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ASK THE EDITOR Vol. 4, Issue 2 2003 ----- Take a look around our Web site: http://kevinorf.tripod.com - Detailed description of writing services - Client list and testimonials - Hundreds of writing tips ----- IN THIS ISSUE -
FROM THE EDITOR -
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT WRITER -
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT WRITER ----- FROM THE EDITOR A reader once commented that it must be tough making it in the e-mail newsletter business. Considering this is a free publication, it most certainly would be. Actually, my day job is full-time independent copywriter. Ask the Editor is a free service I provide to my clients and business associates. Every two months, it provides free tips on a multitude of subjects related to writing. And if you need an answer or simply want to settle a bar bet related to a style or grammar issue, you can submit a question, and I’ll answer it free of charge. For many marketing managers and corporate communications professionals, “freelance writer” is a dirty word. It has connotations of someone who is making some extra money moonlighting while holding a regular job, or someone who is trying to make ends meet while in between jobs. But many freelancers are dedicated, full-timers, who are talented, experienced, and reliable. This is why I often prefer to use the terms “independent writer” and “writing consultant” (although I won’t hold it against you if you want to call me a freelancer). It has long been my goal to work independently as a professional writer, and I’ve been doing so successfully for many years. When I told the reader I was a professional copywriter, he replied that an excellent topic for Ask the Editor would be the advantages of using an independent writer and how to work with one. That was the inspiration for this issue. Sincerely, “The Editor” ----- “The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.” Anais Nin ----- Orfield Communications Copy that sizzles, instead of fizzles. On target. On time. The first time. Every time. Complete copywriting services, including ads, brochures, newsletters, feature articles, press releases, annual reports, proposals, Web content, and more. For
a FREE ESTIMATE or INFO KIT call
262-236-0110 or write kevinorf@netwurx.net ----- BENEFITS
OF WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT WRITER -
Solution for short-term staffing shortages. Having downsized, many corporations
are trying to do more with less, having scaled back marketing and communications
departments. -
Help during crunch time. Even when fully staffed, many marketing and corporate
communications departments have busy periods when they need outside help. -
Low overhead. A freelancer can be brought on to complete a project or help meet
a deadline without the hassle of payroll or benefits. -
Fresh perspective. Many of my clients tell me one of the biggest advantages of
using an outside writer is getting new ideas and different viewpoints. -
Expertise. Some writers are well versed on specific subjects and can tackle a
project with little training. -
Improve the bottom line. Using an outside copywriter helps to reduce costs
because you pay only for what you need, when you need it, and for a fraction of
the cost you’d pay an ad agency. -
Keep focused. A vice president of corporate communications once hired me to pick up
much of the day-to-day writing that was taking her away from the things she does
best, such as strategic planning. -
Limited supervision. Once the project parameters have been discussed, a
professional writer can be turned loose until the finished product is completed. -
Professional work. Hiring a professional copywriter to complete a project
ensures that it will be engaging, concise, and grammatically correct. ----- “A
writer’s mind seems situated partly between the solar plexus and partly in the
head.” Ethel Wilson ----- QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT WRITER -
What are your qualifications? Make
sure the writer has, at minimum, a college degree in English, marketing,
communications, or a related field. Today, more and more communications
professionals are obtaining advanced degrees, such as an M.A. or M.B.A. Also,
find out how long they’ve worked in marketing, business communications, or
related fields. Independent writers come from various backgrounds—ad agencies,
marketing departments, publishing, corporate communications, etc.—but make
sure their experience is writing related. -
What industries have you written for? Do you have experience with companies
similar to my own? The
writer can get
up to speed more quickly if he or she has already
written for your industry. On
the other hand, good writers are extremely fast learners, so it’s not always
imperative that they’ve written for your industry, especially if the project
does not require extensive industry knowledge. -
What kinds of assignments do you handle? Some
writers specialize in a specific area, such as speechwriting, script writing, or
technical writing. Others, like myself, are generalists. I’ve written just
about everything, including brochures, press releases, feature articles,
newsletters, direct mail, ads, business plans, books, annual reports, catalog
copy, proposals, Web content, and video scripts. Request
samples to ensure the writer is competent. Ask to see samples of similar types
of projects or in your industry. In addition to printed copies, many writers
collect .pdf files of their projects and can e-mail them to you. -
How much does it cost to hire you for a project? The
writer should be able to provide you a quote by the hour, by the day, or by the
project, depending on your needs. To get an estimate, give the writer as much
information as you can about a project, including the type of project,
approximate length (in terms of published or manuscript pages or number of
words), resources, and any research or interviewing involved. -
How long will it take you to complete my project? This
will depend on the project’s scope. Two or three weeks is usually adequate for
most projects, like newsletter articles or short brochures. More extensive
projects, such as annual reports or long feature articles, may take longer. If
you have a deadline in mind, let the writer know. And if it’s a tight
deadline, ask the writer what they charge extra for rush service. -
How do I work with you? In
the age of phones, fax machines, and computers, it’s easier than ever to work
with an independent writer. But the writer should also be able to meet in person
and attend on-site meetings, if required by the project. At
the start of the project, you will probably want to go over the project on the
phone or in person. Often, my clients will send me a creative briefing or
similar document describing the project’s purpose and parameters. They will
also usually send me a pile of background material and list of contacts to
interview. Let
the writer know your availability to answer questions and your expectations as
far as providing updates. Some clients prefer to cut a writer loose, while
others want to closely monitor progress. The writer should be adaptable to your
needs. -
How do you work with designers? Typically,
writers do not handle layout design. They are writing specialists, after all.
