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4.August.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 28
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   CharlonHeadShot





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

  1. ENTREPRENEURS ASK... | Know what and why you'll pay for professional copywriting
  2. PROOFREADING QUICKTIP | Give me a break!
  3. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Who is it REALLY about?



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.

Entrepreneurs Ask...
Charlon Bobo   What Can I Expect To Pay For Expert Copywriting?

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:
  1. Per word (copy suitable for newsletters, Web sites, brochures, business cards and blogs)
  2. Per page (Web site copywriting)
  3. Per project (based on a review of your materials and a formal written proposal)
  4. Per package (a specific number of copywriting hours per month, pre-paid in full)
The best method of comparing copywriters is:
  1. Ask for referrals from fellow colleagues/entrepreneurs you trust.
  2. 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.
  3. Read the policies/procedures and pricing pages, if posted, to determine how projects are priced.
  4. 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.

Proofreading QuickTip
Charlon Bobo  
Laptop
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.

From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   It IS about you!

C-face
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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