...and I know what you want to know

Don’t be afraid. Everyone has questions - some are frequently asked. Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

I’ve never worked with a writer before. What is your process?

Well, first we have a meeting. It can be anywhere. Indoors or out. Indoors is probably better between December and April. I don’t take good notes with mittens on. During our meeting, I will ask a series of relevant questions to find out exactly what you want to say and how you want to say it. Some questions will be about your business, some will be about your clients and prospects, and some will be about your competition. This helps me attain clear insight into the job. Next, I will read and study the background material that you provide. Those materials will include previous brochures, web content, market research, case studies, spec sheets, company information, and additional questioning of company employees, if needed.

Once the homework is done, I sit down with some freshly-brewed joe and start wiggling out ideas. Then I edit them. I look at each one with a cold, unmerciful eye and make no hesitation in killing the poor ideas that happened to make their way in. They get a congenial, “Thanks for coming... now die!” snuffing out.

Then come the “good” ideas. They get the same unsavory trip through the guillotine. Why? “Good” is the enemy of “Great.” Only the ideas that totally rock my socks off stay around. We may meet again, just to make sure our scopes are set with the same strategy. Then I take those “great” on-strategy ideas and fully exhaust their potential. I use my keyboard to chip away at, dig, and excavate until astonishingly on-target, resonating copy is unearthed. It may take a revision or two to do so. In fact, expect it.

Regarding revisions, I ask they be assigned within 14 days. My desire is to create clear communication that builds the relationship with your target. But, it all should work toward the results you want. To do all those, ongoing, clear communication is a must.

Do you charge for meetings?

Initial consultations are free. Most meetings, phone conversations, etc. are built into the job. In rare or excessive cases, I will bill at an hourly rate.

Do you require a contract?

No, but I do require a job agreement. This can be emailed to you. I do prefer to pick up the signed agreement in person, however.

Do you require a deposit?

For new clients, I do require a 50% down payment on the receipt of the signed agreement, and the balance invoiced and due within 14 days of completion. I do offer a 5% discount for full payment at signing.

Repeat clients may pay 1/3 down, 1/3 at first draft, 1/3 at completion.

Do you require a purchase order?

No.

How do you charge for your work?

For most jobs, I charge per project. Please view my Rates Page to see a rate card. In consulting and some other instances, I will charge by the hour. For full radio, television, audio visual, and CD-ROM production packages, I will submit to you a more formal bid proposal.

What does your fee include?

The fee includes a certain number of meetings, concepting, research (including interviews), writing and up to two revisions. The fee does not include long-distance phone expenses, out of pocket expenses, out-of-area travel, courier or expedited delivery fees. If you’re lucky, you may get a Bob Dylan or Mick Jagger impression. Both are priceless.

What if I have to cancel the project before completion?

I show up and whack you upside the head. Really, though, I do understand budgets and project focus can and will change. You will be responsible for all work completed at that point. Some work may be prorated or charged hourly.

What if the focus or direction changes significantly?

If the project has a major direction change and requires different research and additional concepting, I will prepare a new cost estimate.

Do you do graphic design?

I can do some very light, uncomplicated work. It is usually done on site and I charge an hourly rate. I also offer consultation on current graphic work. For major jobs, I can refer you to a qualified professional.

How do you deliver the project to me?

One or more of the following:

Electronically through email-- both in the body and as an MS Word Rich Text Format attachment. If you are Mac based, I can send you an Apple Works document.

*As a laser printed hard copy, ready for reproduction, mailed to you.

*Another way, as required by your designer or printer.

*Hand delivered in full costume and make up as your favorite KISS member (available only on the birthdays of the four original members).

Once completed, is the intellectual property mine?

Upon payment in full for the project, you own all copyright to the work, with the exception of use in my portfolio. In plain English: you can do whatever you wish with what I write. Use it as a mailer, postcard, web page, or Christmas wrap. But I reserve the right to use it to get more business. If you have confidentiality concerns, I will respect your wishes.

What’s the best way to reach you?

Right now, by email brandedbetter@yahoo.com or call me at home: 402.933.8601. After hearing a real cute voice doing the greeting (one of my kids), leave your message. Either way, I will contact you quickly. Just don’t try sending me smoke signals.

What about meetings?

At this time, I still work for a full time employer. My lunch schedule is flexible, and I am open to meetings between 10:30 am to 7 pm M-F. After 5:30 PM, I can meet for longer than an hour. Of course I will meet you most anytime on the weekend, except before 7:30 am. A power breakfast Monday through Friday is OK. But that early on the weekend? Fuggeddabout it... If you need to meet before then on a Saturday or Sunday, you need more than a writer.