FAQ

What are your qualifications?

Blue collar. White collar. Academic. Public school to Wharton School. I’ve been a lot of places and worn a lot of hats—from cheese monger to museum curator to advertising executive. Loved every job. Through it all, though, I’ve been a writer.

In twenty years of putting words in other people’s mouths, on their pages, and on their websites, I have written and edited books, essays, reviews, articles, dissertations, case studies, mission statements, surveys, proposals, analyses, business letters, policy statements, sales collateral, reports, museum exhibits, biographies, scripts, tweets, and status updates. Chances are, I’ve written something a lot like what you want to do.

Give me a call at 619.754.9773. We’ll talk about the stories you want to tell.

What kinds of assignments do you handle?

Clients hire me to think strategically and tactically. While I’m concerned with the mechanics of producing your piece—consulting with designers, printers, or programmers as needed—I also drill down to why and for whom you want something written.

Whether you need an ad for your small business, an entire website, or just a little help polishing that speech you’ve almost—but not quite—nailed, call me.

What about meetings?

Our first meeting is always free. Subsequent meetings may entail hourly rates.

Why? Well, I do most of my business by email, phone, and video conferencing. These allow flexibility over time zones and they free considerable time to be more productive—both for me and for my clients.

Available for travel

Let’s face it: San Diego is beautiful. That’s why I live here. From time to time, however, clients want me to work onsite elsewhere. Not a problem—I’ve got portable gear and an old Craftsman house twenty minutes from the airport. Whether you are right around the corner or ten time zones away, I can work with you to find the best writing value for your money.

How do we get started?

If you’re a new client, we’ll talk about what you need done just as I do with all clients. But I’ll also ask you to show me existing materials for your business; brochures, data sheets, annual reports, press coverage, whatever you’ve got. Everything you’ve got, in fact.

Whether you need to emulate a certain style or create an entirely new voice, it’s essential to understand as much I can about who you are, who your audiences are, and what you want to accomplish.

How long will it take?

Depends on the project. Once we get started, short pieces may take a week while something involving extensive research, editing, or rewrites could take six weeks. We’d have to talk about what you need.

What about revisions?

Most times, clients are delighted with the copy I create. However, if you are not 100% satisfied, just let me know what you’d like changed—revisions are a normal part of writing and they are included in the flat fee. As long as I get your specific changes within 30 days of submission, I’ll make them at no extra cost.

What will it cost?

Costs vary depending on the nature of the work. Proofreading a sales letter or an email blast, for instance, doesn’t take the same effort as researching, conceptualizing, writing, and editing original content.

Before we begin any project, we’ll talk about what you need done. Most of the time, that will mean a flat rate for the project. Occasionally, an hourly rate may be a better fit for you. Unless you want to change the scope of the project, I will never go over the amount I quote you.

Rowley, we need it tonight!

It happens to everyone now and then. You get stuck, there’s a sudden opportunity, or your client springs a surprise deadline on you. Rush jobs are occasionally possible, but it’s better to call me earlier rather than later.

Telephone:

619.754.9773