Freelance Writer - Leslie J. Thompson

You know the benefits package from your HMO that you keep in your desk drawer? Somebody wrote that.

And the text that appears on the Website of your favorite clothing retailer? Someone wrote that, too.

Press releases, magazine articles, newsletters, email announcements–someone writes them all. That someone may be me.

Crafting the perfect message takes time and talent. Sure, you could whip something up yourself, or ask a friend or colleague to give it a go. But are you willing to bet your business on the results? As a professional with more than 15 years’ experience in journalism, marketing, and corporate communications, I have the specialized skills to do the job right. If you have a project in mind, I will take the time to understand your exact needs, your budget, and your deadlines.

What’s more, for the reader to truly understand your meaning, the message needs to be communicated just so. And for that, you need to call in a professional. I will help you focus in on the most pertinent information and the right tone, so your target audience will hear exactly what you intend to say.

Choosing the right words can help you sell a product, share an opinion, and elicit an emotional response. Strong writing has the power to win people over and create a call to action. Whether you need marketing collateral, a press release, Web content, a newsletter or even a book, I can help you massage your message to the max. Your audience won’t just be reading, they’ll be riveted. And you won’t just look smart, you’ll look smashing.

If you have never worked with a consultant before, I encourage you to read my blog post on Tips for Working with a Freelance Writer. To get a quote on a project, please email me at leslie@lesliejthompson.com.

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In my freelance writing career, I have worked with large multinational companies and small privately-owned businesses, as well as numerous trade and consumer publications. I have written about topics as diverse as pet food nutrition, retirement planning, women’s fashions, and neurological research on Alzheimer’s in the elderly. One of the joys of being a freelance writer is that I get to work on a variety of writing projects for print and Web that draw on my experience in both journalism and marketing. It’s like circuit training for the brain.

When I am approached about a freelance writing project, often one of the first questions I hear is, “How does the process work?” Generally speaking, it goes something like this…

1. We have an initial discussion via phone or email concerning the nature and scope of the project. Questions that I commonly ask include:
         - What type of content are you looking for? (E.g., are you in need of a white paper, marketing brochure, e-newsletter, etc.?)
         - Will the project require independent research (e.g., interviews or online searches), or will background material be provided?
         - What is the time frame?
         - What is the review process? (E.g., is there one point person for feedback, or will the copy go through a committee for comments and approval?)
2. I will submit a proposal that summarizes the scope and timing of the project and includes a quote for an hourly rate or flat project fee.
3. We get started!

Three simple steps, really. My goal is to understand your needs, and my job is to make your job easier.

If you would like to read more on this topic, I encourage you to check out my blog post on Tips for Working with a Freelance Writer. To inquire about a project, please email me at leslie@lesliejthompson.com.

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I have been a marketing copywriter about as long as I’ve been a journalist. But, unlike journalism, which tells a linear story, copywriting challenges you to create a desire within the reader to take action in some way–ideally to buy your product or use your service.

In my corporate jobs and as a freelance writer, I have created media kits, marketing brochures, direct mail campaigns, catalog copy, sell sheets, folders and more. I have done copywriting for education companies, CPAs, magazines, cable networks, financial services firms and IT specialists.

Here are a few samples of projects for freelance clients. If you’d care to see more, I am happy to send samples of specific types of copywriting (e.g., brochures, catalog copy or print advertisements) via mail or email at your request.

To request a quote on your project, please email me at leslie@lesliejthompson.com.

Marketing Collateral

Empact Solutions - Sell Sheet for EyeQ
Live Auctioneers - Sell Sheet
Live Auctioneers - Media kit
Print ad for VmathLive math program
ATOMIC Magazine - Media kit

Note: You will need Acrobat Reader to view the PDF files:

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