How I Work
Welcome! And thank you for your interest in my content writing services.
More than likely, you’re here because you need a persuasive content writer who understands your prospective customer to a tee. You're also looking for someone with powerful writing skills and the ability to make complex concepts simple. After all, that’s really vital in the competitive personal finance world.
Whatever your reason for being here, you’ll want to know more about any writer before making a hiring decision. Ideally we'd be sitting across from each other in your office, having a getting-to-know-you chat. I'm guessing you’d ask me a series of questions. Let me go ahead and answer a few of those questions right here.
“What are your qualifications as a copywriter?”
I have used words to generate value for decades.
I started at 22 as a technical translator in my own business in Rio de Janeiro. I translated documents such as the Brazilian Tax Code into English and sold them to Citibank and others. My business thrived because of my attention to detail and reliability.
By 24, I was the Assistant Public Relations Manager of a $3 billion mining project in the Amazon. I handled the communications that led to changing critical laws by successfully lobbying Congress. My work also helped bring in foreign buyers for this massive iron ore mine.
A few years later, with a newly minted MBA from the Wharton School, I became Marketing Director of Godiva Chocolatier, based in Brussels. Here I used words to bring the shine back to a then-"dusty" company. Next I moved to France to do the same for a Cognac company.
Since then, I've owned an international marketing consulting firm and have written non-stop. I’ve researched and written proposals, client reports and marketing texts for dozens of companies in as many countries. My words have changed how countries buy their petroleum. And they've changed how U.S. and non-U.S. companies export and market their products.
Eight years ago, I decided to start mentoring younger women around their money, as a way of giving back to my community. I based this on my comfort with financial concepts, my finance credentials and my own life experiences. But I realized I needed another voice, something more intimate than the one I used for business and technical writing. So I hired specialized coaches and found valuable mentors. And I learned how to add "heart" to my written voice.
I then launched a blog and wrote articles every Sunday for nearly four years to empower women around money. My goal was to remove the mystery from money while encouraging them to take greater personal responsibility for their financial futures.
“What is your specialty among the different types of copywriting?”
My specialty is in content development: content in the form of ...
- articles,
- brochures,
- newsletters,
- email autoresponder series,
- blog posts,
- case studies, and
- white papers.
I get great joy when I’m able to add an educational twist to persuasive writing. But that comes in second, after my goal of bringing greater profit to your bottom line.
I’m also proficient at long-form direct copy, social media marketing, website development and SEO, as a result of courses and hands-on experience.
The people I’ve worked with over the years rave about my ability to take complex ideas and make them easy to understand. I happen to feel this is a particularly handy skill when writing about issues related to people’s finances.
“Do you have experience in my field?”
Are you a for-profit business or a non-profit organization that touches the personal finance field? Do you market a product or service related to wealth building? Do any of your potential clients struggle with wanting to understand personal finance better? If so, chances are we’ll be a good match.
I started with an MBA in Finance from Wharton. Then, after tripping over my own finances in 2001, I did extensive research into how I could have done that. I went on to write nearly 190 full articles on personal finance for my blog. I also mentored women (well, mostly women) around money, which gives me an inside track on the many psychological triggers.
Take a look at the writing samples I've included on this site. Do they seem “in sync” with your message, values and goals? If so, perfect. If not, give me a call and we can discuss your specific needs. (Remember, many samples were written in my "voice"--and any writing done for you will be in yours.) I only approach businesses if I feel I can make a marked difference. So, if we work together, you’ll be getting my very best.
“What kinds of assignments do you handle?”
I cover the full spectrum. I prefer to start with articles, newsletters, email autoresponder series and blog posts. That way I can build a solid understanding of your company, its philosophy, its goals and its target audience. I can also capture the voice, or tone, of your company’s communications, so what we create together reinforces your strategic branding. After that, we can move on to other marketing communications materials, if that makes sense.
I’m known for my ability to weave engaging stories into my copy. This writing style pulls the reader into the written piece emotionally. The result is a strong response to the piece’s call to action.
Who am I comfortable working with inside an organization? Well, I’ve worked with everyone from the President of a country to laborers in the fields in less developed nations. (Everyone’s voice counts.)
“Your services schedule lists 'Editing of English content by non-native English writers.' What is that?”
I’m fluent in four languages. I honor the power of words to change minds, guide decisions and communicate features and benefits in the sales conversation. But I also know that any deviation from what a reader expects in word choice or sentence structure can create a stumbling block. It can really hinder trust building or decision making.
That’s why I offer the service of editing texts that non-native English writers have developed in English. It’s more than just editing. It also involves a bit of cultural interpretation of what the writer originally meant.
“Do you offer consulting services?”
I've spent much of my career as an international market entry consultant, including business start-ups and turnarounds. So, in addition to writing copy, I'm often asked by my clients to work as a consultant.
I help with marketing strategies and campaigns that generate maximum response, however my clients choose to measure success. They’re pleased to get on-target advice that works—at an affordable fee—and appreciate that I don’t require a monthly retainer.
“Speaking of money, what does it cost to hire you for a project?”
For any writing assignment—a feature article, a press release, a blog post, a special report—just give me an idea of what you have in mind. I’ll provide a customized quote. For starters, the Services page on this site will give you a price range for a variety of different projects.
“Who are your clients? What do they say about your copy and your counsel?”
Those answers can be found on the Clients/Experience and Testimonials pages on this site.
“How long will it take you to write my copy?”
This obviously depends on the scope of the project. But early on in our working relationship, I'd prefer to have at least 2-3 weeks to work on your copy. This lets me understand your company fully, research, polish, edit and revise until I’m happy with every word. (So you'll be happy, too.)
On the other hand, I know that internal deadlines sometimes make that impossible. In the case of a rush job, just indicate the date you need to have the copy. I'll accept the job if I'm certain I can do it justice within your time frame. And I guarantee you’ll have the copy in your email inbox by the deadline date we agree on—if not sooner.
Whatever the deadline, if I take on the responsibility, the copy I submit to you will be right. You can depend on it.
“What happens if we want you to revise the copy?”
Just tell me what changes or improvements you want made and I’ll make them—quickly. There’s no charge whatsoever for rewriting. Whatever flat fee we agreed to for the assignment, revisions are included. That is, as long as they’re requested within 30 days of your receipt of the copy and don’t reflect changes to the original assignment.
Most clients are pleased with my copy when they receive it. On the off chance you’re not 100 percent satisfied, I’ll revise the copy along your specific guidelines—entirely at my expense.
“How do I order from you?”
Putting me to work for you is easy. A simple phone call to 1.786.200.9870 or an email using the Contact Page will get the ball rolling. You can tell me what you’re looking for. Then together we can flesh out the details, including what materials I’ll need from your company to build familiarity.
Once you give me the green light, I’ll write the assignment for you. You’ll receive your copy on or before the deadline date. And remember: it’s guaranteed to please you.
Dozens of organizations and companies have benefited from my writing over the years. From Barilla Pasta to the Colombian Government Export Development Program ... from Godiva Chocolatier to the United Nations Environment Programme … from Lillo infant products to the many thousands of readers of my personal finance blog. (I could go on, but you get the idea.) Each has found my copy perfect for promoting their business, enhancing their bottom line and/or changing their life.
In short, working with me will be a win-win for you. So, why not try my services for your next feature article, press release, newsletter or email autoresponder series? I promise you’ll be thrilled with the results.
So if you have an open assignment sitting on your desk right now, call me right away at 1.786.200.9870. Or email me the details on the Contact Page. Discussing your assignment and receiving a quote costs you nothing but a little time. And you are in no way committing to buy.