FAQ - Bast Communications
BAST COMMUNICATIONS
BAST FAQ
WHAT I DO:
As a freelancer, I write everything from web content to marketing copy to magazine articles to corporate communications. Whether the goal is publicity, profit or customer loyalty, I specialize in delivering strong and strategic writing that sells my client's message. Over the last twelve years, I've worked in industries that include public relations, IT, television, non-profits, health care, transportation and academia; beyond writing, I deliver editing, media strategy, project management and marketing. I’m flexible and fast, with the ability to write in a variety of styles, voices and educational levels, and I always tailor my projects to your deadline and budget. While I work well independently on solo projects, I have no problem fitting into a team. These days I work mostly for corporate and PR clients. The new marketing paradigm has shifted from directing a monologue at customers to inviting a dialogue with customers. That's expanded my own project roster to include writing for company blogs, social media and outreach campaigns - and I love it. Whether it's with "old media" or "new media," my goal is to deliver sharp, literate copy that puts you in the spotlight. I enjoy a range of projects, but there are some assignments I won't handle. Technical writing is one such area. I do know some great technical writers, though, so feel free to contact me for a referral. I also do not do full-on SEO writing. I can certainly align your content with marketing research via integrated keywords (and consider that part of basic web strategy), but I will not write content that amounts to one keyword after another. It reads badly and frankly, many readers are sophisticated enough to recognize an SEO platform when they see one. A good writer can craft engaging content and boost your rankings at the same time. Lastly, I don't write for content mills or edit "articles" that are simply a pastiche of a few different sources. Sincerity sells. So does originality. 1. You send me the parameters of your project and I return to you a quote in the form of a simple bid letter outlining the proposed deliverables, timeframe and fee. You sign and return it by mail, fax or email with your deposit. 2. After receiving the signed bid letter, I'll send you a questionnaire about your project and request any previous marketing materials, as well as interview any necessary sources. Because I work with clients across the country, email and phone calls usually suffice for this process - but I am always happy to meet in person when possible. 3. I will integrate the information, do the necessary research and conceptualizing, then submit a draft for your input and approval. You can respond with ideas for two rounds of revisions. (Any further revisions will be billed at my hourly rate.) 4. I will then return to you the final draft. Deposits: New clients and all projects over $2000 are billed 1/3 up front. Clients who pay in full up front receive a 10% discount. Rush Fees: A rush fee of 25% will apply to any project with a 48 hour deadline or less. Kill Fees: If the project is killed before completion, Bast Communications is compensated for all hours worked to that point. If the project is killed after completion, Bast Communications is remunerated in full. Quotes: Quotes include one meeting and two rounds of revisions. Additional revisions and meetings will be billed at the hourly rate. (Please note that revisions are defined as minor corrections and additions to align the copy with the project mission. Major changes, such as incorporating new information or taking the project in a different direction, will be billed at the hourly rate.) Not all projects require extensive background information. But for more complex jobs, the below checklist will help me bring in your project faster and more efficiently. - Background and corporate materials. I'll want to know what has worked for you and what hasn't, along with the established company lexicon, branding scheme and design. Competitor information is helpful as well. - Your vision of the desired tone, flavor and feel of the project. Would you like the copy to sound elegant? remedial? high-tech? What educational level do you envision your audience having? - Detailed information on the market(s) you're targeting, including secondary and tertiary markets. I'll be asking who they are and what they want, so any demographics you have should be included. - Contact information for everyone I need to interview. - A precise analysis of your product's competitive advantage. - An accurate deadline estimation and a realistic budget. Proximity is pretty much irrelevant for writers, which means I work with clients from coast to coast. Conference calls, email and Skype are usually more than sufficient for both the discovery and revision process. But I am always happy to meet in person when necessary. If you're new to using freelancers, or just have questions about my own working style, don't hesitate to contact me. I am always open to discussing potential projects from strategic, creative and practical perspectives.
WHAT I DON'T DO:
HOW I WORK:
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WORKING VIRTUALLY:
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