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7.January.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 1
A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights

Colleague


Hello and Welcome to EditCopyProof's weekly outpouring of valuable information to propel your business and inspire your soul.

Every edition contains an eclectic compilation. Whatever happens during the week ends up in this UNnewsletter.

You are in the yawn-free zone when this publication arrives in your mailbox each Monday because I promise to deliver the best of the best. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

Business and pleasure. Pleasure and business. The lines cross so frequently for entrepreneurs, it's often impossible to separate the two. They blend so beautifully, why even try?

That's the basis of this publication. You get a full dose of business-related topics as well as content having nothing at all to do with business. I have no doubt you'll find something to enhance your life. Enjoy!

In This Edition
by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo   Charlon Small




Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to increased, measurable results, this week's features include:

  1. HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Blessings for 2008
  2. EDITCOPYPROOF NEWS - Results are in YOUR future!
  3. COPYWRITING 101 - Teaching you what to expect when you hire a copywriter
  4. ECP TALENT SEARCH - Call for superstar Web Designer
  5. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK - Create a framework that makes sense to you



Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing and Editing Solutions -- Transforming Words Into Profits. Proficient in many diverse writing roles, her expertise spans more than 25 years. This solid foundation offers you a single and final destination in your quest for extraordinary press-ready services including copyediting, copywriting and proofreading. Visit us TODAY at EditCopyProof to submit your Request For Proposal.

Happy Holidays
  Ringing in the new year

clock
We're 7 days into 2008. How's it going?

No doubt your mailbox is full of offers to maximize your time, plan the year or clear out the clutter in your life. These aren't bad ideas, but it can be overwhelming to be "hit" with numerous messages right after the new year begins. After all, most of us are still coming down from the highlights of the past 6 weeks.

I have every confidence in you. When you're ready, you'll dig into 2008 with passion, drive and clarity. Until then, get settled, sit with your vision for the new year and begin delegating the "hows" to your subconscious. It may seem a passive approach, but it's much more effective than feeling and acting from a place of self-imposed pressure to "get going." That only adds to the pressure we may already feel. Give yourself time, love and take good care of yourself. The rest will naturally flow.

EditCopyProof News
  EditCopyProof consulting clients realize real-world results... BIG TIME!

On the last day of 2007, I was blessed to receive emails from two consulting clients telling me about recent exciting developments in their businesses. How about a Lifetime television feature to potentially 96 million households and inclusion in a Top 10 list with high-profile companies known worldwide? It thrills me to serve in a supportive role for their success by providing expert business consultations.

Call it what you like... brainstorming, consulting, collaborating or coaching. No matter the term, when you require a focused, insightful, objective and knowledgeable perspective based on more than 2 decades of business expertise, you're in the right place!

If you're serious about serious results, email me today to secure one of the following consulting packages:

5 hours | $350 (25% off regular rate)
10 hours | $615 (35% off regular rate)


* This offer valid until Friday, January 18, 2008. Hours may be used through April 30, 2008.



"The assistant executive producer for a show on Lifetime TV called and wants to interview me about what I do and how it helps people achieve balance and relieve stress. Lifetime TV hits about 96 million households.

Also, I was asked to be an expert on a forum for a local newspaper. I'm now the "Aromatherapy/stress reduction holistic therapy" expert.

I wanted to share with you the latest exciting activities in the life of my business. This is happening because of your willingness to share your vast knowledge and the energy you bring to our consulting sessions... thank you is in order!"

Gina Rafkind
vedasun.com
Pure Aromatherapy Products Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale




"Thank you for spreading your great energy throughout the land of womenpreneurs! I am so excited that I wanted to share the latest with you. We were ranked top 10 best makeups of 2007 by Makeup Minute Blog!! The best thing is who we were ranked with... HUGE big named brands!

Makeup Minute's Best Makeup Reviews of 2007 By Shannon
(makeupminute.com)
5. Urban Apothecary Mineral Sheer Tint
6. Tarte Cheek Stains
7. Korres Jasmine Eye Makeup Remover
8. Prescriptives The Illuminator
9. Ferro Cosmetics Mineral Makeup
10. Shiseido's Automatic Lip Crayon"


Krissy Ferro-Tenhagen
President/Founder/Cosmetician
FERRO COSMETICS ~ FABULOUS MINERAL MAKEUP

Copywriting 101
Lisa Manyon   What to Expect When You Hire a Copywriter

LisaCharlon
My dear friend Lisa Manyon and I met in September, 2006. We maintain daily contact to support each other in business and life. It is a dynamic and fun relationship and I highly recommend acquiring a Lisa of your own!

The article below is a post from Lisa's blog. One of the items on my to-do list was to write something similar, but this is so good and explains the process so well, I didn't feel it was necessary to write another version. Thanks, Lisa!




The Copywriting Process Unveiled~

Once the importance of copy is understood, the search for a proficient copywriter begins. Savvy business owners check with friends, family, colleagues and start surfing websites to find the perfect wordsmith.

Often, those who have not worked with copywriters don't understand the process of copywriting.

