WriteTips )
 Volume 1, Issue 4 September 2004 
In This Issue
  • 5 Benefits of Using a Freelance Writer
  • Resources
  • Feedback Central
  • About Cassie Hart

  • Dear Cassie,

    I was at a Chamber of Commerce function the other day when I struck up a conversation with another member who works as a real estate agent. After learning about my writing business, her eyes lit up.

    "I need a brochure to help promote my services," she said. "But I really hate to write!"

    She explained that her real estate company provides corporate brochures to its agents upon request. But she would rather offer her clients a piece of literature that's a bit more personal. She knows that highlighting her work experience will enhance her credibility as an agent, and explaining just why she enjoys her career will allow potential clients see her as an informed individual with a genuine interest in helping them find a home.

    My new acquaintance was quick to say that she isn't interested in creating the brochure herself.

    This woman's enthusiasm upon learning about my services was a reminder that not everyone has the time or the drive to write. I can't help but wonder how many businesses aren't marketing to their full potential because they don't have proper marketing collateral. They either can't or don't want to create the necessary materials themselves, and they don't know where to turn for help.

    I hope this issue of WriteTips will be of use to anyone in this situation.

    All the best,

    Cassie Hart

    www.cassiehartwriter.com

    5 Benefits of Using a Freelance Writer

    Anyone can write. You may be surprised to hear these words from someone who makes a living doing exactly that, but even I have to admit it's true.

    After all, we've been writing ever since we first learned to print our names. We felt so grown-up when we finally got the hang of cursive. Our enthusiasm waned somewhat as teachers regularly assigned written book reports, and in high school we started doing term papers-ugh. We cheered after turning in our last research paper in college and groaned when we began our first job and the boss demanded that we submit weekly written progress reports.

    So you see, anyone can write. We might not always enjoy the process, but we've all been doing it for a long time.

    Some of us may not mind taking on occasional writing tasks, but we don't always have time to research, write, edit, and revise. Having an experienced freelance writer step in and create quality copy for you will help enhance your company's image-and perhaps preserve your sanity, too.

    Below are a few examples of how a freelance writer can help boost your business.

    1. A freelance writer will save you time. You've got several project deadlines looming, and your boss has asked you to write a press release announcing a new product. You really can't spare the time necessary to gather information, write and edit the release, and distribute it to the media.

    2. A freelance writer will save you money. When you hire a freelance writer, no salary, benefits, or overhead investments are required. The freelancer will provide the copy and you'll pay only for completed work.

    3. A freelance writer can make virtually any topic interesting. Do you care enough about the new HVAC system in your building to track down the maintenance guy, interview him, and write an article about it for the company newsletter? Lack of interest in subject matter will come through in your writing.

    4. A freelance writer will communicate effectively with your target audience. A good writer will make an effort to learn as much about your target audience as possible. He or she will also ask lots of questions about your product or service. This is essential to completely understand your business. It's also a necessary part of determining exactly how to present the information to your customers in a way that will inspire them to bring their business to you.

    5. A freelance writer will turn prospects into customers. "Outsiders" often provide a fresh point of view when describing your product or service. They are able to look at the situation from a buyer's perspective and help answer questions that are likely to arise. And they are able to convince the buyer to take the next step: make a purchase, request a service, or visit your store or website.

    Are you thinking about using a freelance writer for your next marketing project?

    Get information about Cassie Hart Copywriting and Editorial Services

    Resources
    I need to be sure I'm consistently creating quality copy for my clients. Of course, I certainly don't have all the necessary know-how stored in my head, so I make sure several excellent reference sources are always within reach during the writing process. I've included a few of these useful books below. If writing is a part of your job, you may find them useful, too.

    Chicago Manual of Style, 14th ed.

    Offers everything from comma use to typography tips. Excellent for establishing in-house style guidelines.

    Handbook of Technical Writing by Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu

    Arranged alphabetically, this book offers definitions and descriptive text about grammar, reports, detailed drawings, troublesome words, and much more.

    The Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly

    Advice about writing print ads, headlines, body copy, direct mail, and more is plentiful in this concise but complete book.

    Feedback Central
    Do you like what you've read in WriteTips and want to comment on a particular topic? Or do you have an idea you'd like to see addressed in an upcoming issue?

    Your comments are welcome anytime. Let me know what you like about WriteTips, or share your own writing experiences or even ask questions, should you have any. I want to make sure WriteTips is on the "WriteTrack!"

    Next issue (October)--Newsletters and you

    About Cassie Hart
    Over six years of professional writing experience has allowed me to learn the finer points of writing efficient, effective, and creative copy. Press releases, brochures, newsletters, website content, press kits, and articles are among the many types of marketing and promotional communications I regularly generate for clients. To discuss potential projects not listed here (or to obtain more information about any of those mentioned above) feel free to send me an email. Contact me today for a fr*e estimate on your next writing project!

    Quick Links...

  • About Cassie Hart Copywriting and Editorial Services

  • View the WriteTips archives

  •      email: cahart@att.net
         voice: 309.454.1908
         web: http://www.cassiehartwriter.com
    Cassie Hart Copywriting and Editorial Services · 216 Riss Drive · Normal · IL · 61761

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