales and marketing strategy. (Copywriting has even been called "salesmanship in print.") Thus, most of my clients ask for my input on their marketing approach as well.
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- This is especially true for Internet marketing, which is still a young field. Few agencies or even other sales writers know much about it.
What's the difference between a freelance sales
writer and an agency?
- I don't do everything that an agency might do. Also,
unlike a PR agency, I usually don't work on retainer (unless that's what you
want), and unlike an ad agency, I don't make a commission from the
money you spend on advertising. You always know what the cost will be
(and it will usually be far less than what you would pay an agency).
What kind of assignments do you handle?
- My goal is
to increase your company's profitability and image. As such, I can
write your brochures, news releases, direct mail, marketing e-mails,
newsletters, feature articles, informative booklets and pamphlets,
white papers, catalog copy, collateral, manuals, case histories...and
more.
Because of my business background, I'm not an "artsy" writer. I don't
write poetry on the side, or take commercial projects "just until I
finish my novel." No, business writing is my passion. I get excited
when my clients have a blockbuster sales letter...or get broad,
favorable coverage in the media...or set new sales records with their
advertising. Your
success is my
success.
Put my expertise and enthusiasm to work on your
next project.
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I need a complete project. Do you offer other
services such as design, illustration, photography, printing
management, etc.?
- I don't, but I work with a network of other creative
professionals that can provide you with turnkey solutions if that's
what you need. You merely tell me what you want, then you approve the
writing, design, etc. as they are completed. Then sit back and take
delivery of the printed materials - it's that easy.
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How would I work with you?
- Our first meeting will be no-cost and no-obligation,
to discuss your project. Afterward, I will usually provide a fixed-cost
bid. You can of course hire me by the hour if you want.
Once we decide to work together, I'll provide a letter of agreement,
spelling out the details of the project: deadlines, deliverables, and
so on. Also, for new clients, I will usually require one half of the
fee at this time.
Early on, I'll provide a proposed outline of the copy for your review.
This ensures that I understand what you're looking for, and that you
know what you'll receive. After we agree on the outline, I'll complete
the project.
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What if I want revisions?
- Once you receive the copy, you'll have 30 days to
request revisions. Two rounds of revisions are available at no extra
cost, to ensure that you're completely satisfied. (Please note that all
requested changes must be in the same direction and scope as the
original project.)
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What will I need to provide?
- In general, the more information you can provide to
me, the better the project will go. Depending on your project, these are the types of materials I'll ask for:
- Your current brochure (if any) for the product or service
- Ad reprints
- Article reprints
- Texts of speeches and presentations
- Press releases
- Market plans and marketing research
- Competitor's brochures and ads
- Letters from customers
- Any testimonials
- Instruction manuals
Of course, I won't require all of these items, but the more relevant
material you can give me, the better. Don't worry about organizing it
all - I'll take care of that.
For direct mail, add these items to the list above:
- Your current control
- Your competitor's control
- List information
- Data cards
- And as much information about your prospects as
possible.
Sometimes clients tell me that they don't have any materials to provide
to me, because the product line is new. However, there are always
materials available: your company researched the market before deciding
to introduce the new product, scouted out the competition to see what
they were doing, designed the product, documented the use of it, and so
on. All of these activities will have created helpful material.
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What will it cost me to hire you?
- That depends on your project. After we discuss your needs, I'll usually quote you a fixed-cost fee.
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- Certain Internet projects (e.g., getting your website ranked in the search engines) are based on a monthly retainer instead.
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How much time will you need?
- That also depends on the project. Larger projects
will of course take more time, especially if there are interviews or
large amounts of research to perform. Generally I prefer a 2-3 week
turnaround time: this gives me the time to study the background
material, perform interviews, and do research...ponder the best
approach... submit an outline for your approval and then write, revise,
and polish the copy.
Sometimes clients need a faster turnaround. We can negotiate shorter
deadlines if this is what you need.
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What will it be like to work with you?
- You're busy enough already - you shouldn't have to
babysit your vendors. My goal is to make your life easier by being
dependable, flexible, and easy to work with. Many "creative
professionals" today are all "creative" and no "professional." I,
however, am both.
Too many writers today fail to deliver on their promises. I stand
firmly behind mine: you'll get effective, persuasive sales materials, "on-target"
and on-time. Every time. Contact me today!
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