Some even expect that the copywriter will automatically know what you need. Others hope copywriters will magically turn out a proof perfect piece with the very first draft. Copywriters can (and good ones will) make suggestions on marketing direction and provide valuable input based on experience. This direction comes once you have provided the basic project information needed to proceed.

The expectations vary but the reality remains the same.

Copywriting is a process. You, the client, have your work cut out for you. You owe it to yourself and your selected copywriter to commit to due diligence. Your input is valuable and your initial legwork will make the difference between mediocre and money making content.

With that said, let's explore the copywriting process.

This may come as a surprise to many but what I am about to share is the truth and nothing but the truth.

Copywriters are not mind readers.

It may seem simple enough but for some reason that I cannot quite fathom, some clients actually expect magic with absolutely no background information.

While I would love to have supernatural, mind reading powers, I don't.

I'm happy to say that creative inspiration is second nature. At the same time creative inspiration is empowered by thorough information.

In fact, I rely on my client's drive and dedication to their business. This ensures they are willing to give me the background information I need to create compelling copy. Information truly is the foundation that begins the copywriting process.

When you hire a copywriter, expect a process. You should also ask potential copywriters what they require in advance. This ensures their method matches your best work style.

For example, I require clients to fill out a questionnaire specific to their project. It's mandatory that clients enter their info and email it to me. From there we schedule a conference call and discuss further details.

If you don't wish to participate, it's a clear signal our work styles don't match. That's okay because I think we all want to work with people who are a good fit.

It's also common for copywriters to require a deposit, if not full payment, for the project, BEFORE work begins.

Once payment is received and information is gathered, a first draft is provided. The key here is "first draft." The draft always sets the tone for final direction of a project. This is where the client and copywriter come together again to explore the nature of the project. The first draft usually changes dramatically. That's why many copywriters include two rounds of revisions in copywriting packages. There are times when you have done such a great job providing information that only minor revisions are needed.

It's all part of the process.

So, let's recap. Work is required of both the client and the copywriter. Payment is required in advance (either partial or full). The first draft is the road map to the final product. Generally the remaining balance is due upon receipt of the first draft and final changes are made after that.

Again, this process will vary from copywriter to copywriter. Having a general idea of what to expect will make your decision much easier. You'll be better prepared to give your copywriter of choice the best information possible. Ultimately, this understanding will ensure your copywriter delivers exactly what you need to grow your business.



Lisa Manyon specializes in POWERFULLY communicating business messages to increase results. She is a professional copywriter and marketing strategist. Her work has been featured by the National Association of Women Writers, Absolute Write, Copywriting TNT, Lewiston Tribune and more. Manyon works directly with Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero as the Red Hot Communications GOLD Copywriting Mentorship Managing Director and is also the first professional copywriter in Idaho to earn Glazer -Kennedy's Creating Copy That Sells certification. Sign up for Manyon's complimentary ezine and get savvy marketing insights delivered right to you inbox at zero cost to you. Here http://writeoncreative.com/blog/

Talent Search
  Editor of EditCopyProof seeks expert Web Designer for ambitious and trailblazing endeavor

WomanKeyboard
I seek a longterm, collaborative relationship with an innovative female Web designer to launch and maintain a membership organization site. The vision includes a shopping cart, member login and a database feature with more facets as time reveals.

All graphics will be provided for the initial launch. I require the expertise of someone with knowledge of the technical aspect to put the pieces together... like you!

If you are a superstar web designer and interested in being considered for the position of exclusive creator and maintainer of the new Web site, please contact me via email with "Web Designer" in the subject line. Let me know why you'd be the best choice for a supportive, community-based membership organization with a focus on conscious women's empowerment.

From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   Create your OWN framework

CharlonChild
In a movie I watched recently, the main character said, "She had to build a framework to contain her being."

As a wordsmith, it's rare that words hit me so hard, but these did. Wow... one sentence that succinctly and accurately described my life experience.

The world was not prepared for my being in 1965. I had to continually discover how to function within society and still remain true to my soulful self.

Even at a very young age, I possessed awareness of this experience, although I couldn't articulate it (yep, that's me above at 9 years old!). I had divine guidance in establishing ways of thinking and being that made sense. I could function within the framework of our society and thrive within my personal framework at the same time. The two co-existed... they had to. The exclusion of one or the other would have eliminated any possibility of being able to manage in both worlds.

This is a very common experience among fringe-dwellers, pioneers, entrepreneurs, visionaries and sages. We don't "fit" the mold of the masses. We weren't intended to.

The biggest gift we can give ourselves and the world is our unique perspective. If necessary, we must build our own framework to make sense of what doesn't resonate for us. Our existing cultural model contains much that doesn't make sense and never has.

It isn't an easy path. If you've had to build your own framework to contain your being, you know that it can contain elements of heartache as well as equal portions of great opportunity.

If you do fit into the model of the masses, there still may be times to build your own framework for your being. Be bold. Be fearless. Respond to the longing of your inner voice to be in full alignment with the most grand version of you. No one else can or will do it for you. Step forward in courage and excited anticipation for the next revelation.

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,



 

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