Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can call himself a writer. Why should I consider you?

Yes, anyone can call himself a writer. And there a lot of people who do—but shouldn’t! It pains me when I see so-called professional writers whose own Web sites demonstrate that they don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re,” or “every day” and “everyday.” You deserve better! Quality independent writers are a rare find and a powerful ally. They get you the results you want. That’s what I can do for you.

So shop around. Kick the tires. You’ll see what I mean. How many other writers out there can say these things about themselves?

  • I am an award-winning author of two books
  • I have more than 10 years of experience
  • I have been editor-in-chief of two large print newsletters (circulations of 10,000-plus)
  • I teach workshops on writing, and address audiences of businesspeople about the impact that quality business writing can make on their organizations
  • I have worked with high-caliber clients, such as Harvard Medical School
  • I have experience with almost every kind of writing project imaginable
  • I have experience working full-time in newspapers and in corporate settings

What are your rates?

I work with each client to negotiate rates that are fair, and which reflect the nature of the project.

Because projects vary so widely in terms of length, complexity, research intensiveness, collaboration between multiple parties, travel, and other considerations, it is impossible for me to quote a standard rate. But give me a call at (617) 759-6479 and let me know about your project. I’ll quote you a price.

What is included in your rates?

Just about everything that’s involved with delivering the final product you’ve hired me for. That includes:

  • Meetings: In person (if local) or via phone
  • Long-distance phone charges
  • Research
  • Interviews
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Photocopying
  • Shipping
  • Two rounds of revisions

The only exceptions are when completing the project requires significant out-of-pocket expense, such as airfare, hotel fees, conference fees, and the like. Exceptions like this are rare, and are always discussed well before I begin a project, so there are no surprises.

What is the typical process for working with you as a writer?

It usually goes like this:

  1. We’ll start with an initial, no cost, no obligation discussion of your goals, expectations, timeline, and budget. This initial discussion can be as simple as a phone call or e-mail, or as complex as a series of in-person meetings (if you’re local) or conference calls or Web conferences with key members of your team. It’s your call.
  2. After getting a sense for your project, we will discuss rates and deadlines. Depending on your requirements, this can be a formal proposal, or I could just quote you a price over the phone.
  3. If you decide that I am the right person for the job, I will ask for a written agreement, and a deposit of 50% of the agreed-upon fee. At this time you would send me any materials or information I would need in order to complete the project.
  4. I will submit my work on or before our agreed-upon deadline.
  5. From the time of delivery, there is a 30-day period in which you may request up to two rounds of revisions.
  6. Once you are satisfied with the final product, the remaining 50% of the fee is due.

Please note that revisions requested more than 30 days after receipt of the initial submission, or which are based on a change in the nature of the project, are considered separate projects, and are billed accordingly.

How long will it take you to complete a job?

Again, every job is different. But I believe that you deserve to have a perfectionist working for you. I typically like to have 2–3 weeks to make sure that what I deliver to you is polished to a high sheen.

That said, my experience working in newsrooms and start-ups has me well trained in the art of “emergency” jobs. If you “need it yesterday,” give me a call at (617) 759-6479 to discuss it.

Do you also do design and layout?

That depends on the nature of your project. I am proficient with QuarkXPress and Photoshop, and I do the layout for News to Use, a newsletter published by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (see samples in my Portfolio). If you think my sense of design is appropriate for your project, I’d be happy to consider it.

It looks like you write only about health-related topics. Is that true?

Not at all. While it’s true that most of my recent experience deals with health-related topics or the health care industry, I have previously been a business reporter, and a marketing and public relations specialist for a consulting company. I am comfortable and competent with a wide range of topics. Take a look at my Portfolio to judge for yourself whether my writing style is appropriate for you.

Do you require a contract?

I require some kind of written agreement. Whether it’s a contract, a purchase order, or a letter of intent, depends upon your organization’s policies.

Where are you located?

I am located in Boston, Massachusetts.

But I’m in Tucson, Arizona. I guess that means we can’t work together, huh?

Not so fast. Long distances and time differences may make personal meetings and phone calls a tiny bit more challenging, but I work with clients from all over the country. The Web makes geographical distances virtually irrelevant when hiring a writer.

I would like to hire you as a speaker/trainer. How does that work?

Check out my Speaking & Workshops page for details about what kinds of programs I offer. Generally speaking, I require a deposit of 50% at the time that a speaking engagement is booked, with the remaining 50% due the day of the event. And I require a contract.

Fees are for the presentation or training session only. Other expenses, such as travel and accommodations, are negotiated separately.