The FAQs of Life with The Right Words!

1. What do you charge
2. What are your terms?
3. Why do I have to pay you a retainer?
4. Why should I trust you with my retainer?
5. What happens if I don’t like the words you come up with?
6. What does your fee include?
7. Is there anything your fee does not include?
8. How do we work together?
9. Will your fee be lower if I give you a lot of work?
10. Will you sign a non-competitive or non-disclosure agreement?
11. How will I know that I like your work?  Would you do a test or something on “spec” so I can be sure?
12. Do your services include proofreading and editing?
13. How do you charge for proofreading and/or editing?

1. What do you charge?

Depending on the scope of the project, I charge either an hourly fee or
custom-quote by the project.

My minimum fee is $200. I accept payment via business cheque or money order.

2. What are your terms?

The first few times we work together, I ask for either a signed purchase order, or a letter of intent, indicating that you agree to my payment terms and time, which I’ll spell out clearly for you.  I also require a retainer of 50% of the agreed-upon fee, before I start writing.

My invoice is sent out a week after I receive approval of the final draft of your work.  It is payable upon receipt.  If, for any reason, the work is not completed, you will be invoiced for what has been done to date.

Any changes must be submitted within 2 weeks of receipt of either the first or final draft.

3. Why do I have to pay you a retainer?

This tells us both that we’re serious about working together. It is standard practice for professionals in many different fields.  It also lets you know that I am completely committed to giving you my best work.

4. Why should I trust you with my retainer?

Well, I wouldn’t have survived over 20 years in this highly competitive field if I’d made a practice of just taking the money and running!  If you’d like to talk to one of my long-term clients or colleagues about my integrity, I’ll be glad to put you in touch with them.

5. What happens if I don’t like the words you come up with?

This can happen.  Words are highly subjective!  So, the project price we negotiate includes one complete revision and as many minor changes as you need.

6. What does your fee include?

Our initial meeting, if we feel we need one.  Then the research I have to do to completely familiarize myself with your company and industry, as well as your competition.  Once I feel I’ve got a good grasp on both the facts and industry-tone, I’ll come up with a concept for your project, write the copy, revise it completely if required, and make as many minor changes as you may need.  I will also do any necessary proofreading.

7. Is there anything your fee does not include?

Yes.  I don’t pay for long-distance ‘phone calls or faxes, or courier charges.  And, if you decide halfway through the project, that you’d like to make changes to the original concept or format we agreed upon, I’ll bill you at my usual hourly rate.

8. How do we work together?

Mostly by phone, fax and e-mail.  If we do decide to meet, we can do so at your office or mine, or somewhere convenient to us both.  I’ll be in touch with you at every stage of the project, to answer your questions and address your concerns.

9. Will your fee be lower if I give you a lot of work?

Obviously a volume discount or rate is something I’d be happy to discuss with you, once we’ve both decided that the “chemistry” is right!

10. Will you sign a non-competitive or non-disclosure agreement?

No, to the first.  I simply can’t afford to turn down work from any source unless, of course, you’re offering me a contract for a specific length of time.  However, I’m certainly willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, prohibiting me from discussing any project we may be working on.  In fact, I make it a policy not to talk about work-in-progress.  With anyone.  Something my clients have always appreciated.

11. How will I know that I like your work?  Would you do a test or something on “spec” so I can be sure?

Tests or "spec" work are for someone who's just starting out. I've got more than 20 years experience for some pretty big-name clients. Check out what I've done for them. Click here. That should give you a pretty good idea of what I can do for you. 

12. Do your services include proofreading and editing?

Yes to both.  In fact, for the past two years I've proofread a couple of quarterly magazines for one of my clients.  And I'm frequently asked to edit material that ranges from manuals to web sites.

13. How do you charge for proofreading and/or editing?

By the word, for shorter projects.  Per-page for longer ones.