No need to be in the dark! If I haven’t covered your questions on this FAQ page, get in touch by email at tracy.brighten@gmail.com .
I’ve not hired a freelance writer before. What’s the process?
When you’re ready, get in touch by email to outline your writing or copy-editing project, including your industry sector, website URL (if you have one) and timeframe.
I’ll make sure I understand what you need, then provide a quote for the work. If you decide to work with me, I’ll send a project brief. I can schedule the work as soon as you sign the brief and make a deposit payment.
During the project, I’ll ask questions as needed and keep you updated on progress. You can contact me at any time to provide extra information or discuss changes to the brief (and any additional cost). I aim to exceed expectations with my first delivery but am happy to make revisions at no extra cost that fall within the brief.
Please read my Terms & Conditions for information on project contracts, changes, cancellations and copyright.
Take a look at my portfolio, and if I’m a good fit, let’s talk about your writing or editing project!
Content Writing
What information do you need to write my blog post or article?
When we work together on your blog post or long-form article, I’ll ask for details such as your topic, target audience, objective, and call to action. I’ll also need your website URL and any blog posts/articles, either on your website or other sites, that represent your brand voice or show examples of the writing style you’re looking for.
What information do you need to write my website copy?
When we work together on your website copy, I’ll ask for details such as your website URL, if you have one, the main competitors in your sector, any written content you would like me to use as examples of your brand voice, and the information you would like included on each web page.
Will I have the rights to the blog post or article you write for me?
You can rest assured the content I write for you will be original. If I’m writing for your print publication, you’ll have first rights on the final draft. For other clients, you will own the content in the final draft, although I reserve the right to link to or display the article on my website portfolio. For ghostwritten content, I will not link to the article or disclose myself as the author.
What are your specialist sectors for copywriting?
I work mainly in health and wellness, nature and conservation, family and education, green living, sustainable business, and animal welfare sectors, but let me know what you need and I’ll help if I can!
Why can I trust you with my writing project?
- Writing clear, compelling, accurate content lights my fire!
- I’ll take the time to understand your business and content marketing objectives
- I’ll write copy that reflects your unique brand and engages with your readers
- I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Creative Writing, and I’m an experienced blog post and article writer
Editing & Proofreading
What type of content can you copy-edit for me?
As a freelance writer and copy-editor, and in past roles in I.T., sports massage, and hospitality management, I’ve written and edited many types of content. I can edit blog posts, articles, website copy, case studies, white papers, proposals, reports, emails, newsletters, user manuals, short non-fiction manuscripts, and more!
What guidelines do you use when editing my copy?
For British English, I make editing and proofreading decisions based on the New Oxford Style Manual, but if you need American English, I use the Chicago Manual of Style and Amy Einsohn’s The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications. I’ll also conform to your business house style guide if you have one.
What is the process for copy-editing?
I work with Word documents, making changes with Word’s ‘Track Changes’ function. When I deliver the work, I send an edited file with the changes highlighted. Then you can see and action the changes individually if you wish using Word’s Review/Track Changes function. I also send a clean file with the changes applied.
What information do you need to get started on editing my copy?
I’ll need a Microsoft Word document with the text you would like me to edit and/or proofread. To make sure I use language and tone appropriate for your business and audience, I’ll also need to know who your intended readers are (age, gender, demographic). I can also follow your house style guide if you have one. If your editing project relates to your business, I’ll need your business website URL and brand book/creative brief if these are available.
Why can I trust you with editing and proofreading my copy?
- I can transform your copy using the skills I learned from studying a BA in English & Creative Writing
- My eagle eye can spot mistakes other copy-editors may miss
- When I revise your copy, I’ll use your personal or brand voice to engage your readers
- Crafting copy to connect with an audience is as satisfying to me as creating a work of art is to an artist!
Take a look at my portfolio and if I’m a good fit, let’s talk about your writing or editing project!
Featured image: Tawny owl photo by Kai Wenzel on Unsplash