• What makes you different from other copywriters?
• Who do you write for?
• What kinds of projects do you work on?
• What are "turnkey solutions"?
• Do you have experience writing for my field or industry?
• What are your rates?
• What are your payment terms?
• What is your turn-around time?
• Will you do rush jobs?
• Do you do revisions?
• Do you have any writing samples?
• What is your business philosophy?
• You don't live in my area—can you still work for me?
• I would like to speak with you about a project—what's the next step?

What makes you different from other copywriters?

I listed this first, because it’s the most important question and answer in this FAQ. If you read nothing else, read this.

There are essentially two kinds of freelance copywriters: amateurs and professionals. My skill, experience, and reliability set me apart from the amateurs. My dedication to customer service and long-term relationships set me apart from most other professionals.

If you’ve been working with freelance copywriters for any length of time, you already know that most of them are neither very good nor very reliable. I’m very good at what I do, and I’ve learned through years of experience how to write copy that gets results and makes sales.

You’d never trust your business to an unproven accountant or attorney. Why trust your marketing and business communications to an amateur?

You may also have discovered that many professional copywriters seem more concerned with themselves and their own needs than in serving you. As a managing editor and product development executive, I’ve walked more than a mile or two in your shoes. I’ve hired (and regretted) prima donnas and big-name freelancers who turned out to be all hype, hassle, and demands, and little substance.

When you hire me, you get a professional who works for you. If I can’t commit 100% to serving your needs, providing the solutions your project requires, and delivering the results that will improve your business, I won’t take the job.

My number one goal is to earn your trust and confidence, to take the stress and uncertainty out of the client-freelancer relationship. Why? Because that’s the kind of professional that I wanted to work with when I was sitting on your side of the desk. And because I want to be the first person you contact, not just for the next job but for every job.

 
Who do you write for?

I work for small businesses and large corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies, in the Twin Cities and around the globe.

What kinds of projects do you work on?

Check my home page for a partial list of the kinds of copy I write. In addition to sales and marketing copy and collateral, I write internal corporate documentation such as training manuals, corporate reports, company newsletters, and case studies. I do not offer technical documentation, though I absolutely do write business communications for technical products and companies.

What are “turnkey solutions?”

I worked for more than 10 years in the print publishing industry. I have close professional relationships with several award-winning graphic designers, and I have multiple contacts with print services companies from Minnesota to Canada to China. I also have the experience as a project manager to shepherd your project from concept through production and delivery.

Sales brochures, catalogs, Web sites, direct mail, and much more—I can be your one-stop solution for just about any print- or Web-based project, and at a much lower cost to your business than most full-service agencies demand.

Do you have experience writing for my field or industry?

I don’t know—but let me tell you why it doesn’t matter. In any business and any industry, the principles of effective communication and results-driven sales copy are the same. Successfully implementing those principles will enable me to deliver the results you need, even if I’ve never worked with your company or industry.

Of course, to do that, I also have to know your product and audience. That’s why, when you hire me for a project, you don’t just get a writer—you get a seasoned marketing consultant as well. I may not be an expert in your field when I take the job, but I’ll have gone a long way toward becoming one by the time I deliver the work.

I’ll take the same exact approach even if I have worked in your industry. Just as every business is the same in some fundamental ways…every business is also different in the crucial details. It doesn’t matter if I’ve written copy for a dozen of your competitors—in fact, that makes it even more important for me to find out what makes your business, your product, and your audience unique.

What are your rates?

Once I know the specifics of your project, I’ll quote you an hourly or fixed rate—your choice. My rates are competitive with other experienced copywriters. You’ll find freelancers who work more cheaply than I do. You won’t find freelancers who can offer the same level of service, commitment, and professionalism for lower rates.

What are your payment terms?

My terms are half upon execution of the contract and half within 30 days of delivery. I accept payment by company check, wire transfer, credit card, or Paypal.

What is your turn-around time?

A two- or three-week deadline is customary on most projects. Larger or more complex projects will of course require more lead time.

Will you do rush jobs?

Certainly. I’m committed to offering the solutions you need, whatever the situation. However, I won’t accept a rush assignment if it will interfere with my existing professional obligations. There may also be additional charges, depending upon the tightness of the deadline. 

Do you do revisions?

Of course. You’ll find that I work closely with you, ask the right questions, and actually listen to and implement your answers, so I typically hit the mark on the first pass. If you need revisions, though, I’ll provide them at no extra charge. I’ll even rewrite or rework copy based on changes in direction after the assignment is made (it happens, I know…), though this will usually entail additional charges.

Do you have any writing samples?

Sure! Check here for some selected samples from my portfolio.

What is your business philosophy?

I take the time to find out what my client needs and then deliver work that exceeds that expectation. Every time. 

You don’t live in my area—can you still work for me?

Absolutely. I’ve worked with clients throughout North America and Europe. The vast majority of projects can be completed effectively and efficiently with phone, fax, and email. If on-site work is required, we can work out the travel arrangements when we discuss the details of the project.

I would like to speak with you about a project—what’s the next step?

Click here to send me an email, or call me at (763) 780-9041. I’ll give you a free, no-obligation consultation and we can take it from there.