The Third Degree

(Too softball? Drop a line if the interrogation seems lite.)


I like what I see, but I'm just not sure.


I once worked for a private aviation company that promised the safest, most advanced corporate jets ready for takeoff in as little as six hours. And quite often we readied them faster than that — no matter the location in the continental US.

You can believe providing that level of service was an enormously complicated undertaking. And while delivering world-class luxury at its finest is never easy, I felt quite a charge providing jets-on-demand for some of the most powerful women and men on planet Earth. No kidding. And if you're inclined, I'd be happy to share more about one of the most innovative and influential aviation companies in history — on the house

I mention this because no one would buy or fly a corporate jet — no matter the cost — if the process weren't as simple and seamless as possible. End result? Pick up the phone and speak your time of departure, location and destination. One, two, three. This can happen in minutes... even seconds.

And that's my goal for you — world-class copywriting services customized for the clients who trust me with their product, their company, their reputation — every step along the way, easy as breathing. Great writing? That's just the first step...

 

Copy Nook Guarantees


On Call, at Your Service: Unlimited, 24/7 access for a pre-negotiated duration — up to 48 continuous hours, once per project. But if the schedule changes (that never happens, right?) on call dates can be renegotiated — subject to my availability, and with at least 24-hour notice.

Working weekend? I can be there for last minute changes, questions, consultation.

Less-Worry Project Estimates: Project estimates will never be exceeded — unless shifts in direction mandate additional meeting(s), travel time, research, concepting, writing assignments, or if extra revisions are requested. Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fine print, but really it's just standard stuff.

Bottom line: No surprises? No surprises.

Free Revision: All new clients receive a complimentary extra revision for the completed project, up to 30 days after the project end date. Not that you'll probably need it.

Payment Reductions: Repeat clients in good standing enjoy an initial payment reduction to one third of the estimate. To be a repeat client, work must begin within 12 months of the previous project end date (otherwise, the standard 50% will be required). No need to mention, unless you want to. Automaticity in action.

Consider it your word of the day.


Can you tell me more about your process?


1. We'll consult face-to-face (my preference, when possible) or by telephone. However you're most comfortable. I'll answer any questions or concerns, guide you through services in detail (aka contract run-down) and together we'll determine how Copy Nook best matches your needs.

2. We adjourn; I determine the estimate and contact you at a pre-negotiated time with the details (usually within one business day).

2. We'll negotiate any lingering items and sign a short contract for service. Each contract includes the following:

While main points are listed above, all contractual details are discussed in detail during initial consultation. I'm happy to provide a copy of my standard agreement upon request.

3. I receive the signed contract and initial payment (50% of estimate). Work begins.

 

What if I need something yesterday?


I promise to begin your project as soon as possible but there is the chance of delay, depending on how well I'm juggling current projects. If you need copy faster than my average 2-week turnaround and the stars favourably align, I'll accept the challenge with a 10% rush fee.

 

And if the project is suspended or canceled mid-stream?


Rebook at your convenience. I'm happy to finish any project I start. In the interim, I'll retain your deposit and bill at my standard hourly rate for any remaining work hours:

10 Hour Project
Example 1:  6 hours of work completed — deposit (50%) = 1 hour outstanding
Example 2:  5 hours of work completed = no additional billing

 

What do you cost?


My hourly rates are competitive for the Central Ohio market and reflect the area's relatively low cost of living. No New York pricing here. Bear in mind, all words are not created equal. Projects which sound similar on paper may differ greatly in the details. Estimates vary depending on the amount of work required to finish your project.

And a writer's got a reputation to build and burnish. While not mandatory, printed or digital copies of finished work are welcomed with open arms and feelings warm and fuzzy. I may include unpublished work in my paper portfolio — if the material isn't covered by a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Occasionally, a sample of completed work may be negotiated into our terms, depending on the nature or length of the project.


I'm not local. I'm states, maybe countries away. Can we
still do business?


Absolutely. I'm amenable to whatever form of correspondence you choose, including video conference, but be warned — I've officially retired correspondence by fax. Should you require fax communication, a third party solution (e.g., FedEx Kinko's) will be required. Incidental billing for travel time and fax transmission will be incurred. United States currency only.

 

What do you need from me?


Two items quickly come to mind.

First, an understanding that I will ask questions — lots of questions — to pinpoint exactly what your business needs from me. Questions will continue throughout the project, especially when working with new clients. Patience is key.

A close second is allowing the necessary time for research, including access to any material relevant to the project at hand: paper or digital documentation, Subject Matter Experts, representatives of or access to your target audience. I'll sift for the information needed to ensure the most effective final product.

Certainly an organized presentation of that material can only speed the process and save you money. Part of my estimate will be based on the accessibility and ease of use of your research material.


Let's Begin