| ANSWERS
There are other writers and consultants to choose from...Why pick A Hired
Writer?
I'm probably a lot different than many other writers out
there. I was a business professional first, and a writer second. My
writing experience came from the demanding business environment I was trained
in. Working for Procter & Gamble was an excellent training ground. P&G
specialized in the 1-page memo. We would often rewrite documents 20 or 30 times.
I learned that clarity of writing comes from clarity of thought, and clarity of
strategy. I've applied those learning and standards to everything I did
thereafter in business: marketing, consulting, training with both large
businesses and small. You can see the depth of my business experience in my
credentials page. At any
rate, you can see the difference in my tag line:
"A professional writer who knows business. A business
professional who can write."
What is your process for
managing a project?
1) I have to find out what you need. Typically you can submit a request for
proposal right from my website, or you can email/fax me the information. The
more detail you provide, the better! Usually we'll talk to better define what
you need
2) I send you a quote/proposal, defining the tasks, our
respective responsibilities, the output and the timing. Often it will
contain a range of hours per activity, with a total.
3) If you want to hire me you'll sign the contract and payment
terms. Because the work I do is creative in nature, I take payment upfront.
I take MasterCard and VISA to make it easy on clients
4) We get to work. I always meet or exceed deadlines. I
communicate via email, phone and/or fax, to get questions answered or provide
updates.
What are your rates and how
do I pay you?
My rates are usually based on an $85/hour target. However, I can often
quote by the project, which can result in a reduced rate per hour. My
quotes/proposals tend to be detailed and tell you what is covered in the
estimate (such as number of revisions), with hourly rates that can be added if
the project strays from the initial plan.
For payment, I take MasterCard and Visa plus PayPal (credit
cards, checks and bank transfers) to make it simple and
easy to pay for services. Since the work I do is creative in nature, I do take
payment upfront of the estimate.
What types of projects do you
handle?
In my many years as a marketer, manager, consultant, trainer, career specialist
and writer, I've created tons of different projects. That's how A Hired Writer
was born. I realized the depth and the breadth of my business exposure and
experience, from managing multi-billion brands for Fortune 100 companies to
consulting with small businesses, to working one-on-one with individuals in
career transition. It all translates into effective communication based on clear
and strategic thinking.
A quick look at the case studies will give
you a good idea of the industries I've worked in. But my clients have found that
experience within their industries is irrelevant. I know how to conduct research
and ask the questions that will give me the information needed to write
high-impact copy.
I also need graphic design, printing and/or web design. Do you do that?
I am not a graphics artist, nor do I typically prepare and deliver printed
materials to printers. While I often write and create simple websites, I am not
an HTML expert, nor do I create shopping carts and complicated designs. Those
are all very specialized fields, and not ones where I am a specialist!
However, I have tons of experience working with such
specialists, and I frequently work with top-rate experts in graphic and
web site design, public relations, printing, and web design. I can work with
your team of experts, or I can provide a referral so you can work directly with
these individuals, or I can subcontract the work on your behalf. Whatever works!
How do I get
started?
How do I get a quote?
Tell me what you want! The best way is to send a
request for proposal right from my website, or you may
call (813-926-1353), email
(gailfrank@post.harvard.edu) or fax (813-926-1092) me. The more
information you provide me the better. I can then get you a quote and we
can follow the project
management process I use.
How long will take to finish
my project?
It all depends! Everything is created custom for you, so tell me what your
timeframes are for delivery of your project, and we'll agree on a deadline.
How do you handle revisions
and changes?
I usually include one set of changes/revisions by the client. This usually works
perfectly since we spend a lot of time upfront discussing the project and
outcomes, and I try to keep clients updated on the choices, strategy and
rationale as I go along. Additional revisions or changes to the project can be
accommodated until you are happy, I would just issue a new estimate of charges
to get the project completed to your satisfaction.
What about confidentiality
or ghostwriting?
Whatever you want! I am very happy working "behind the scenes" or staying
anonymous. I get my satisfaction from the creation process. Since we spell out
all our agreements in writing before we work together, we can write any
confidentiality agreements you need into the contract. That goes for signing
confidentiality agreements too.
Will you be able to work with me/my boss? What is your style of working?
My style tends to be very straightforward. I get to get as
much information as I can upfront, then be free to go off and create. I like to
"go the extra mile" and make the work even better than what was expected.
The people I work best with are the ones who know they need
something done but don't have the time/skills to do it. They can at least
articulate enough so that we can craft a plan together, and they then sit back
and let me work. I can really help people who either have 1) a very specific
item they require and lots of background and info for me or 2) those who have a
general idea of what they want and are open to ideas and suggestions.
If you typically have to have total control, micro-manage or
want to co-create, or want 6 revisions because you change your mind often, we
will likely not have a great working relationship. I work best with the people
who are hiring a contractor with credentials and can trust in their expertise
and professionalism.
I知 not
sure what I want to do...or exactly how to do this!
If you have an open mind and can explain the end point you require....we can
figure it out! Often a client thinks they want something (a flyer) when
what they really need something different (perhaps an ongoing newsletter to past
clients). That's where the value of prior business expertise comes in--being
able to understand business goals and objectives, and how different
marketing and collateral outputs can support those goals. So talk to me or write
out what you are trying to accomplish, and we'll pick the right items for you.
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