Frequently Asked Questions for Clear-Writing

What are your rates?
What size companies do you work with?
I already have something written - can you just touch it up?
I needed this yesterday - can you help?
Regarding my website - can you help me figure out what pages to have and the like?
Does Dan do all the writing?
Do you have to learn about my business to write about it?
What if I don't like what you write? Will you rewrite it?
Do I need to pay a deposit? And do you take credit cards?
Someone else said they'll do my writing cheaper. Will you match their price?
How long do you take to do a project?
Are there any subjects you won't write about?
Are there any types of projects you don't take on?
Who owns the writing you do?
Do you make websites or do graphic design?
What hours do you work?
I like this FAQ - can you make me one?

What are your rates?

I typically determine all fees on a per-project basis. There are just too many variables to do it any other way. Thus, your quote will be unique to you and your project. But it's really simple to get a price - just shoot me a quote request, and I'll get back to you with a price. You won't be put on any mailing lists or get a pitch or anything. I promise.

I'm also very flexible - listen, I want to write for you. I work with companies with all manner of budgets, and get them as much writing as they can afford. As long as you're realistic and don't expect me to write for $10 an hour (or beer - I've been offered that too), we can probably work together.

What size companies do you work for?

Goodness... all kinds! I've worked for home-based startups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. Size truly doesn't matter - I'm interested in working for anyone who wants clear, Plain English communication.

I already have something written - can you just touch it up?

Sure! Many times I can take what you already have, add a little "clear-writing magic" to it, and turn it into something that really works for you.

I needed this yesterday - can you help?

It really depends on the project, and the day. If it's something small (like a quick letter or a "can you look this over?"), hey, you might be catching me at a good time (it never hurts to ask.) But for most "normal sized" projects, please understand that I usually have two to three weeks worth of work booked up in advance (and trust me, you don't want a writer who's free for a big project tomorrow - there's a reason they have no work).

The best thing I can tell you is if you want your project done by a certain date, do not wait around - reach out to me and get on my schedule.

Regarding my website - can you help me figure out what pages to have and the like?

Yes! In fact, this is something I do really well. A great website flows well, is logical in scope, and encourages exploration. Tell me about your business, and I'll help you come up with a proper sitemap (keep in mind I'm not a web designer, though, but I can answer the "what do we say, where do we say it, what order should the pages be in, etc" questions.)

Does Dan do all the writing?

For the most part, yes, I'm a one-man shop. However, sometimes clients need a big project of hundreds of pages, so I have several professional writers on call that help out on projects like that. Regardless, all projects, without exception, cross my desk, and get an extended proofread / edit. The added help simply allows Clear-Writing to take on larger projects, and offer the same high level of quality.

Do you have to learn about my business to write about it?

I will research your business, industry, competition, and customers. I also have a fairly complete questionnaire I'll have you fill out for most projects. But in the end, no, I'd rather not be an expert. And it's probably better that way. In the big scheme of things, I am writing for your readers, so I try and put myself in their shoes instead of yours.

What if I don't like what you write? Will you rewrite it?

Don't like what I write??? The horror!! That never happens!!

Seriously though, editing and rewriting are sometimes a normal part of the writing process. I expect feedback from you, and to possibly make a revision if needed (and many times, I do nail it on the first shot. More often than not, in fact.)

Do I need to pay a deposit? And do you take credit cards?

I collect 50% of the estimated total (or a retainer if ongoing) as a deposit. This is what gets you on my project calendar. For jobs $750 and under, I require pre-payment in full. I take credit cards online, so paying is easy.

Someone else said they'll do my writing cheaper. Will you match their price?

No matter what your business is, someone else will always do it cheaper. Cheaper doesn't mean better. It just means "cheaper". I charge a professional, competitive rate for what is easily the best writing out there, and I'm worth every penny.

That was obviously the long answer. The short answer is "sorry, but no, I won't".

How long do you take to do a project?

Most projects take one to three weeks to complete. But some (like a website of hundreds of pages) could take months. And others might take one afternoon.

I like to say your project will be done when we are both happy with it.

Are there any subjects you won't write about?

Not really. As long as what you want me to write is legal, I'll probably do it. I don't allow personal beliefs or agendas (if any) get in the way of my writing. However, I will draw the line at promoting hate or discrimination. This means I won't be writing the KKK's Christmas letter anytime soon. Also, I'm not really into writing for obvious "scam" type money-making schemes.