The Downlow

1. What are your writing specialties?

2. How much do you charge to write copy?

3. Why do you charge up-front fees and royalties?

4. What kind of writing projects do you not accept?

5. How do you get paid?

6. How do we get started?

7. What if I live in another city?

Question: What are your writing specialties?

Answer: I have studied Dan Kennedy for many years. My writing style is pure Kennedy. If you are a GKIC member, you likely understand the style of Kennedy. If the name doesn’t mean much to you, chances are, you not likely going to have a good understanding of my writing style.

There is a page on this website under (previously pimped). Click on the link and you you’ll be directed to examples of my work. Everything I do is direct response copy. All website copy, marketing campaigns, and letters have clearly defined offers with specific calls to action. All copy is tracked for results.

Question: How much do you charge to write copy?

Answer: This is always a difficult question to answer because every project is different. Some letters are 20-30 pages; some campaigns involve just a few steps, where more complicated marketing campaigns can be up to 40-50 different types of correspondence (letters, emails, faxes, postcards, special reports, etc).

I try to determine how many eight-hour days it would take to complete a project
if I closed my door to the outside world and did nothing but work non-stop, without breaks, food or interruption. Writing and research takes tremendous focus and determination. The creative thoughts diminish after a few hours. I take breaks to stir the creative juices from time to time.

Writing is like painting. You can find someone to paint a picture in 20 minutes or hire
a professional artist who will take days or weeks to complete a beautiful work of art. Writing is no different. Good copywriters are worth their weight in gold because their words will make you money…and lots of it.

Question: Why do you charge up-front fees and royalties?

Answer: Most of the so-called, “fly-by-night” copywriters will charge an upfront fee and nothing else. They will take their money in advance - and run. I know the value of my work. I know my work is going to generate revenue. Royalties are always appealing if the project fits the parameters. I will often consider this when I evaluate my fees for a project or series of on-going campaigns.

I prefer royalties because I believe in my work. I know what I produce will earn money for my client. The formula is ideal for a good business relationship. If the project makes money for the client, it’s making money for me as well. Everybody wins. Clients know they are receiving money for revenue they would not otherwise receive were it not for an effective marketing campaign.

Question: What kind of writing projects do you not accept?

Answer: I do not like to accept projects to write novels or stories. I am a direct-response copywriter. I will write newsletters and short stories, although I prefer writing sales and marketing copy with the ability to track for immediate results.

Question: How do you get paid?

Answer: I typically collect 60% of my fee up front and the remaining 40% once the last phase of the campaign is completed and submitted to my clients. I accept company checks or PayPal. Royalties are addressed on a per customer/individual basis. Typically, royalty checks are issued on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on type and scope of the project.

Question: How do we get started?

Answer: Just drop me an email or give me a call. We’ll set up some time where we can talk on the phone. I like to get a good idea of your business and the scope of your project. Often my clients don’t really know what they need. After speaking with them, what they think they need and what eventually do are often very different from their original plan. Truth is, most small business owners know their marketing needs help, but they don’t know where or how to start.

After our initial telephone conversation, I will set up a time we can talk. I typically record our conversation. I listen to our conversation a few times so I can get a feel for your personality. I always try to write though you. Personality is very important in direct response copy and a critical area in the writing process most people overlook.

Question: What if I live in another city?

Answer: Most of my clients live in other parts of the country. I have long-standing relationships with many companies and business owners across America. Rarely do I meet with my clients in person, although when the situation arises or requested by my client – I do what is required.

I do charge for travel expense, which can be discussed at the appropriate time.