Our first conversations
Our first step will be to have a conversation to see if we’re a good fit for each other. The key things we’ll need to discuss are:
- the ‘big picture’ view of your project
- timings
- your ballpark budget.
I’m an experienced copywriter who’s worked on a huge range of projects for a wide range of clients. However, if don’t think I have the skills or expertise your project needs, I’ll tell you. Pretending to be something I’m not does a disservice to both of us.
In terms of timings, I book every project into my schedule as soon as it’s confirmed. It means I can be confident I’m giving every project the attention it needs when it needs it and will be able to let you know when to expect a first draft and so on. At the same time, it also means I’m not typically able to start work on something immediately.
My day rate is £450 + VAT. I prefer to quote a fixed fee based on that rate because it helps us both budget properly. However, I know a fixed fee isn’t always appropriate, especially for projects that are more exploratory or open-ended. When that’s the case, I can invoice based on days worked. An hourly rate is an option too.
If we aren’t a good fit for each other for whatever reason, I’ll try to recommend an alternative copywriter or solution.
If we feel we’re a good fit, we’ll continue the conversation so I can gather enough information to put together a proposal for you.
Proposal
My proposal recaps our discussions, scopes the project and confirms the timings and price. Assuming everything looks OK, I’ll send you a copy of my contract. Once you’ve signed it, that confirms the space in my schedule.
Briefing and research
The next stage is to gather all the information I need to start work. Essentially, assume that all information is good information. Having too much information is far better than having too little information.
I’ll need to speak to you in more depth to interrogate the brief and get clarity on the what, where, when, why, who and how of what’s required. I may need to speak to other members of your team and wider organisation too. Depending on the project, I may need to speak to your partners or stakeholders too.
If we’re working on a project like a website, it’s always useful to work as a team, including the web designer and anyone else who’ll be involved. Copy doesn’t work in a vacuum, so it’s good to have inclusive discussions.
Writing
Once I’ve gathered all the information, it’s time for me to start work.
If we’re working on a large project, I’ll work on a small section first and then send it to you for review. It saves us time to know we’re both thinking along the same lines.
Once we’re happy we’re on the right track, I’ll continue writing and send you a complete first draft ready for your feedback.
I work in Microsoft Word so will typically send you drafts in Word format. But I have clients who prefer other platforms, so I can send content in Pages or Google Docs or anything else if that makes your life easier.
In this phase – and during the editing phase – I’ll use AI tools to make me more efficient and more productive, but not to write copy. You can read my AI policy here.
Editing
I include two rounds of amends in my price to give you confidence that we’ve got scope to get things right. That said, the nature of the briefing and research stage means that the first draft should be (and usually is) pretty close to what’s required.
Refining
Once you’re happy with the copy, it’s time for it to go to design. At this stage, I’ll be on hand to work with your design team to make sure copy and design sit together perfectly to give the strongest possible result.
Reviewing
A few months after we complete a project, I like to check in to find out how things are going. If you have any metrics to share, I love to see them. It’s important to me to know that my work is delivering results.
Overall
Throughout, you can expect me to be:
Practical: I’ll call when I’ve told you I will; I’ll deliver when I’ve told you I will. My job is to help you and your business, so you can rely on me to be reliable.
Pragmatic: I’ll always be able to back up anything I’ve recommended or written with best-practice knowledge and sound strategic thinking. That said, you’re the customer and you know your business. I’m not diva-ish or precious.
Proactive: you’re engaging me to write copy but I’ll always go the extra mile to work with you and your team to add value and offer suggestions, ideas and feedback where it’s appropriate.
Professional: if I need to talk to a customer or supplier of yours, you can put me in touch with them without fear. I work hard to make a good impression and reflect well on you and your company.