Before you think of hiring me... read this

You have questions about how I work… and how I am to work with. If not, you should. Every truly professional freelance copywriter has a method and style that's unique to them. This usually stems from their client experiences, writing expertise, work and life background, and individual personality.

What you need in a freelancer is someone who can communicate your message effectively to your ideal customers, your target market. A writer who matches your requirements. One that understands you and your business.

If you're reading this, you've probably contacted me about a potential project or two. Or, you might be "kicking the tires," looking for someone who can supplement your current team of writers. You may not have a team, and need a good writer.

It's also possible that someone recommended me as a good fit for your content marketing and sales copy writing.

(If that's the case, please thank them for me!)

So, what follows are the answers to your burning questions. That said, if I missed anything, please contact me, and let me know. You need to feel comfortable hiring me.

This is important stuff. You need the right writer. Right?

By the way... there's an FAQ at the end. But, you might want to read this first before heading down there.

My writing style and voice

My "default" voice and style of writing is business casual. The kind of tone and vocabulary we'd use if talking over a cup of coffee at a diner. It's a conversational, friendly tenor. Easy to read and understand, with just enough industry jargon thrown in to let you know I'm knowledgeable about the topic. Someone you can get to know, like, and trust.

In other words — a likeable expert.

That's what I strive for with my clients' projects. I want their ideal customers to view them as likeable experts. People buy from people more than they buy from businesses. I help you project a persona that customers can relate to and trust.

Don't get me wrong. If firm and formal is what you need, I can do that, too. In fact, some writing projects require a bit more formal language. White papers and technical documents come to mind. That said… I'll work to keep from boring the reader.

Even though it's formal, it should still be enjoyable to read!

Before I write a single word, I'll look over your website and other documents carefully. My goal is to match your voice as closely as possible. After all, it's your message, not mine. It needs to sound like you. If it doesn't, we risk confusing your readers.

Can't have that, can we!

That brings up another question you might have: Who is the "author" of work I write for you? Well, you are. Most of what I do is considered ghostwriting. Occasionally, I'll get a byline and resource box. But, the vast majority of my writing is attributed to my clients.

If you need more clarification on that, give me a call. But, in a nutshell, you get the credit for what I write for you.

How the process works

I'm a professional freelance commercial writer. So, let's get this addressed right up front.

If you email me for a firm price on a particular project, say for instance, a blog post or case study, I'll not send you one. I don't work that way. Your project is too important for that. I may send you a fee range... that's the best I can do at first.

Each project — and each client — is unique. And, that deserves more than a cookie cutter approach to pricing. I'll ask that we set up a call to discuss your project in more depth. It's the only way to propose a fee that's fair to both you and me.

I don't charge for the initial discovery call, of course. But, it's vital that we have it. Once we've discussed your project, I will study the information and create a custom proposal for you. It will be comprehensive to avoid any misunderstanding.

You can accept it as is, along with a fee agreement and payment timing/method, and the work will commence shortly. Or, if you have any questions or concerns, we can talk again to negotiate the terms and conditions if needed.

The proposal/quote will include deadlines and procedures for deliverables, revisions, payments, copyrights, and everything else that goes into the mix. I've found that having it in writing is more conducive to getting a project written, completed and paid for in a timely manner.

Deadlines, revisions, payments, copyrights... and more?

I know. That brings up more questions, doesn't it?

Here are the answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (as promised)

Here are the answers to questions I'm commonly asked. Share this with your team to help in the decision-making process. Even if you don't hire me, consider these things when hiring any freelance commercial business writer.

Q   Do you write for web or for print?

A)  Yes... my skills include both online and offline copywriting. Some writers only work in one medium or venue. They consider that a niche, which it's not. Although there are some subtle differences, both demand compelling, well-written copy. I've trained extensively in both arenas.

Q   What do you mean by training? And, why is that important to me?

A)  I spend thousands of dollars every year to hone my copywriting skills and keep up with current trends in marketing, SEO, and sales writing. This includes attending live conferences and seminars as well as online webinars and training programs. I also regularly expand my library of books, both on writing and about my niche. For you, that means you're getting a qualified, trained copywriter to compose your important sales and marketing material. Not a cheap, untrained, ill-prepared "wordsmith."

You deserve a good writer who understands your niche and how to write effectively for you.

Period.

Q   What is this niche thing you keep talking about?

A)  A niche is a target market. You have a niche, right? If you sell industrial electrical products, DIYers undoubtedly aren't in your niche. It's the same with writers... or should be, in my opinion. Someone who'll write about anything for anybody is called a generalist. Nothing wrong with that, per se. But, if you want a better quality of writing and results, you want a specialist. It's kind of like going to the doctor. A general practitioner is good. But, when your heart is the problem, a cardiologist is the way to go. My niche is industrial manufacturing, focused on the electrical and safety fields. Why that industry? That's where my years of work... and writing experience are. Like my letterhead says:

I can help you speak persuasively to your ideal industrial customer… Because I've been one.

B)  While I focus on electrical and safety products, I can also write about plumbing, power transmission, and other B2B industrial manufacturing products and services. I started life as a grease monkey, so I know bearings and pulleys and gears. But, fear not. If I don't feel I can do right by you, I'll decline and refer you to someone who can do a better job if possible. Sure, making a living is important to me. But, doing top notch work for my clients is more important.

