FAQ's About Hiring a Professional Writer

Q: What can a professional writer do that I can't?

A: The Secret...is good writing. A really good article. A great ebook. But what is that? It’s more than good grammar, spelling words correctly and writing logically.

Let's take copy writing. Here is an example of what I mean:

Good writing:
 
     The Widget 440x is the most dependable house-cleaning tool on the market. It will tackle soap scum in the bathroom, dirty windows in the living room, counter tops in the kitchen, and even lawn chairs in the backyard. Plus, it saves you money by eliminating the need to buy several products. The Widget 440x is the only cleaning product you’ll need to keep your home sparkling clean.

It’s good, right? It has correct grammar, spelling and sentence structure. So what’s the problem? Well, first of all, it’s kind of boring. Second, there are a lot of long sentences to read . . . not good for a busy customer. Last, it doesn’t make us want to run right out and buy the product.

Let’s try this:

Are you tired of having 20 bottles of cleaning products under your kitchen and bathroom sinks? The ones that you spent so much money on that don’t exactly deliver on their promises?

If so, you will be interested in hearing about the Widget 440x. This is not just another cleaning product. This is the only cleaning product you’ll need to clean your whole house.

A sparkling bathroom. A sanitary kitchen. Shiny, clean floors. Crystal clear windows. Even clean, fresh laundry! The Widget 400x will do all this.

And the best part? You can cut your cleaning costs by 60%! (Yes, you read that correctly.) A year’s supply of Widget 440x costs 60% less than buying a year’s supply of kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, window cleaner, laundry detergent and general purpose cleaner . . .combined!

If you purchase Widget 440x in the next ten days, we will give you an additional 10% discount, plus a complete set of cleaning tools FREE! Don’t delay . . .our supply won’t last long.

...and so on. As you can see, the second example gives short, concrete details, a hard to argue with offer and a time limit. Much more effective!

Q: What do you charge?

A: My fee truly depends on the project. I will send you a proposal based on the type of project, length of project and amount of research included. Anything that is lengthy or includes large amounts of research or time spent transcribing will obviously require more billable hours.

Q: What kind of projects do you handle?

A: What kind of project do you have in mind? That is kind of a glib answer, but a freelance writer is in a position to take on many different types of writing projects. In the past, I have handled sales letters, newsletters, brochures, complete book manuscripts, web content, blog posts, SEO writing and much more. And a lot of times, the industry or focus is not an issue, since I can interview and research to make sure I have all the important information. If you are unsure about a project, just contact me and I would be happy to consult with you about it, at no charge, of course!

Q: How will you handle my project?

A: The entire process is completed in five easy steps. I have outlined these steps below in detail. I personally believe that three things are crucial to the success of any project, and all are included in the five steps. Just to be clear, those three things are:
 

• A written contract
• Satisfactory communication (this is why I require customer approval before moving on to the next step)
• Customer satisfaction with the final draft of the project. It’s the old, “If you’re not happy, I’m not happy!”

Step 1:
The Consultation: This is our initial meeting. It can take place over the phone, through email or in person. This depends on what works best for you. This meeting is free of charge.

Step 2:
The Contract and the Outline: After the initial meeting, I will prepare either a client proposal or a written contract outlining the project that was agreed upon, the estimated length of the project, and the estimated cost. A contract can be signed and sent to me by mail, fax or via email with your first payment. Interview: Once your signed contract and payment have been received, I'll schedule an appointment (either telephone or in person, or even through email or chat) to go over your project. I will be prepared to listen to your ideas and will ask for any written materials you have produced: brochures, flyers, newsletters or website, articles, and thumbnails of your vision of the project.

Step 3:
The Draft Stage, 1st Draft: Using the information obtained at our interview, I'll create an initial draft for your input. Once the first draft of the project is complete, I will email, mail or personally deliver it to you (depending on your preferences and travel distance). We will go over the draft and make any revisions or corrections. Your second payment installment is due upon receipt of the 1st Draft.
2nd Draft: At this stage, I will produce an edited draft based on your review of the first draft. You will need to review this copy in detail for final corrections.

Step 4:
The Final Draft Final Copy: I will deliver the final copy of your project to you and make sure everything is to your satisfaction. This version will have all corrections made and be ready for layout with the graphic designer of your choice, or if you wish I can recommend a designer.

Step 5:
Follow Up and Final Payment: Once you have your final product, I will check in to make sure your experience was a good one. Full payment is due upon acceptance of this copy. Once we agree that everything is satisfactory, I will submit the final invoice for payment. Also, I will make myself available for any follow-up questions/concerns/accolades you may have! I will call to follow up with you after your project is complete. Your feedback helps me provide top-quality copy that generates results—each time we work together.

Final Note: Referrals Happy customers are my best referral. Please let me know if you would like to offer a testimonial. Testimonials are featured on my website with your business name and contact information (if desired), generating referrals to your business as well. I will also add your company to my growing list of business referral partners. I will be happy to write down your referral for you if it would be easier for you.

Q: Why should I hire you?

A:Good question! A professional writer is just like any other professional who offers his or her services for a fee. When hiring a professional, you want to make sure you are getting the best service available for your money. Here is what I offer my clients:

The Writing Process: When I begin a writing project, I give you an outline of my writing process. (See above)
No surprises, everything is clearly explained.
You wouldn’t hire a lawyer, doctor or mechanic without knowing how they are going to fix your problem; you won’t have to wonder about my services, either!

Satisfaction & Guarantees: If you are not satisfied with my service for any reason, I want to know about it. Tell me what needs fixing and I’ll fix it. Better still, I include my clients during every step in the process, if they wish. Clients see and approve drafts, so both of us know if we’re heading in the right direction!

Clarity: The point of most business writing is to connect with the customer and to sell products or services. Keep in mind that the best writing is simple, direct and focused on the customer’s needs.
No boring, technical descriptions.
No long complicated passages.
No hard-to-understand technical language.
I write so your customers will understand your message, buy your product or service, and not feel like they have to wade through a sea of meaningless words to do it.

Peace of Mind: Contracts, Invoices & Terms — Nothing is more frustrating than not having agreements in writing for future reference or not knowing the terms and conditions of hiring a professional. You can access my information on this website (see the FAQ above) or I will send you this information when we discuss a project. This way, you have all the information you need before we start a writing project.

Results: I cannot guarantee that my writing will turn your business into a billion dollar worldwide corporation à la Walmart or sell your article or book and make you an instant celebrity. (Sorry, that’s up to you!) However, I can say that I am not satisfied until you are. This means that I will deliver the best product… on time… to your specifications. And when I’ve done my job, your customers or audience will take notice of your business, your service and your products. Isn’t that what good writing is all about?

Creativity: Often, when a writer is hired, it is as much for his or her ideas as for the writing. I can bring a fresh perspective, creative ideas and professional know-how to you. If you know exactly what you want, that’s fine. If you have no idea exactly what you want, that’s fine, too! Either way, I can provide exactly what you’re looking for.

Research: I may be an expert in your particular area of need. Or, I may not be. Either way, it doesn’t matter in the end because if I have your business and previous materials as resources along with the library, Internet, etc., it won’t be long before I am an expert in your area of need. I won’t write a draft until I am confident that I know everything I need to know to write it well.  

The Bottom Line

As you can see, I take my work seriously and place your satisfaction as my number one priority. If you need a writing service, contact me today. The first consultation is FREE and can be done over the phone or through email.

Put my writing to work for you!