However, they should have the ability to help obtain photos and images and work
with your designer to conceptualize the final printed product, when necessary.
Some writers may have a designer they can recommend. -
How do you handle revisions? Common
practice is to include one set of revisions free of charge as part of the
project fee, as long as they are assigned within 30 days and stay within the
project’s original parameters. -
How do I put you to work for me? Most
writers will request a purchase order or a signed letter of agreement before
working for you. If you’ve worked with the same writer for some time, this may
not be necessary. -
How will I be billed? Professional
copywriters will usually give you the option of being billed on an hourly or
flat fee basis. Flat fees work well because they let both parties know up front
what to expect in terms of cost. Hourly rates range from $50 per hour for less
experienced copywriters to $100 or more per hour. Just keep in mind you get what
you pay for. Many
writers prefer to invoice the project upon submission of first draft (with the
understanding that they turn revisions around pronto). This helps to ensure
prompt payment should the project disappear into review limbo. For
longer, ongoing projects, the writer may request an advance or periodic payment,
for example, every two weeks. ----- “Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery.” Henry Miller ------ READER REPLIES I just read the latest issue. Thanks for the great info. My question regards your answer to the question about salutations. I work for a tourism marketing company selling a warm weather destination. I close my letters and e-mails with “Warm regards.” Is this too intimate? I hope people think it’s cute. Warm regards, Susan McLain I like it! “The Editor.” ----- “Writing is no trouble: you just jot down ideas as they occur to you. The jotting down is simplicity itself—it is the occurring which is difficult.” Stephen Leacock ----- ASK THE EDITOR QUESTION I need a little assistance with billboard ad copy. We do these cute phrases for our bank client, and we wanted to know which was grammatically correct: “Can do.” Not “We’ll see.” - “Can do.” Not, “We’ll see.” And would we hyphenate interest free in this headline? “Borrow our holiday spirit interest free.” Greg Erickson, ad manager No comma. No hyphen. In the first case, you’re essentially saying: Our tellers never say “We’ll see.” You’re not really introducing a quotation so no comma is used. You could also use a colon—Not: “We’ll see.” But: “Can do.” In the second example, I’d only hyphenate if it appeared as a compound adjective before a noun, as in “interest-free loan.” "The Editor" Stumped by a style issue or perplexed by a punctuation problem? In each issue, I answer a question submitted by a reader. Send your question today! ***** Copyright 2003 Kevin Orfield Orfield Communications 319 Woodside Ln. 262-236-0110 Fax: 262-236-0120 Visit our Web site! http://kevinorf.tripod.com ***** As a customer of Orfield Communications, you get a free subscription to the quarterly e-mail newsletter, Ask the Editor. Each issue tackles common problems all writers--from business professionals to professional writers--often face. You can also get expert opinion on any writing problem. Just "Ask the Editor." Subscription Notes: Feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and colleagues. - To subscribe others, just have them send an e-mail to kevinorf@netwurx.net with "Subscribe to Ask the Editor" in the "Subject" box. - To unsubscribe at any time, simply send an e-mail to kevinorf@netwurx.net with "Unsubscribe to Ask the Editor" in the "Subject" box. But then, why would you want to miss out on free advice? ***** |
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Or need an estimate for a customized business writing seminar? Send an e-mail message to Kevin Orfield at kevinorf@netwurx.net or call 262-236-0110.
Orfield Communications, 319 Woodside Ln., Thiensville, WI 53092, fax: 262-236-0120. |
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