C)  I do have other topics I sometimes write about. I've been banging away on a computer since the early '80s. So, computer hardware and software, devices and Internet are in my 'wheelhouse.' If that's your thing, contact me and I may be able to help. Doesn't hurt to ask.

Q   Okay, I'm with you so far. But, how much do you charge per word?

A)  I don't charge by the word, nor by the hour. Honestly, that wouldn't be fair to you or your readers/prospects. The best way to calculate fees is by the project. And project fees are easier for you to budget. If a project takes longer for me to write than expected, I shoulder the shortfall, not you.

Q   Do you write one-off projects only?

A)  Not necessarily. I do write single projects for clients, of course. But, other options are available. Retainers, for example, work good for ongoing projects such as blog posts. We can also create a package deal. One example of that would be a white paper and a series of posts based on it. The items in a package are usually related to each other. But, they don't have to be.

Q   Can you repurpose existing content?

A)  Certainly. Recently a client sent me an old press release from a few years ago. My mission was to update the information and turn it into an article for distribution on their website and other venues. Repurposing can also be taking a white paper and morphing it into several blog articles, social media posts, and other writing formats.

Q   You mentioned copyrights. What's that all about?

A)  According to law, anything written, published or not, belongs to the writer. On works for hire, the copyright transfers to the client when they pay the writer. So, in a nutshell, I keep the copyright to my work until compensated. Shouldn't be a problem, right? By the way, I may ask you to give me the right to use a work as a sample. It will be part of the proposal for negotiation.

Q   What about guarantees and legal stuff?

A)  Good question... glad you asked. My guarantee is that the piece will be written to your satisfaction. To that end, I have a revision policy. It will be spelled out in the proposal. But, I cannot guarantee specific results. No writer worth his salt would do that. That's because once it leaves my hands, I have no control over its distribution, its relevance to any particular reader, or any changes the client makes after the fact. I'll use best copywriting practices... but, what you do with it makes a difference.

B)  Regarding legalities, understand that I’m not an attorney, nor do I wish to be one. I'll do my best to ensure that everything is factual and accurate. If there's any question about the work, I recommend you run it by your legal department for fact checking, accuracy, and any other issues. I'll be happy to revise the work according to their references at no extra charge.

Q   Okay, all this sounds good. But, are you expensive? Can I afford your services?

A)  I wondered when you were going to ask 'the money question.' The truth is that I'm not cheap; but, I am affordable. My copywriting fees are in line with professional industry standards. If you want cheap, amateur work, I'm not your guy. There are content mills and other low-paying venues that would be more than happy to help you. But, as the old saw goes: You get what you pay for. Cheap can be very expensive if it isn't good, quality writing.

Remember, when you invest your sales and marketing money with me, you don't just buy digital words on electronic paper. You get the sum total of my years of experience in both the manufacturing and the writing industries. The $50-article writer can't afford to put in the time nor effort necessary to get you the best possible work for the best possible results.

I can.

Q   While we're on the topic of money, how do I pay you?

A)  There are several options. On larger jobs, a non-refundable deposit is required. It's usually half the total fee. It covers my time and expenses in starting a project. Most smaller jobs are paid up front, at least until we've developed a good working relationship. Retainers are normally paid at the beginning of each month; but, other options may be available.

Payment can be submitted in several ways. It's as easy as 1, 2, or 3:

1. In the United States and Canada, a corporate check or money order will work. However, if the check is for the deposit, work won't commence until it's received and banked.
2. Payment can be made by credit card via my business PayPal account or Square. I'll send an invoice with a link that you can click to pay. Because this option, and the next, are faster, work begins sooner.
3. Bank wire transfer is also an option for payment. Contact me and I'll send you the required banking information.

Q   Okay, I'm sold. What's the best way to get started?

A)  Every good business relationship begins with a conversation. We need to talk to see if we'll be a good fit for each other. And, of course, we'll discuss your project to see if I'm qualified to do it. If I don't think I can do an excellent job for you, I'll decline the work, and see if I can recommend a better writer for you.

You can email me at [email protected] to get the ball rolling. Or, go here ( https://calendly.com/stevemaurercopy/30min ) to put a call on my calendar. This is a 30-minute discovery call and it's important to schedule this one as soon as possible.

You can also call me on my home-office business phone, of course. My office phone number is +1(479) 304-1086. If I'm elbows deep in a client project, it may go to voice mail. Leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. If I'm out of the office, I'll often forward my phone to my mobile. If I don't have enough time to give you my full attention, we may have to reschedule the call when it's good for both of us.

Thanks for taking the time to read this information. I hope I've answered all your important questions. If I missed anything, please feel free to contact me and I'll get right back to you. I believe you'll find me easy to work with on all counts.

And, that I have your best interests top of mind. My job is to make you look good and help you succeed.

I welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your project and give you a quote. If I can help, just give me a ring.

Here's wishing you the very best of success in your business's sales and marketing efforts.

Have an excellent and productive day,

Steve Maurer ~ Steve Maurer Freelance Writing

Fayetteville, Arkansas

(479) 304-1086 [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/stevemaurercopywriting/