Thank you for your interest in hiring me as your freelance, ghost or creative writer. If you’re thinking about contacting me, you probably want to know more about my background, writing services, and how I work.
I did my best to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at amandahblackwell.savvywriter[at]gmail.com or call me at (480) 208-1599. There’s no obligation if you call or email me.
What are your qualifications as a freelance writer, ghost writer and creative writer?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen and pencil. My favorite classes were art, English, literature, and creative writing.
I furthered my education by pursuing two accounting degrees and a Master of Science, Management degree. Obviously, I had to write many papers. Some of them required extensive research.
As I mentioned above, art was one of my favorite classes. I pursued a graphic design certification and worked for a direct mail organization in Ohio. Not only did I write copy for the ads, I rewrote ad copy. I also wrote advertorials.
Christina Hamlett, Script Consultant, asked me to be a contributing author on Media Magnetism: How to Attract the Favorable Publicity You Want and Deserve. I was thrilled to a part of the book. The book was published in June 2012 by Outskirts Press, Inc. and edited by Christina Hamlett.
What is your background?
My education includes the following:
- Master of Science, Management
- B.S., Accounting
- A.A.B., Accounting
- Graphic Design Certification
My professional background is mostly in real estate, but as I mentioned above, I worked as a graphic artist for a direct mail company in Ohio.
As a freelance writer, ghost writer and creative writer with a diverse educational and professional background, I bring a fresh and ‘hip’ perspective to your project. I stay on top of trends and keep my finger on the pulse of pop culture. But I also understand “the bottom line.”
Most businesses want and expect results. This means writing has to ‘hook’ clients and customers and keep them coming back for more. For example, I have written successful blog copy and articles for B2C companies, everything from travel to catalogs.
I’ve studied under some of the best copywriters (online and print) and read many books on a wide variety of topics. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Debbie Ford, J. K. Rowling, Deepak Chopra, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Lewis Carroll, C. S. Lewis, Syd Field, Shel Silverstein, R. L. Stine, Dr. Seuss, and many others.
I’m a movie buff and was bitten by the screenwriting bug after I was hired to be an extra in the independent film Middle Men featuring James Caan (best known as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather), Luke Wilson (Legally Blonde) and Giovanni Ribisi (Gone in 60 Seconds).
I’ve written a couple of short films and a teleplay. I’m developing a half-hour TV sitcom targeted to the 18-49 demographic.
What blogging platforms do/have you used?
I love WordPress! But I’ve used Blogger, Tumblr, and custom blogging systems. I can learn and use any blogging platform.
What about HTML?
I know a little more than the basics when it comes to HTML coding, but I’m not a web designer or programmer.
How does a person with an accounting degree and graduate degree in management become a freelance writer?
I fell into freelance writing by answering two job advertisements (marketing assistant and blogger) that were posted by the owners of a travel company in Arizona (I lived in AZ from 2007-2010).
I ‘tested’ for both positions, and the owners decided I was better suited for the blogging position. The rest is history!
What kind of projects do you handle?
I handle blog copywriting, article writing, content writing, ghost writing, creative writing, eBooks, and travel writing. For more information, see my Services page.
How do you quote a project?
All projects are quoted as a flat fee. I don’t quote an hourly rate. Project fees are based on the following criteria:
- Type of writing needed.
- Product or service.
- Whether or not you have keywords for blog posts/articles.
- Whether or not you have existing materials such as marketing.
- Whether or not you have outlines, characters, loglines, synopsis, etc. for creative writing.
- Other.
I like to get my hands on a project and dig in to it, so to speak. This is the reason why I ask a lot of questions. I need to know who your target audience is and if there’s an existing message in place. I’ll ask about your competitors and if you can provide me with their URLs. I go above and beyond than most writers. This is part of the value I add to clients.
What do you need from a client to get started?
I need the following from a client to get started:
1. I will need a signed contract emailed to me that outlines the scope of work to be completed. This will include deadline dates, revision dates, fee, meeting times (if applicable), renewal of the contract (where applicable), etc. I require one-third (1/3) of my writing fee up front before I begin work. I’ll send an invoice for the other third (1/3) one week after a project is submitted to you (in some cases it will be the initial draft), and the balance is due 15 days after the invoice/completion date. You’ll have ample time (over 3 weeks) to submit the balance to me. Accepted methods of payment are PayPal, direct deposit, check or money order, or cash.
2. I need to be ‘briefed’ about your project and require important information such as:
- Target audience
- Message
- Competitors
- Word count
- Number of pages (for eBooks, newsletters, etc.)
- Number of chapters (for eBooks)
- and Other information
The good news is I have a ‘client questionnaire’ form that’s easy to fill out or you can provide the answers within an email to me or we can discuss it over the phone.
Once I gather the necessary data, I’ll probably have some questions after I review the information collected thus far. I’ll send you an email with my other questions or call to schedule a time for us to discuss them.
How long does a project take?
Each project is different. You may have a one-time need for a blog post or you may want to hire me to write a series of blog posts. You may want to hire me to write a short film or you may want to hire me to write an eBook. The bottom line is that I will meet your project deadline, no matter what.
How do you handle revisions?
Revisions are figured into my fee, and I include two sets of requested revisions with most projects. I must receive revisions within 30 days from when you receive your project, and there must not be a change in the direction, scope or format of the project.
Clients are usually happy with my writing. If you’re not fully satisfied, I’ll happily revise the copy. I do require that clients tell me exactly where the writing is not on target and why it’s not acceptable.
What about a guarantee?
I haven’t heard of a reputable freelance writer predicting how well a blog post, article or creative writing will do because we’re not a part of your marketing and PR, SEO or social media team. I simply can’t predict conversions, inquiries, and responses. But, what I can guarantee is that you will be satisfied with my writing. If it’s not on target, I’ll correct it until it is. Again, I ask that you assist me with identifying where the copy is off and why. If you’re still not satisfied, I’ll refund your initial payment and we’ll part ways, amicably.
I need to hire a freelance writer NOW. How do I proceed?
The quickest way is to email me at amandahblackwell.savvywriter[at]gmail.com or call me at (480) 208-1599. We’ll chat about your project. There’s no fee to speak about your project and no obligation to hire me as your freelance writer.
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