Writing and editing

It’s so much more than just words

How you describe what you do has to connect in two different directions.

Inward: your words have to connect with you. They have to be a clear, true expression of your essence, of why you do what you do, and — of course — what it is that you do.

Outward: obviously, your words have to connect with your customers in a way that resonates with their needs, fears, and desires.

Without the inward connection, the outward expression will always be a struggle

You may have skipped over this inward-connection step because you’ve been more concerned about making the right impression on potential customers.

And yet it’s the most important step of all. Because when you have a powerful connection to who you are and what you do — what I call the essence that moves through you — then you’ll find the words that resonate for you and your customers. You’ll make the “right impression” without having to try.

And that’s where I come in.

I listen. I listen deeply to what you say and what you don’t say.

I hear. I hear the essence of who you are and what you do. I hear it in ways that you can’t — because you’re right there in the middle of it.

And then I reflect it back to you, in writing. Writing that expresses and resonates with your essential being. Writing that represents what you offer to your customers in ways they can’t help but respond to.

Writing that gives you the words you need to take the fullest expression of your business into the world.

Here are some of the writing and editing projects I help my clients with ...

Writing:

• Website copywriting, including guided exploration and discovery of what it is you do — and for whom
• Articles, based on your ideas
• Marketing sales copy for websites or brochures
• Marketing emails
• Testimonials, including interviewing your clients and creation of the testimonial in their words (they love not having to write it themselves!)
• Book, e-book, or e-course creation from your summary

Editing:

• Judicious tightening (or addition) to fit within required word count constraints
• Wording tweaks to clarify meaning, while remaining absolutely true to your distinctive individual voice
• Reorganization for improved flow and reader comprehension
• Grammar and punctuation review included as a bonus!

More — you tell me what your writing or editing needs are and I’ll let you know how I can help!

And here are just a few of the extras I bring to every project ...

• I have decades of experience as a business analyst in a wide range of businesses and industries.
  
  I know exactly how to understand what you do — quickly, effectively, and efficiently — even if I’ve never encountered your specialty before.
• My 25-year corporate career was in technology and programming.
  
  I can “talk tech” with your website developer — interpret for you if you need it, and even help out if necessary.
• I have an empathic, intuitive ability to put myself in your customers’ position — even if I’m not in your target market.
  
  I listen to what you say from their perspective, and I ask the questions they’ll ask.
• I’m a demon for research and I have an amazing store of knowledge in my head and at my fingertips.
  
  I assimilate and synthesize what you tell me along with what I’ve discovered in decades of reading and learning — and bring all of that to bear on your project.
• Writing is my passion, and I have a lifetime of writing experience.
  
  I’m not just another corporate refugee trying to figure out what to do next.
  
  My degree is in writing, and I’ve had articles published in mainstream magazines. And it runs in the blood — you might say it’s a family tradition. My father and half-sister also make their living as authors!

If you’re searching for words ...

... let’s talk. Send me an email letting me know a little bit about what you need, and we’ll set a time to get on the phone or Skype and learn more about each other, about your project, and how I might be able to help.

You might be wondering about rates.

I provide estimates for writing projects, and it’s not possible for me to estimate a price when I don’t know the size, scope, and flavor of your project.

When we talk, I’ll provide an estimate for you — and so far, I’ve never exceeded any estimate I’ve given. I’ve even been known to come in under estimate!

Our initial consultation is always without any obligation. And you’ll get value from our conversation even if you choose not to go forward with your project at this time.

As one client said to me recently...

Knowing you could write for me just took the biggest weight off my shoulders. The value is so there for me that I didn’t question it!