Will it cost me a lot of money?
Copywriters will quote you an hourly rate, probably fairly similar to a bad plumber’s. What you’ll then inevitably do is multiply this by 37.5 and then by 52 and say: “Wow! So you earn all that in a year?” In reality, a full week of chargeable work is less common than that. And we have to eat and pay into a pension fund. And buy Mini Eggs.
How does it work, then?
Well, a lot of people worry that a copywriter couldn’t possibly know as much about their business as they do. Probably true. But he doesn’t need to. A copywriter needs to know what your product or service is, what makes it special and who you want to buy it. That said, at the start of a project, I’ll spend at least half an hour on the phone to you talking about your business. If you also complete my briefing form, it’ll give me a fair idea about what to focus on. Provide Mini Eggs, and I might even come and meet you.
Why should I not just do it myself?
Hmm, how can I describe the difference a good copywriter makes? Well, unless you’re an undiscovered talent, it’s like the contrast between Macromedia Flash and clip-art.
Do I need to pay money up-front?
Yes, in a brown envelope, in used notes, on a Sicilian hilltop, wearing shades. Er, no.
What if I don’t like what you produce?
My clients usually want to kiss me. However, your first draft is just that. I’ll make any amends you like. If it doesn't meet the brief, you pay nothing.
What sort of copy do you specialise in?
The type that involves being paid to write words. I’m probably a bit of a rarity among copywriters in that I can do the lot. I do direct mail, sales literature, feature articles, case studies, ad campaigns, websites, technical manuals, medical editing, newsletters, humorous articles… whatever.
How quickly can you turn it around?
Depends on the size of the project and how busy I am. I can usually fit in a small project inside a week or so. Larger ones may need a bit of crowbarring.
What’s it like working in a converted garage with a cat in your in-tray?
Hey, come on! How else can you get paid for talking to the Chief Executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Commercial Division in your underwear?
t: Nigel,
+44 (0)1772 435827
m: 07527 954394
e: nigel@mightier-than.com