How I Work

Written estimate based on an hourly rate

Usually I work on an hourly rate (see my Rates page for more information). However, I still provide a written estimate. And to do that, I need to be able to nail down the scope of work. This means I need to know the answers to a few simple questions:

• how many pages do you need copy for?
• what kind of pages are they (web, corporate profile, brochure, speech, etc)?
• what are the pages (e.g. Home, About Us, Services, etc.)?
• how many words per page are you anticipating (or are you happy to go with recommendation)?
• will you be relying on traffic from the search engines (i.e. will you need your site optimised for search engines)?
• what is your deadline?

Armed with this knowledge, I email you a written proposal with contract of works, and terms and conditions.

Contract of works

My proposal details the scope of work. The number of pages, the approximate number of words, the approximate timeframe, the number of drafts, inclusions, exclusions...

I don’t leave anything to chance. When we all know what to expect, everyone’s happy.

50% up-front, 7 day terms

I charge 50% of my estimate up-front. Not negotiable. And while this is mostly a surety for me, it works in your favor too. Over the years, I’ve found that the more ‘skin in the game’ my clients have, the more responsive they are, and thus, the quicker their job gets done.

Pay online with your credit card

You pay online with your Amex, Visa, Mastercard, Diners or JCB credit card, at my secure payment page.

Give me 2 weeks lead time

I’m usually booked out at least 2 weeks in advance. So unless it’s a very, very small job, please don’t expect me to be able to start tomorrow. The only way I can do this is to work ‘round the clock. And as I have a wife and family, such dedication is costly. In other words, last-minute jobs requiring ‘round-the-clock effort are likely to require twice the investment...

Then I pick your brains

In order to write as if I’m writing for my own business, I have to have a pretty good insight into your operation. So I ask a lot of questions. There’s no other way to do it. I can’t just guess the answers, and no-one knows your business like you do. I need to know:

• the benefits of your offering
• why it’s unique or better
• what claims you want to make about it
• the personality of your brand
• the profile of your target reader, and their needs and wants
• their motivation for reading (which may be unrelated to their needs and wants)
• why they should trust you
• your call to action

You need to supply your keywords for SEO

If I’m writing your SEO copy, you’ll need to supply the keywords you want me to target on each page. You’ll find some very helpful information about keyword analysis in my SEO ebook, SEO Secrets.

Standard quote doesn’t include meta tags for SEO

While I can certainly write your meta tags for you (for SEO), this takes quite a bit of extra time. So it’ll only be included in your quote if you specifically ask. You’ll find some very helpful information about meta tags in my SEO ebook, SEO Secrets.

The writing & review process

For all but the smallest jobs, I usually write a Proof of Style first. This ensures I don’t get too far down the track only to find you don’t like the tone or approach. IMPORTANT: It’s important that we sort out the style here, because it’ll take me longer (and cost you extra) to change the style once I’ve written the entire copy piece.

Then I’ll write the entire copy piece. The first draft is where the lion’s share of the work is. I work it and re-work it until I reckon it’s just right. Only then do I send it through for review.

I email all copy in Microsoft Word (.docx) format. Word’s Track Changes feature will usually be turned ON so you can make changes directly within the document if you want. This way, I’ll be able to see exactly what changes you’ve made.

That’s not to say that you’re expected to write part of the copy yourself. It’s just that most clients find it easier to make notes, delete things, change certain words, etc., rather than emailing or calling me with instructions.

It’s important to note that the review process will take quite a bit of your time. So please set some time aside so you can do it without distractions. Great reviewing makes for great copy. You’ll need to read through the copy line by line, to ensure that it not only reads well, but that it also meets your objectives.

The Timeframe

I can provide a firm completion date (to first draft) once I’ve received your signed Approval of Quote form (included in your written estimate), your first instalment payment, and all the background information and materials I need.

Until then, the best I can do is tell you that it’ll take about 10 business days to write the copy to first draft.

The total turnaround time depends on a lot of factors, including:

• How long it takes you to sign and fax back the Approval of Quote form
• How long it takes you to pay the first instalment
• How long it takes you to provide all the background information and materials
• How long it takes me to write each Proof of Style (usually 2-3 days)
• How long it takes you to review each Proof of Style
• How long it takes me to write subsequent drafts (e.g. for a 5 page website, it’ll take me about 2 weeks to write the first draft, and about 1-2 days to write the second draft)
• How long it takes you to review these drafts and provide final signoff

Invoicing

When all’s said and done, I’ll send you an invoice for the balance. Standard terms are 7 days.