What exactly is copywriting?
Copy is the printed words that make up a page or paragraph of text and so copywriting is the art of supplying these words.
Anyone can write, right?
I’m sometimes told anyone can write. All you need is a laptop. Why should I pay for a copywriter? My friends have granite topped worktops in their kitchens, are avid cookery programme watchers and have a library’s worth of cook books, but it doesn’t mean they are good cooks. Only a few people can write well. I’d like to think I’m one of them.
What can a copywriter do?
A copywriter is good with words and will craft them cleverly to get your message across, whatever it is. Shiny, sparkling, succinct copy is what today’s world demands. There are a lot of words out there: I will make sure yours count. Travel, food and lifestyle are my strengths but I’m happy to write about most topics. If you want a wealth of rich life experience to draw on and someone who is reliable, I’m your woman.
Examples of what I do (not an exhaustive list):
- Website copy
- Article writing
- Content design using Agile method (user need)
- Rewrite website copy
- Brochure copy
- Product information
- Business proposals
- Newsletters
Seriously poor websites
There are some terrible websites out there: hotel websites with hard to find contact details; useless images that tell you nothing; restaurant websites with no menus; websites with sound and flash images; websites where you have to drill down to find basic information. Old-fashioned websites either focus on how clever the designer is or want to tell the world about their wonderful product/service with little regard for the end user. Your potential clients are busy. If your website doesn’t do the job and quickly, your client will go elsewhere. Why not let me help?
Who have you worked for?
Unlike journalism, most of my copywriting is ghosted, so doesn’t have my byline. I have worked for St James Publishing House on several of their large celebration volumes and did a great deal of the copy for the Bespoke India website, drawing on my extensive experience of visiting the country. I also wrote travel copy for Princes Cruises. More recently, I did a 10,000 word project for Travel2 for a cruise brochure and have just completed a piece of work for for a Middle Eastern tourist board. I’m a member of the Professional Copywriters’ Network.
How much will it cost?
I normally charge a day rate for projects with a small reduction for some charities or non profit organisations. I currently have a minimum charge of £150 per assignment or a half-day rate. I quote a day rate for an assignment that is going to take more than seven hours’ work. Price depends on complexity of the work and number of revisions. VAT will be added to all invoices. New clients are normally required to provide 50% of the fee upfront.
Brief, work schedule and payment
A full brief and contract, together with payment schedule if applicable (usually for larger jobs), will be agreed by both parties before work starts.
How much notice do you need?
Although I have a network of talented people I can call on for some help, I’m a one-person business and don’t sub-contract my work, so there may be times when I have to turn assignments down. If you think you might need me, I suggest you don’t wait until it is urgent.
What am I like to work with? I’m friendly and efficient and won’t take on extra work when I’m too busy to give it my full attention. I always meet my deadlines. I depend on my good reputation for more work. Please read the testimonials on my ‘about’ page from satisfied clients.
How do I contact you?
Please send a short email and I’ll arrange to discuss the work over the phone at a mutual time to suit or we can do it all by email. If it’s a big job that needs a face to face, I’m happy to meet in London or within easy reach. I look forward to hearing from you.
Email: olivia at oliviagreenway dotcom