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4.August.2008 Volume 2, Issue 28
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A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights
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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!
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In This Edition |
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by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo
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Another inspired week is upon
us. To empower you with direct resources to
increased, measurable results, this week's
features include:
- ENTREPRENEURS ASK... | Know what and why
you'll pay for professional copywriting
- PROOFREADING QUICKTIP | Give me a break!
- FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Who is it REALLY
about?
Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader
of
EditCopy/font>Proof |
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 /font>EditCopy/font>Proof to submit your
Request For
Proposal/font>.
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Entrepreneurs Ask... |
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Charlon Bobo
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What Can I Expect To Pay For Expert Copywriting?
The Answer: It depends. There's no
specific answer because there are too many
variables.
Craigslist.com has copywriter postings for
$10/hour. Top copywriters command upwards of
$750/hour. So, you can expect to pay between
$10 and $750 per hour. Averaged, that is $370
per hour.
I know. It's not much of an answer.
Hiring a copywriter sounds like an easy task.
Then you begin researching the possibilities
and quickly enter the abyss of frustration
and overwhelm. There are no easy
"apples-to-apples, oranges-to-oranges"
comparisons because pricing depends on:
- Years of experience
- Target market
- Knowledge/expertise in a specific
industry
- A proven track record of results
- Investment in ongoing training and
learning about industry trends from national
experts
- What the current market will pay
Most copywriters don't charge by the hour,
but provide a bid or proposal instead based
on the specifics of your unique project. This
is the most professional and effective method
of charging you fairly... again because there
are so many variables.
Generally, there are 4 ways copywriters
charge for services:
- Per word (copy suitable for newsletters,
Web sites, brochures, business cards and
blogs)
- Per page (Web site copywriting)
- Per project (based on a review of your
materials and a formal written proposal)
- Per package (a specific number of
copywriting hours per month, pre-paid in
full)
The best method of comparing copywriters is:
- Ask for referrals from fellow
colleagues/entrepreneurs you trust.
- Review Web sites for all referrals to
determine if the copywriter is a good fit for
you based on experience, knowledge of your
industry, specific expertise and a personal
vibe.
- Read the policies/procedures and pricing
pages, if posted, to determine how projects
are priced.
- Submit a request for proposal via email,
submit a "Request for Proposal" form or
schedule an appointment to discuss the
project parameters. Your final decision is
often based on how you connect with the
copywriter.
Compare proposals not only for pricing, but
items included at no additional charge.
Typically, the following additional services
are included:
- Review of client materials
- First draft
- Two rounds of client revisions
(additional revisions charged hourly rate)
REMEMBER: The old adage You Get What You Pay
For definitely applies to hiring a
copywriter.
With a quick internet search, you can find
services offering copywriting for $10/page.
That sounds good at first... until you
realize the work is actually performed in
India (or Pakistan or China) by non-native
English speakers.
You don't think that will cost you later in
grief, time AND money?
Sure it will, but by the time you realize
your lapse in judgment to get the best deal,
it's too late. Your Agreement has been
signed, you paid a deposit, your credit card
number is on file to pay the balance due, and
what you get back after waiting weeks or
months cannot even be used, the quality is so
poor. So, the search begins all over again
and the saga continues.
In conclusion, what you can expect to pay for
professional copywriting comes down to the
investment you make to find a good fit
financially, energetically and
professionally.
Don't choose the cheapest bid simply because
it's the lowest. Pros charge professional
rates because they can and do deliver. That's
the whole point in hiring them in the first
place. You pay a rate that ensures
professional results.
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Proofreading QuickTip |
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Charlon Bobo
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One of the best tips I can pass on to you
is:
Take a break after you finish
writing your marketing copy and return to
it 24 hours later
This gives you a valuable and fresh
perspective to ensure your copy is
proof-perfect. It also gives you an
opportunity to make any last changes to
improve the content.
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From the Editor's Desk |
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Charlon Bobo
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It IS about you!
Last week I wrote about "it" not being about
you.
Having said that, I'd like to give voice to
another -- seemingly conflicting -- truth (a
dear soulmate taught me that more than one
thing can be true at a time):
It's ALL about
you!
Let me explain.
Your life should be everything YOU want it to
be. Making decisions and choices with your
highest interest as the primary consideration
isn't always easy, though. I understand.
However, once you get into the habit, it is
easier and comes naturally.
It's important to honor ourselves in this way
because it sets clear boundaries and
eliminates the possibility that you'd do
something for which you'd be resentful later.
Life's just too short to do -- or continue
doing -- things that cost us in precious life
energy.
In Sisterhood, Light & Love,
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Contact Information
805.405.4944/font>
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