Question about hiring a copywriter.

10 years ago

Look at it like this...

If he didn't ask, he'd have no idea what he was trying to pitch. Would that make sense? Would it make sense for you to have ANY confidence in hiring a copywriter - if they showed ZERO interest in your product? Would you even want to hire a copywriter who didn't believe in what you're doing?

Hmmm....

Mark

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NetJunkie913

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Pescetti

Look at it like this...

If he didn't ask, he'd have no idea what he was trying to pitch. Would that make sense? Would it make sense for you to have ANY confidence in hiring a copywriter - if they showed ZERO interest in your product? Would you even want to hire a copywriter who didn't believe in what you're doing?

Hmmm....

Mark

Yea I know it's kinda silly, I just have this paranoia that someone is going to steal my product lol.

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Jason Kanigan

10 years ago

Yeah....how the hell would he know what he's writing about if he didn't??

That's like saying, "I'm hiring a copywriter to write copy to sell tomatoes...but he's never seen a tomato and I don't plan on sending him one."

Whut??

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NetJunkie913

10 years ago

Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan

Yeah....how the hell would he know what he's writing about if he didn't??

That's like saying, "I'm hiring a copywriter to write copy to sell tomatoes...but he's never seen a tomato and I don't plan on sending him one."

Whut??

Lmao right. Okay guys don't roast me to hard.

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angiecolee

10 years ago

It's common sense that's not so common.

Theft is a common fear when you're starting out, but here's the thing - register it if you're that scared. It'll afford you intellectual property protection in court.

Ideas can't be protected and are stolen all the time. Look at how many way-too-similar movies and TV shows come out of Hollywood in any given year.

Same idea, different execution.

The execution is protectable. So protect it.

And for the love of everything holy, listen to Jason and Mark and get your copywriter a copy of the book. Have him sign any kind of contract you need to feel comfortable about it, if that makes you feel better.

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KreativCopy

10 years ago

Originally Posted by angiecolee

It's common sense that's not so common.

Theft is a common fear when you're starting out, but here's the thing - register it if you're that scared. It'll afford you intellectual property protection in court.

Ideas can't be protected and are stolen all the time. Look at how many way-too-similar movies and TV shows come out of Hollywood in any given year.

Same idea, different execution.

The execution is protectable. So protect it.

And for the love of everything holy, listen to Jason and Mark and get your copywriter a copy of the book. Have him sign any kind of contract you need to feel comfortable about it, if that makes you feel better.

And what Angie just said....we must have cross posted

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KreativCopy

10 years ago

Originally Posted by NetJunkie913

I'm hiring a foreign copywriter to write the sales letter for my upcoming eBook.

Is it normal procedure for him to ask for a copy of the book to overlook before he begins working?

Is the fact that the copywriter is 'foreign' bothering you?

Like other posters, the copywriter will need to know the product before he/she can write a good sales letter. However, I can understand your concern about someone stealing your work, but it will have your copyright on it in any event, and in practice this rarely happens. Make sure you have a written agreement in place before you hire - these usually have confidentiality clauses (or should do).

I would be interested to know what is making you suspicious.

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MikeHumphreys

10 years ago

Originally Posted by NetJunkie913

I'm hiring a foreign copywriter to write the sales letter for my upcoming eBook.

Is it normal procedure for him to ask for a copy of the book to overlook before he begins working?

I always ask my client for a copy of the product. Many times, I find "golden nuggets" inside the product which help me write great bullets, subheadlines, and more. In some cases, I've found a GREAT product hook or theme which the product owner overlooked. Maybe it was due to a lack of copywriting experience on the owner's end. Maybe it was being too subjective about their product... they did create and birth the product.

If you think of your copywriter as a specialist who wants help you with the marketing side of things (and not go into business against you), then you'll probably gain some peace of mind.

Best of luck,

Mike

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Raydal

10 years ago

Don't be too hard on the OP. I remember some years ago I was hired
by a very well-known marketer but he placed the management of
the project in the hands of one of his employees. When I asked
for the material (it was a lot) that I was writing for he was hesitant
and went back to his boss to get permission. So I'm just saying that
there are many people who should know better for whom this request
is not commonsensical.

So I make this a part of my client questionnaire that I'll need access to
whatever I'm writing about, whenever possible. I still have a package
of billiard VHS and books in my garage from a client. I had to watch the
videos and go though the books to write for the product.

-Ray Edwards

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angiecolee

10 years ago

Not being hard on him, Ray. Like I said, it's common sense that's not very common.

If you're starting out, you don't know this is a regular occurrence. If you've got some experience under your belt, you know this is a regular occurrence.

Everyone here gave him solid advice, and he was smart enough to come in and ask in the first place. If he implements, he may do well. Time will tell.

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Raydal 10 years ago

Originally Posted by angiecolee

If you're starting out, you don't know this is a regular occurrence. If you've got some experience under your belt, you know this is a regular occurrence.

In his case I'm thinking he is just new, because I remember when I was
concerned about the security of my first ebook as well. I thought that
someone would steal my idea. This was not a normal information
product but a "trick" I had discovered by accident which brought me
a lot of traffic back then (2002). My fears were never realized as far as I know.

-Ray Edwards
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RickDuris

10 years ago

Not having the product is a blessing. It means I decide the features, functionality and benefits. I decide the promises and claims I can make.

I can go crazy. I can go into MSU mode. "Make shit up" mode. And I do.

I create, via the the copy, the perfect product.

When I'm given reign free, I do my best work. Odds are when I submit the copy, the content providers will re-engineer the products to rise to the level of the copy.

To me, there's something liberating about not having the product while I write and research.

- Rick Duris

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Drez 10 years ago

When a client gives me a product to write about I generally sign a confidentiality agreement.

This prevents disclosing business critical information and makes the client feel protected.

Actually we sign a Mutual NDA - don't want any sneaky clients stealing ideas, do we
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Cam Connor

10 years ago

Originally Posted by NetJunkie913

I'm hiring a foreign copywriter to write the sales letter for my upcoming eBook.

Is it normal procedure for him to ask for a copy of the book to overlook before he begins working?

Yes it is. Why would you hesitate to send him a copy of a eBook? I'd be more weary if he DOESN'T ask for it. heh

Edit: Oh nvm, you already answered that question. Yea, I'd send it to him, it's very procedural.

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Drez

10 years ago

Here's a sample mutual confidentiality agreement you may wish to use, edit and adapt.

Notice: I'm not a lawyer or in any way authorized to practice law or give legal advice. Please make sure to review this agreement with appropriate counsel.

Hope this is helpful.

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Ross Bowring

10 years ago

Darn foreigners... taking all the sweet copywriting jobs... asking for actual copies of the book they're gonna be selling... the nerve of these people! Shut down those borders!

--- Ross

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Jomuli3 10 years ago

Just to add on ---

Let me dig a bit deeper.

It's important for your copywriter to know your product well.

Why?

You see ---

Equipped with your product knowledge, the copywriter could extract a
Unique Selling Proposition. This could give you an edge over your competitors.

You could claim that there is no any other similar product that offers benefit
'A.'

But be honest. Don't make false claims.

One other thing ---

When the Copywriter knows your product well, he/she could extract
many features. These could be translated into selling benefits --- they could help prospects see how the product could solve their problems.

Go ahead --- give it to the copywriter.

In case your intellectual property is stolen you could sue for infringement of your copyright.

The charges for such offenses are quite high.
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Question about hiring a copywriter.

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