Full clarity but no cookie cutter
I really do not like turn-key or package pricing. I am a non-niche writer who loves to learn, so every job I take on is usually very different from previous assignments. Therefore, I prefer to negotiate a project rate for each assignment.
That said, my project rates are roughly based on the following hourly rate and word count hours:
$75.00 per hour
4 hours = 1000 words
1000 words = $300
Here are a few more droll but key details about how I work.
I offer retainer contracts for larger, ongoing assignments. My minimum retainer is $1125 per month for no less than 15 hours of work within the month.
I prepare a Copywriter Work Agreement for each assignment or retainer. This agreement outlines my performance, compensation, warranties, and contractor status; the duration, assignment, interpretation, and modification of the agreement; the assignment of copyrights, non-disclosure, and confidentiality requirements.
I am happy to provide a template of the Copywriter Work Agreement if you want more detail. I warned you about droll.
I complete most first drafts within two weeks. If I need to research or study to become fluent in the subject, I will require more time.
I work diligently to give you the copy you want. However, rewrites are limited to five (5) without a renegotiation of the contracted price.
The process
Step One – We need to talk
Do you panic a bit when important people in your life say that? I want to be an important person in your life, but this conversation is not scary.
I simply want to learn about you, your business product or service, and what you want to accomplish.
To get a handle on that, I recommend answering the questions below. Not all of them may apply directly to your project, but run through them anyway. Businesses and brands have a life of their own, and like old friends, it is good to check in every now and again. These prompts come from a branding master I align with, Andrew Holliday of Special Sauce.
- Who do you want as a customer?
- What problem do they have?
- How do they describe their problem?
- How does their life or business look if they do nothing to solve their problem?
- How does their life or business improve if they take action?
- What proof can you show them that you have delivered for others?
Next you need to tell me where this copy will appear. I am a non-niche-all-types-of-copy-writer, so it can be for a website, newsletter, blog, video script, space advertisement, commercial email, case study, social media, sales enablement, product insert … stop me now. Anything you dream up is within my reach.
Step Two – I go down a rabbit hole
I love rabbit holes! Alice in Wonderland and I have a lot in common, including our ability to climb out of the hole.
What I do while digging down and climbing up is rather vague and somewhat mystical, but I will do my best to explain.
I begin with a broad research focus on the most basic facts about your product or service. Then I look more closely at the benefits you offer, and the benefits your competitors offer. Then I look squarely at your target audience and the problem or pain they experience.
In between these steps I pop my head out of the rabbit hole. Above ground, I formulate copy ideas, reach out to you for clarification, and take long walks. You cannot walk while in the rabbit hole … too little space.
After about 14 days (maybe more or less depending on the scope of your project) of coming in and out of rabbit holes, I have a first draft, or drafts, for you to consider.
Step Three – We talk again
Do you love the copy?
Have my fabulous ideas gotten you thinking about a something you never considered before? A new direction, perhaps? More projects you want to complete using these ideas? Excellent news.
I am here to serve. As long as we do not go past the five-revision limit for this first project, we do not need to alter the Copywriter Work Agreement. Revisions beyond five and adding new projects does require a renegotiation of the Agreement.
Do you not love (I use the “h” word very sparingly) the copy?
I am here to serve in this situation, too. Sometimes the best results come from a giant step back and redirect. Both loving and not loving the copy can get our creative wheels turning and taking us places we never imagined at the start of the project. The creative process is very fluid, and I learned to go with the flow a long time ago. We may get lost more than once, but together we will find your message.
When do we start?
Contact me for more information.