I am often retained to manage large projects or bridge a short-term staffing gap, but I also work on a project-by-project basis (see below). When working on retainer, I work out a schedule for on-site and off-site work to make myself available for staff meetings. I’m also available for on-call writing assignments and consultation. I prefer retainers contracted on 6-month increments, but I will discuss shorter or longer arrangements. The monthly flat rate fee is negotiated and includes expenses such as phone calls, travel, materials, and ‘as needed’ third-party services.
My contract clients usually hire me to fulfill one of two professional roles:
Corporate Communications Developer/Manager
The role of a “communications manager” involves designing and coordinating corporate communications under existing policies and procedures or creating them as needed. My work would be conducted as part of your management team, perhaps interfacing with an existing marketing/public relations department and/or agency plus other departments within the company. Often times, I am the marketing department. Tasks may include producing marketing assets (online and print) as needed. I will also monitor company media, implement/utilize electronic publishing technology, catalog existing documents, manage multiple projects, produce and publish materials, estimate production costs, and work with or supervise other producers. I may help assess production costs and oversee work done by external suppliers. I often draw on my familiarity with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures in the performance of my duties, often relying on personal judgment about how to achieve your marketing/communication goals.
Senior Writer/Editor
As “senior writer/editor,” my role narrows to in-house writing, editing, proofreading, and editing. This role pops up now and then for organizations that produce a large volume of documents or web content. Sometimes my engagement is for a project – like a website or a one-run magazine. Often, I am asked to plan and prepare documents for dissemination. I may also coordinate documents with artwork, verify facts, and give final approval before publication. On occasion, my duties may include implementation of editorial policies and standards. The role of “senior writer/editor” often includes research and overseeing work done by other writers. I may be asked to research, develop, investigate, and write news stories through interviews, observation, and library and/or online resources. I may determine the tone and intended audience of story(ies) and investigate the validity of news story sources/claims. This role may also involve special assignments for in-depth investigation of issues, trends, and/or processes for white papers and/or case studies.
Project-by-Project
If your needs are more specific, I am happy to quote project-by-project. Use the following table as a means of comparison shopping. Your fees will be depended upon my assessment of your project.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Writing/Editing | Examples: Write/edit a feature article, press release, white paper, technical document, business plan, seminar, book. Usually based on client-supplied materials, but I can do original materials based on interviews. Requires initial assessment and quote.Fee range: $200 – and up |
| Small Brochures, Pamphlets, Flyers | Examples: 3-panel brochures, 1-2 sided ‘sell’ sheets, catalog – tech sheets, other small formats. Including writing and design using client-supplied materials. Deliver final art, ready for printing (PDF 4-color).Fee range: $200 – 800 |
| Logo/Graphic Reconstruction | Your logo or other branding graphic: all you have is a low resolution JPG, GIF or BMP and you need an EPS or PDF high resolution. I can reconstruct almost any graphic. Requires initial assessment.Fee range: $150 – 800 |
| Photo Retouch | Modify any photo, eliminate other elements within the photo, add new photographic elements, add logos to product shots, change background, adjust/change photo color, eliminate spot imperfections. Requires initial assessment. Scanning additional.Fee range: $150 – 1,000 |
| Small Business Website | Examples: this site, other ‘info’ based sites. Including writing, design and coding (HTML only), with client-supplied materials. Limited 5 pages.Fee range: $500 – 1,200 |
| Website Promotion-I | Includes search engine optimization (SEO) with writing and spot re-coding, site submission to search engines, blind in-site text placements, and other elements that will build ‘organic’ linking. Setup fee $500.Fee: $300/mo (min 3 months) |
| Website Promotion-II | Web Promotion I, plus commercial blog and social media set-up and coaching, limited article editing for SEO (e.g., keyword, phrasing), and articles submitted for free syndication. Setup fee $500.Fee: $600/mo (min 3 months) |
| Website Promotion-III | Web Promotion I and II, plus manage commercial blog and social media, article writing and editing for SEO (1 per month, 600 wd max). Articles submitted via syndication and online PR wire services – 2 needed. Setup fee, $1,000.Fee: $1,500/mo (min 6 months) |
| Media Enhancement I | For use with Website Promotion III only, adds one 1-minute video (testimonials, company overview). Includes script – no voice over. Requires client-supplied materials (video, photos, graphics). Additional fees for travel time, milage, additional graphics and video equipment (if needed).Base Fee: $300 each |
| Media Enhancement II | For use with Website Promotion III, adds one 1-minute video (testimonials, company overview). Includes script, voice-over – interview newsstyle. Create all materials (shoot video, photos). Use client-supplied graphics. Additional fees for travel time, milage, additional graphics and video equipment (if needed).Base Fee: $850 each |
