Frequently Asked Questions About The Write Idea's Copywriting Services

Q: Ours will be a corporate website. We need help defining our voice and projecting the right image. Can you help?

A: Of course! I've written corporate web content for small manufacturers, email hosting providers, global business development firms, digital printing and CRM marketing firms, and more. In each case, following interviews and an initial draft, the sought-after corporate voice emerged. One of the best ways to help me find your “voice” is to point me to other web sites that have a voice you like.

Q: I notice you don't have experience in my particular industry. How will you be able to write my copy?

A: Great question.  I'm a consummate researcher and love to learn and write about new things. Since I've been writing, I've discovered more than I could have imagined about foreclosures and the mortgage business, thermoset and thermoplastics molding, the pet product market from both the retail and distributor side, global business development and the challenges of hi-tech firms, web design and hosting, real estate--from both the agent and consumer side, and much, much more.  To answer your question, I'll write your copy the same way I write ALL my copy--I'll learn as much as I can about your business and industry, and find out who your audience is, and what they want.  Only then can I, or any copywriter, begin to write. 

By the way, just because you don't see copy here that represents your industry doesn't mean I haven't written it. I sign many non-disclosure agreements which prevents me from posting many copy samples to my site.

Q: Our corporation needs additional content. If we provide you with an outline of what we're looking for, can you develop original content?

A: Again, yes. One of my specialties is developing original content based on an outline. I'll make sure the voice and style fits with your existing content. And naturally, I'll make sure it's keyword-rich and optimized for the search engines.

Q: I need to get some free publicity for my web site. Can you help?

A: Yes, in a number of ways. I can find a newsworthy angle and write a press release, and even help you come up with a distribution list. But I'm not a PR person, so I don't have media contacts. You'll either need to develop your own media list, or hire a PR professional. Another way I can help you get free publicity is by ghostwriting an article you can publish, give away, or sell. If you put your name on it, you're known as the “expert.” See my article on Getting Free Publicity under the Articles link above.

Q: Do you do brochures, flyers and letters for direct mail?

A: Yes, but typically, I do copy only! I'm not a designer, although I do think visually and have a good sense of what looks good and what doesn't. Feel free to browse through my Other Collateral Portfolio; you'll see a number of my design pieces there. If you want to go for a professional designer, I'll suggest visual elements for your pieces. Click here to visit my Partner's section for a carefully chosen selection of exceptional graphic designers.  Or, let me choose for you.  I'll work with the designer myself, so you only have to deal with one vendor.

Q:  Why don't you give prices for different projects?  Why do you only list estimated ranges for various jobs?  

A:  I wish I could say “a trifold brochure costs x,” but every job is different.  The fees listed on my site are broad ranges based on past experience.  For example, it costs much less to create web content when you know your market and competition, have a complete outline, and know what you're looking for.  If I have to research those things, and help you define your niche or audience, the project will be more involved--and more costly.

Q:  Do you offer marketing consulting services?  

A:  Yes. Although where I really shine is in the writing aspect of marketing, I'm well versed in other marketing methods: networking, speaking, publicity, etc. If you're looking for someone to brainstorm with you to develop unique ways to market your business, please read more about my consulting services. 

Q:  We're getting ready to put together our marketing collateral but can't afford to hire you to write it. However, we would like to get your input on how best to write the pieces…and maybe even hire you to edit what we write. Is that possible?

A:  Absolutely. That falls under the realm of consulting. I'll be glad to help you develop a solid outline for your pieces; tell you what would work best where; and even help you develop a series of pieces for every step of your sales process. Should you decide to write the piece yourself, I'll be glad to edit it for you. Just forward the piece to me at service@ineedcopy.com and I'll get you a quote.

Q:  Do you think we should use testimonials in our print pieces?  

A:  Without hesitation! I could ramble on and on about myself. I could tell you why I'm so wonderful. I could tell you why I think you should hire me. In fact, I could (and do!) do this for pages and pages through this website. But when you take a look at even 100 words from my happy customers, I think you'll feel more confident in believing what I say. Same goes for YOUR customers.  

Q:  Can you collect testimonials that we can use in our collateral?  

A:  Yes. I charge $50 for each testimonial. How this works is that you supply me with the names and contact information for each customer you want me to interview. I'll ask that you get in touch with them yourself first and let them know I'll be calling. This step isn't necessary, but it helps if your customer is expecting me. Also, you can find out if they'd prefer to be interviewed by phone or by email.

Next, I'll prepare a short list of questions and get in touch with your customers according to their preferences. If the interviews take place by phone, I record the calls with your customers' permissions. Then, I prepare the testimonials and send them back to your customers for their approval. Once they've signed off on them, they're yours to use however you'd like.

Q:  Do you do other creative stuff—like concept creation, taglines, slogans, company names and domain names?

A:  Yes, I'll help you develop business names with matching domain names; come up with taglines and concepts that communicate your message succinctly; and anything else related to business and words. These services fall under consulting, but I do require a 2-hour, or $100 minimum engagement.

Q: What if I don't like your work?

A: If you don't like what you've read on my site…if you don't like the samples in my portfolio…please, don't hire me. It's important that you like a writer's “voice.” On the other hand, if you DO like what you “hear,” then I guarantee you will like what I do for you. And if for some reason I miss the mark on my first draft (which is quite rare because of the time I spend researching and asking questions beforehand), just let me know. My fees include revisions within the scope of the original project for 30-days.

Q: How long will it take you to write my copy?

A:  It depends on my existing schedule—and on how much copy you need. I'm typically booked for two weeks in advance. So if you engaged me today, I'd schedule you in at the end of my queue (which at this writing is 12 days away). Typical timeframes for delivery of a solid first draft are:

Trifold brochure: 5 – 7 business days
Web content (1-page): 3 business days
Direct mail letter (1-page): 7 – 10 business days
Ghostwritten article (1,500 words): 7 – 14 business days
Press release (1-page): 3 business days

Note that these are estimates only. Once I know the scope of your project I'll give you a solid delivery date. And, by the way, I ALWAYS strive to meet, or beat, my deadlines.

Q:  How do we get started?  

A:  Send me the details of your project through my Request a Quote form. Then email me any backup documentation you have. Or, pick up the phone and give me a call. We'll discuss your project. I'll give you a quote. If my fees are within your budget, the process begins.

Q:  How do you pronounce your last name?

A:  My last name, Gregoire, sounds just like memoir. But instead of MEM-oir, it's GREG-oire. The “e” at the end of my last name is silent. And yes, it's French, but I married it. My maiden name is the German “Rost.” (And my first name is Renae…pronounced like the more common “Renee” but spelled with an “a.” My mother said she didn't want people calling me Ree-Knee. Thanks Mom!)