SWATEK HIGH-TECH COPY FAQs What exactly is the difference between a technical writer and a technical copywriter? Technical writers write documentation, manuals, and users' guides, and often have an engineering or scientific degree. Their writing is highly detailed, typically monotonous, and almost always very dry and to the point. Technical copywriters, on the other hand, write engaging strategic copy that promotes technical products and services to various audiences through a variety of mediums, including advertising, collateral, the press, direct mail, and the Internet. A technical copywriter needs to be able to get up to speed quickly on complex subjects and distill complicated ideas into compelling, accurate, and clearly written prose in a range of styles. A technical copywriter will often have a degree in English, journalism, or communications, and needs a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and strategy. Why should I hire a freelance copywriter? When you hire a freelance copywriting specialist, you'll get the best copy for your marketing dollar. You'll get content that will best suit your purpose and represent your company. A professional copywriter will enable your project to move along quickly by producing good copy fast. When you hire me, you'll benefit from my copywriting and marketing expertise, and pay only for my time spent on your project, not for vacation days, health benefits, or any superfluous time at the watercooler. You'll be free to focus on the more strategic aspects of your job, and not be consumed by the often difficult and frustrating task of writing, or even worse, re-writing, trying to make marginal copy work. Why do you specialize in high-tech communications? I've always been a bit of a geek, and I've been long interested in tech stuff. Years ago I found I had a knack for extracting the essentials out of complex material and explaining complicated concepts in writing in a clear and accessible way. That got me through high school at the International School of Brussels. I decided to become an English major at Bryn Mawr when I discovered I could hammer out my papers at midnight, books spread across the room, and still get solid A's. That left me with time to study everything else I was interested in. At the University of Pennsylvania, I had a professor visiting from Princeton who, on several occasions, read my papers aloud to my graduate-level class. (I should have had a clue as to my future as a writer then.) After college I was an associate video producer for a while, working with high-tech giants of the day like GTE and IBM, and thought about becoming a video editor because I found the computerized online editing process amazing, but ended up doing more project management and some scriptwriting, which I loved. Fast forward to L.A., I got a job as a channel rep for Filemaker and found I had a knack for talking tech with the sales guys and gals at CompUSA and Fry's and successfuly promoting the Filemaker product even though I had never built a database. After teaching English for a while, I was drawn back into communications, and naturally gravitated towards writing. I have written for a number of industries, including entertainment, beauty, and health, but I have happily found a niche in the tech sector where things are always changing and challenging. As they say, you can only write as clearly as you can think, and my ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and turn out clear copy is something appreciated by my growing list of high-tech clients. Is marketing communications writing something you do on the side, while writing a novel or screenplay? No, and I haven't written poetry for years. I am exclusively a marketing communications writer. I love using the English language to craft writing that is effective and a joy to read. Being a business owner myself, I get great satisfaction out of seeing my work have the desired impact and help businesses get where they want to go. How can you write about my specific tech sector if you don't have a background in it? First, consider that someone who is not steeped in your technology or industry can bring a fresh perspective to your written materials. With that, I have an expansive intellectual capacity, enjoy learning about new technologies, and excel in getting up to speed on complex topics quickly and thoroughly. I am a stickler for technical accuracy and communicate well with engineers and scientists to get any additional material or clarification needed for your project. Thanks to my strong writing skills, my copy is free of the crutch of exclusionary jargon, particularly important in marketing materials that need to communicate to a broad audience, from C-level execs to end-users. Are you also a graphic designer? No, I'm a writer, not a graphic designer, but I do have an excellent design sense and I partner well with designers. I also know the importance of making copy and design work together for a successful marketing piece. Do you offer services other than copywriting? In addition to years of experience as a copywriter, I have professional experience working through the creative agency Aquent as an editor and proofreader. As an editor it was part of my job to ensure copy projects had a consistent style and voice, and I recommend copy clients flow comments and edits through me as a piece evolves to ensure the copy has that consistency. As a copywriter, I have the professionalism to respect client changes 100% and will explain why I am making my recommendations. My background in proofreading means my final copy is delivered error free, which I can tell you is exceedingly rare! How do you charge for your copywriting services? My work is based on an hourly rate, with a one-hour minimum for any project, and I offer a discount for longterm and repeating projects. I am often asked by clients to provide an estimate for a project in advance so they can create their budget, and we agree on a not-to-exceed price before I get started. I work for several clients who, knowing how fast I am, work with me on an open-ended basis. If a client comes to me with a budget already in place, I work with them to get what they need for the amount they have allotted. I bill the same hourly rate for meetings, research, interviews, and writing. What is your copywriting project process? Once we've defined the project and agreed on the terms, we have a kick-off meeting in person or on a conference call. I read whatever background material you have provided and do any research required, including interviews. I then synthesize the information, and start formulating the copy. I craft a first draft and deliver it on (or before) the date we have agreed on, normally via email. You then take the draft and pass it around to everyone involved so they can add their comments and make their edits. Then you send it back to me, I incorporate the changes, and send back a second draft. A third round is rarely necessary, but if it is, you can be assured of maintaining a consistent style and voice by flowing all changes through me. Once the copy is finalized, I can proofread it for any errors that may have popped up in the development process if you don't have a professional proofreader in-house. How can I try your services without making a big commitment? Starting out with a small project or a part of a big project is a good way for you to get acquainted with my working style, my personality, and of course, my copy. I can also edit an existing piece that you know needs work so you can see what I can do with it. Since I have a basic trust in humankind, you won't be asked to pay me a deposit up front. I suggest picking up the phone and scheduling a meeting for us to discuss your communication needs. I'm very professional, very easy to talk to, and never the prima donna. I think you'll enjoy working with me, and I look forward to working with you. For more information on working with me, or any freelance writer, please visit 10 Tips for Hiring a Freelance Writer |
