by David Tandet
What do you write?
Grant proposals and marketing writing.
Grant consulting involves a variety of project types. Funding usually comes from corporations or foundations. Nonprofit corporations often have a specific grant or funding source in mind. Or, I’ll help determine what funding currently being offered would best support the proposed project.
Before actual writing begins, I work with the client to insure proper program design. The grantor, after all, is going to award the nonprofit that best represents its interests. The next step usually involves writing a two or three page letter of inquiry.
I help put together state and federal grants as well. Because of the more complex nature of federal grants, they are usually part of a team effort. Federal grants are often for larger amounts and longer periods.
My other writing involves corporate communications, marketing material, websites, business to business, business to consumer and internal communications. Copy that helps clients enhance their images and increase sales through a variety of media.
My marketing work can take the form of a press release, a website, or a newsletter, to name just three examples. I provide whatever a client requires to drive sales and improve business.
Do you write for companies that don’t have their own marketing departments, or companies that already employ marketing & communications (marcom) professionals?
Both. Smaller companies don’t always have the budget to hire an international firm. That’s one place I can perform a huge service. A lot of companies in that position don’t really know what to look for in a design firm. I’ll provide everything they need. I team with just the right graphic designer or web engineer to put together a complete marketing communications program - a turnkey operation.
In some instances, larger corporations or marketing firms outsource parts of a big project. I can come on board, get up to speed fast, and provide top-level work as a team player. Maybe a department head is making a speech and needs a writer. I’ll help out there as well.
What do you charge?
My fee is based on a per project rate or hourly rate. Every project is assessed on its own terms.
How long do projects take?
Grants have very specific deadline dates for various stages. Those dates determine the length of the project — simple as that.
For other writing, it depends entirely upon the project. I make sure I’ll be able to meet a client’s time requirements before beginning any assignment. A completion date is agreed to, so there’s no doubt I will deliver exactly the finished product the client needs.
In some instances, a smaller company without a great deal of marketing experience isn’t sure what it’s supposed to be looking for in a copywriter. In those cases, we have a longer upfront discussion, and I help steer the direction the marketing program is going in - if that is what the client requires of me.
Bottom line: I provide marketing copy that drives sales.
For a free consultation or to ask any question, contact us.