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4.February.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 5 		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. COPYWRITING 101 - Are you a dream client?
  2. EDITCOPYPROOF NEWS - Blog On!
  3. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK - Words can be magic AND motivational


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.

Copywriting 101
Charlon Bobo   Be The Dream Client For The Best Copywriting Experience Possible

DreamClient
The smartest approach to hiring professionals is to be the best client. When people like working with you, they naturally give and do more for you, which can mean extra services provided at no extra charge. Sounds good, doesn't it?

My colleagues share nightmarish stories of clients who make their work not only challenging, but on occasion, nearly impossible.

Copywriting is not the same as many services. It is a collaborative effort. To get the best result, your active participation is required.

With other services such as computer repair or office cleaning, you pay for the benefit, the service is performed, and that's it! Not so with copywriting. Signing the Agreement and submitting your deposit is just the beginning.

Non-involvement impacts copy so much that long ago I implemented a healthy boundary. If clients prefer not to be actively involved in the copywriting process, they are not a good fit for my business style. In my experience, passionate involvement is the proven formula to do my best job for you. And that's what you want, right? It's what you're paying for, right?

You hire a copywriter to deliver the best finished copy based on their expertise. As good as we are at copywriting, there are details and valuable nuggets of insider information that make all the difference in the finished product.

We cannot possibly know all about your business. It's incumbent upon you to communicate this to us so we can then work our magic. Bland or bold, boring or blazing... a huge contributor to rockin' copy is YOU!

Without clay, a sculptress can do nothing -
no matter how good she is at her craft.
Your input is my clay.


Inferior copy can certainly be the result of a copywriter whose talents are in other areas. It can also be a direct result of client actions (not responding or responding slowly), the level of their involvement (rushing through the questionnaire because they think it takes too much thought and/or time) or the quality of their contributions (responses don't give us the "meat" we need to write compelling copy).

I've been called a miracle worker, but the comment obviously came from a client who was diligent, responsive, timely and detailed in her communications with me. She credits me. I credit her. She gave me the rich content so I could weave such compelling copy that her sales increased 150% in 24 hours!

So, how do you be the best copywriting client?
  1. Be an informed consumer. Educate yourself before hiring a copywriter. The more you speak and understand the language of copywriting, the more you gain from the experience.

  2. Be an integral part of the copywriting process. With the understanding that this is a cooperative effort, you know from the start that your participation is crucial for a rock-solid outcome. We want to deliver the best of the very best and to do this, we need you! Set aside the time required to think about the answers in the questionnaire. Make yourself available for quick email or telephone questions. Your active and willing cooperation is a key component in hitting the copywriting target.

  3. Respond to requests in a timely fashion. As an example, you may not be able to complete the questionnaire in a week. That's fine! We understand it's all new to you, it's a process, and it may take more time than anticipated. The last thing we want to do is add pressure during the creative phase. However, a quick email update indicating your progress is appreciated.

    And, if you're stuck, we want to help with that, too. It's quite common and there's no need to toil in frustration or think you are all alone. We are your collaborative partner and will certainly help if you need it. Just ask!

These 3 keys may seem simplistic, but in actuality they ensure we do our best, which is why you hired us in the first place. If you do your job, we'll take it from there to deliver compelling copy guaranteed to elicit responses and increase your sales!

EditCopyProof News
Charlon Bobo   The New Blog Is On!

 com
Blogging is an important component in business. It is one tool among many to drive traffic to your Web site. This week the NEW EditCopyProof Blog was launched. Check it out here!
From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   The Gift of 4 Magical Words

 Giftbox
There is nothing like being surrounded and supported by extraordinary women.

This week I received an email from a dear friend, confidant and my finest champion. The four words that sparked a renewed commitment to my work are: "I believe in you."

When we temporarily lose sight of our grandeur, these four words can be just the recipe to give us a new perspective and the motivation we need to soldier on. These words changed my life this week and reminded me of the responsibility each of us has to encourage, enliven and support others. We are not intended to toil in solitude. We need each other.

Never underestimate the power of these words: "I believe in you." They might improve someone's day or inspire them to new heights. They are a gift. And who knows the full range of positive potential impacts?

It costs nothing and feels so good. Think of someone right now who could use your words of encouragement and send these words to them.

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,
 

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