My Process

I charge a set fee for a job, and to do this, we will need to agree to a definite scope of work before I start. This is the purpose of the brief that I will have you fill out at the outset.

Here is an idea of what I will ask in the brief:

- Is the copy for a website, brochure, speech, radio/video script, press release or something else?

-How many copy pages are needed?

- What type of pages are they? (Home, Services, About us, etc.)?

- How much content have you prepared yourself?

- Do you have an idea about length, or are you looking for my recommendation?

These questions will help me get an idea of what you’re looking to achieve in the final product and will help me figure out pricing. I prefer to do this over the phone or by email, but if you’d rather meet face-to-face, we can arrange that as well.

Depending on the size of the project I’ll send you a quotation or proposal outlining the details of the job with comprehensive pricing that includes rounds of revisions, meetings and any incidentals. I will present everything in an itemized style so that the expectations are crystal clear.

I charge 50% up front. This is non-negotiable. If the project value is below $500 I charge 100% up front.

I’m often booked up to a month in advance, so the sooner you can brief me, sign off on my proposal and send the first 50% the better! I can, of course, squeeze in small jobs here and there. And rush jobs are available for a fee. I will do my very best to meet all of your deadlines.

Once I provide you with a delivery date, I stick to it. Turnaround times will vary depending on the amount of material you supply, your approval times, and the amount of material I’m producing, but don’t worry, having spent a good amount of years in journalism, I’m familiar with deadlines and I can deliver quickly if necessary.

This is where I get to learn more about your company or project. We can go through these details any way that’s convenient for you. I am happy to take phone calls, video calls or even meet in person. Some of the questions in this session might include:

- Target audience – their needs and wants

- Marketing objectives

- Your brand’s personality

And we can discuss in detail your feelings and wants for the project.

For ghostwriting projects, I will sit, listen and take notes on your story, asking follow-up questions when necessary.

Once I have these things, I will get started:

- Signed proposal or quote.

- Your 50% up-front payment.

- Any background material or assets.

Now I’m ready to start writing your copy, creating your content, drafting your book, developing your social media strategy or building your website. You can sit back and relax while I produce your material.

For any writing, I generally do three versions of your documents (first draft, second draft, final draft, which means two rounds of revisions. Additional rounds will be charged at an hourly rate. All this will be set out in your proposal.

With copywriting, I will use track changes and comments for my revisions so you can see what’s been edited. It’s easier than separate documents, briefs and phone discussions.

Generally, I don’t include any meeting time in my quotes.

If you’re someone who likes to go through each stage face-to-face, please let me know at the outset so I can build this into costs. Meetings will be charged at an hourly rate; travel time and costs will be in addition.

At the outset, we’ll agree how long you’re going to need to review and sign off the materials I supply. Remember it’s your project, so you set the timeline (within reason!) Reviewing copy and SEO documents can take a considerable amount of time; you’ll need to go through the documents line by line to make sure they meet the brief. The more effort we both put in, the better the end product will be.

When the job is complete I’ll invoice you the final amount. My payment terms are seven days.

At the end of the project, you should feel as if you’ve just been handed a big, shiny diamond. If you are happy with my work, I’ll never turn down a good testimonial. I don’t have a formal referral program just yet, but I can customize a program if you’re feeling compelled to share the love.