Freelance Copywriting FAQ
I’ll assume you’re reading this because you want to know about working with a freelance copywriter.
If we were sitting face to face in your office I’m sure there would be a few questions you’d like to ask me. So to save a bit of time let me try to answer some of those questions right here.
NB: If your question isn’t answered below, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
What exactly does a “copywriter” do?
What is your experience as a copywriter?
What do your copywriting fees include?
How long will it take you to write my copy?
How can you write copy for my marketing materials if you don’t have any experience in my industry?
What are the advantages of hiring you instead of doing our own copywriting or using an agency?
I already have an advertising agency. Why do I need you?
Do I own the copyright of the work you do for me?
Why does your website say “Copywriter and Consultant”?
Do you work with clients from outside Sydney?
What’s the best way to get in touch with you if I need a freelance copywriter?
What exactly does a “copywriter” do?
A copywriter is a salesperson behind a keyboard. A copywriter uses words to create marketing materials – ads, brochures, case studies, media releases, catalogues, articles, websites, white pages, etc. – that are used to help increase sales.
What is your experience as a copywriter?
I’ve earned my living as a writer since 1993. I began freelance copywriting in 1997 and have experience with a wide range of projects. I’ve written everything from a one-page media release to a 2,000 page website, and a swing tag to a 272-page book.
My specialities are B2B (business to business) and website copywriting.
How do I work with you?
I explain my copywriting methodology here.
How much do you charge?
My rates are very reasonable and great value for the results I produce. I’ll certainly cost you far less than an agency.
I charge by the project. Fees vary by project type, size and turnaround time. All my quotes include revisions so you can plug my price straight into your project budget spreadsheet – there are no hidden extras.
If you would like a copy of my copywriting fee schedule please call me on (02) 9130 5839.
What’s your hourly rate?
I don’t charge by the hour. I charge by the project. I believe my clients hire me for experience, insights, ideas, creativity, commitment to their goals, and the quality of my copywriting, not for my time. If it’s time you’re after, you can buy time anywhere, and for much less.
What do your copywriting fees include?
My copywriting fees cover all the tasks necessary to write your copy, including research, meetings, liaison by phone and email, copywriting, revisions and incidental expenses.
Do you guarantee your work?
I simply can’t predict how many sales or enquiries you’ll get from the copy I write for you. In fact no reputable copywriter can.
My copy gets great results for lots of people. But your results may vary.
However, I guarantee that I’ll write excellent copy for you… that it will be delivered on time… and that I will revise or rewrite it up to two times within 14 days of delivery.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. I require a 50% deposit before I start work on your project.
Can we revise your copy?
At the outset of any project I go to a lot of effort to ensure I fully understand your marketing goals and how your copywriting project fits in with them. As a consequence most of my clients are thrilled with the first draft.
But having said that, I’m not happy until you’re 100% satisfied. So all my quotes include two rounds of revisions at no extra charge, provided they are within the original brief and assigned with 14 days of your receipt of the first draft. You just tell me what you want improved and I’ll make the changes – pronto!
How long will it take you to write my copy?
That depends on the size of the project. If you let me know when you want it, I can tell whether I can work with your timeframe. If I take on your job I guarantee you will have the copy by the agree deadline.
Do you do “rush jobs”?
As I general rule I don’t accept rush jobs. There are two reasons for this:
1. It takes time to create quality copywriting – the kind that gets results. I will only take on a project if the timeframe allows me to deliver my very best work. You deserve nothing less.
2. At any time I’m usually working on a few client projects. Unfortunately I can’t just drop everything because you need some copywriting right now.
Here’s my suggestion: as soon as you get an inkling that you might need a freelance copywriter, give me a call. That way I will be more likely to juggle my commitments to fit you in.
How can you write copy for my marketing materials if you don’t have any experience in my industry?
Since 1997 I’ve written copy for dozens of different industries. While I may not have written anything for your industry before, I’m a quick learner. I pride myself on being able to step into a new situation and quickly get up to speed.
Copywriting is about presenting the important information in a way that persuades people to take action. And I know how to do that. Research is an integral part of the process. Prior to writing one word of copy I will spend time getting up to speed on your industry, products and target market.
What are the advantages of hiring you instead of doing our own copywriting or using an agency?
There are four main advantages:
1. I can do it better. Obviously you are very good at what you do. But writing results-orientated copy may not be one of those things. If that’s the case I can help.
2. I can do it quicker. Even if you do have the skill and experience to write your own copy, you probably have a dozen other more important things you could be doing. I’ll help you cross things off your “to-do” list, not add to it.
3. A fresh perspective. I work with dozens of clients in Australia and overseas. So I can bring lots of ideas to the table. I can tell it like it is and give you lots of good advice about what works.
4. Value for money. When you hire an agency you pay for their overheads: offices, staff, cars, lunches, etc. When you hire me you pay only for copy. And my rates are extremely competitive.
I already have an advertising agency. Why do I need you?
Sometimes you need someone to handle smaller copywriting jobs that would be too much hassle or too expensive to get your agency to do e.g. updating website content, writing a white paper, lead generation letters, trade articles, e-newsletter content, etc.
Do I own the copyright of the work you do for me?
Absolutely. Once you’ve paid your bill in full, all rights for the copy I write for you revert to you.
Why does your website say “Copywriter and Consultant”?
In addition to writing copy, I also work with some of my clients as a marketing consultant, helping them develop simple but effective marketing strategies that generate leads, boost sales and build their brands.
Where are you located?
I’m in Sydney, Australia.
Do you work with clients from outside Sydney?
Sure. My clients come from all over Australia, and a few from overseas. If you’re not in Sydney but are happy to work with me via phone, email and fax, I’m more than happy to take on your copywriting project.
What’s the best way to get in touch with you if I need a freelance copywriter?
The easiest way to get in touch with me is to send me an email with your phone number and I will call you back.
Where do we go from here?
Pick up the phone and give me a call. I offer all prospective clients a free phone consultation to discuss their project and bounce around some ideas.
Who is this guy?
You might want to find out a bit more about me, Charles Cuninghame. Am I the real deal or just another hype merchant? Find out here
