Freelance copywriting FAQs

FAQs

The who, the how, the what - in bite-sized chunks

What are your rates?

Set-rate projects
Some projects have static rates and you can order them easily online.
(website auditing, villa marketing help, email newsletters and property descriptions)

Other projects require a custom quote:
Pick a number between 1 and 100.
Let’s pretend that’s my hourly rate.
You’re left wondering, “Well, what do I actually get for an hour’s work?”

It’s anyone’s guess, right?

I don’t like mysteries, so I quote for your entire project.

You can use this inclusive figure for sound budgeting and to know the full value of my work. You know exactly what you get for X - and all the lovely inclusive bits, too.

Tell me about your scope of work now and I’ll have a proposal to you within 1 working day.

How do you charge?
I quote per project, rather than per hour, for three reasons:
1 so you can easily budget, there are no hidden charges
2 because each project is different
3 so we’re both working towards the same goal

What's included in your price?
• when editing or ‘massaging’ pre-existing copy, you receive a final copy.
• in all other cases you receive first and final drafts, plus two revisions if required.

Do I pay a deposit?
Yes, for small projects I ask for full advance payment. Projects over $500 require a 50% deposit and 50% on completion.

How do I pay?
I use a secure online payment provider, FreshBooks. You receive an emailed invoice and a link to pay by Paypal, Visa or MasterCard. Piece of cake.

How much?
There is no one answer - it absolutely depends what you want and when you want it. However, with low overheads (the juice to feed my laptop), my rates are very reasonable.
• I’ll happily provide you with a quote as soon as possible.
• please complete a short form (it takes less than a minute) & I’ll be in touch with these details.
• click here to complete it now!

Editing and revisions

Do you offer revisions?
You betcha. A first, second and final draft are always included.

Villa marketing help

Will this just tell me I need a new website?
No way! No matter your current website, the 101 steps focus on what you’re saying to your visitors and how you’re showing off your beloved property. Flashy websites are someone else’s problem - we say: Impress ‘em with what you’ve got.

I don’t “do” computers. Will I understand all the steps?
Yes, yes, yes. It’s not technical and there are exactly 0.00 grams of jargon. Even the “I-type-with-2-fingers” crowd will love it. Read an example page, below.

Getting a quote

What information is needed for a quote?
Whatever you know (or know you hate) - any details that round out the project picture.

• A general idea of what you have in mind. (Need copywriting services and product suggestions?)
• How many words or pages?
• Do you require research or will your provide details & background info?
• What’s the project timeline and its deadline?

Next? Request a quote or order your set-rate copywriting project (including website auditing, email newsletters, villa marketing help & property descriptions).

Samples

Can you send me some samples?
Yes. If you don’t see what you want in my portfolio, just ask. There’s lots more tucked in my Macbook’s bowels.

Be sure to mention what type of sample you’re looking for:
• Industry?
• Type of work? (Brochure, web, blog, etc.)
• Tone or approach?

Website auditing service

I'm sensitive - will your audit report make me cry?
No chance. It’s a website critique that doesn’t sting. Instead? A get-you-fired-up for change approach. Success so close you can taste it.

Will I need to hire a web designer to make the changes?
Nope. That's my copywriter's argument - so often the packaging comes before what you're actually saying. Don't spend any money on web design until the content is perfect. Would you stick around a fancy site with botched grammar? Nope.
So let's fix what you've got - chances are, it ain't broken.

Getting to know you

How do you get to know my product/property/brand?
I assign a bit of 'homework' - compiling any company literature, branding requirements, general preferences (tone, hated words, etc.) and philosophies. We have a few chats by phone or Skype and make a plan before beginning draft 1.

I never know what to write about. Can you help me?
Yes, of course! Whatever your industry - we’ll approach it from your customers’ point of view. What expertise do you have that would help them save time or money in their day-to-day life? Can you teach them how to do something better, faster or in a more enjoyable way? We’ll start here - and see where we go.

Can we meet for coffee?
While I'm always up for coffee, I'm based in Vancouver, BC and work remotely. Most of my client relationships start with a happy chat by phone. It’s all very convivial. Reach me today - drinking any liquid you choose.

Busy and important? Send me an email with your direct line and preferred time of contact.

Property descriptions

Do you need to see my property in order to write about it?
I’m sure it’s stunning, but I really don’t. In fact I’d prefer not to.

Why? With fresh perspective comes unmatched enthusiasm.

Most often, my job is to convince your reader, sitting a world away, that you’re offering the best [fill in the blank] of all.

When squarely in their shoes, I’m in a strong position to:
• write material they’ll relate to
• answer all their questions (those a more familiar body might not notice are unclear)
• show off the really ‘jump out’ bits.

But I don’t just make it up.
With some convivial chats and inquisitive emails, I quickly get to know your business.

Order your property descriptions online now.

(Vacation home or villa owners might also like my online villa marketing guide - 101 non-technical vacation rental website improvements).

What do I need to send you to create a good property description?
Your current description, if you have one. As many photos as you've got. Reviews from past guests, if it's a rental property, as well as any notes on the location and surrounding area. Then you contemplate the sunset while I get to work....

Email newsletters

Procrastination’s my name. Can you keep my newsletter schedule on track?
Your time can be limited to just a few yes/no decisions, where needed. We’ll work step-by-step on the project over the course of a month - so nothing is ever big enough or nasty enough to be worth putting off. Welcome aboard your newsletter’s new tight ship!