The Process

Working with a professional copywriter for the first time often prompts a few questions. Below we've attempted to answer the questions that are most frequently asked by our prospective clients. 

Before You Hire Us

• You email us and tell us about your project.

• We reply to you with a firm, flat quote.

• You're delighted with our low rates and we spec out your project until we're both happy.

• Once approved, we'll define terms, set a due date, and sign a contract. 

• If applicable, you will send a 50% retainer and work will commence. 

After You Hire Us

• After assigning your project to us, we conduct an information-gathering meeting (via phone, e-mail, or fax) to further discuss your project details (objectives target market, preferences, etc.).

• You send us any existing notes, outlines and drafts you have regarding your project. 

• We produce a first draft within 5-9 business days and solicit your feedback.

• We incorporate your feedback and polish your project until you are happy.

• You are 100% satisfied with the results!

• We collect the remaining 50% of our  fees. 

What are your fees and terms?

Our invoices are based on the time and expertise we invest in your project. To reflect this, we charge flat and firm fees for all the copywriting services listed on our rates page and provide a free, detailed proposal before starting your project. Firm fees allow you to anticipate your copywriting budget in advance and protect you from unexpected cost increases. Charging on a per project basis guarantees you get the copy you need at the price you can afford. Our flat fees include incidental out-of-pocket expenses, research and interviews. All rewrite and revisions necessary to your project are also included provided they are assigned within 15 days of delivery of the copy and do not include major changes in the scope of your project or campaign. If you have a long-term or open-ended project where you feel hourly charges would be more appropriate, we offer competitive hourly rates of $40 per hour. Please see our Rates and Terms for more information. 

How fast is your turn around time?

Good creative work doesn't usually come from a flash of inspiration, but instead from a lot of trial and error. Before we submit ideas for your consideration, we require time to consider several different approaches (concepts) to your project, time to try them out and revise them if necessary. That said, we're fast! In most cases, depending on the size and scope of your project, we'll submit a first draft for your review within 5-9 business days of assignment! You can expect us to set and adhere to clearly defined deadlines before beginning our project as well as regular progress reports throughout the process. 

Not fast enough? Despite our belief that your project is much too important to rush, if you add an additional 35% to your quoted fee  we'll spin out your first draft in 3-4 days.

How do clients prefer working with you?

Our clients appreciate minimizing their impact on the environment and prefer to work with us using e-mail, telephone, fax, and courier. Technology makes it easy to stay in close contact while working together, reduces the need for time consuming meetings, and most importantly, conserves resources. 

How will hiring you make my project my sustainable?

Every decision we make at Sustainable Media is driven by two things: what is best for our clients and what is best for the environment. We believe they are one and the same. Applying sustainable practices to our business encompasses more than recycling office paper and using compact fluorescent light bulbs. It involves community, procurement, conservation, and stewardship. Sustainable Media is growing along with the sustainable development movement and welcomes you suggestions.

Our Sustainable Business Practices