Actually, I’m not a shampoo bottle.  Not the last time I checked, anyway.  Products like that are identical wherever you buy them.  So the purchase decision is often based on factors like price and convenience.  The thing is (and you’ll know this if you’ve ever employed staff) shopping for people doesn’t work like that.  Not if a good job is important to you, anyway.

Before you request a writing quote

So many people make the mistake of wading into copywriting rates as priority one.  That risks a sub-par outcome.  As I’ve just said, no two people are exactly alike … and neither are any two writers.

Before you even start thinking dollars, ask yourself:

• Does the writer have the experience I’m looking for
• Is this copywriter a good fit with by business or team
• Do they ask lots of questions and seem to be interested
• Can this writer slip into my existing corporate voice
• Does the copywriter seem easy to get along with
• Is the writer available to meet my project deadline

Not until you have the best writing candidate in mind is it time to request a quote.

What a copywriting quote includes

OK, so you’ve zeroed in on a copywriter who fits the bill.  If you’ve got a project or writing brief, let your writer have that now.  It will help them prepare a better proposal.

So what should you expect will be included in the copywriter’s quote?  Depending on the size and extent of your project, a formal writing quote may include:

Scope

This provides an outline of how the writer understands your project.  It should touch on the purpose and objective of the writing project and identify the target audience.

Tasks

A breakdown of the copywriting elements, including how the writer will approach each task, format and approximate word count.

Projects

In many organisations, quotes are further reviewed by a manager or financial controller.  A summary of like projects the copywriter has completed can be helpful to confirm your writer preference.

Costing

The most cost-effective way for a copywriter to quote is by the project.  But, depending on the writing task, many will also provide rates by the hour, half day or full day.

Terms

This is important because it tells you what’s included with the copywriter’s fee.  That means things like how many edits and authors corrections (changes you make after the fee is agreed).

Acceptance

It’s good business practice to provide a formal acceptance of any quote, but not every business will use an acceptance.  Some prefer to use a purchase order or simply confirm via email.

3 take away tips

1. Finding a copywriter is unlike shopping for products – no two are the same.
2. It’s best to screen writing candidates for suitability before getting a quote.
3. A comprehensive copywriting quote will usually include 6 elements.