Studio Franco Editorial Copy Re-Writing Service. Bracknell. UK

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• COPY RE-WRITING SERVICE

I generally prefer to write original Copy.
based on my own research and my own copy-writing style without reliance on the input of people who are not writing the copy.

I undertake Copy re-writing with a few strict provisos.
I like to make this clear at the outset because it is easier than trying to herd cats later on.

Over a period of 30 years of Copy Writing, I have been asked, at least TWICE a year, to RE-WRITE someone elses copy.
So I have come up against the following situations sixty times. Probably more, as in the past ten years that has increased.
Which compelled me to write this little gem.

If you request Copy re-writing it is because the copy you have is not what you want.

Many potential clients imagine, or appear to imagine that they can obtain brand new Copy at the price of, and under the guise of, requesting simple Copy editing.
If we are to have a cordial relationship, I must dispel this notion.

The following is written in order to Clarify what is involved in all the different aspects of Copy Writing.

The following Copy is written to separate the wheat from the chaff / the women from the girls/ the men from the boys / the shysters from me.
If you are okay with this - all good.
If you are not okay with this - there are other Copy Writers.

The Difference Between an Editor and “editing”

What does an Editor do?
An Editor is the person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, etc., who is responsible for all of its reports or published Content.

An Editor is in charge of a Writing Team – directing and planning WHAT they are going to write about - their work-load.

The Editor plans, coordinates, and orders revision of material for publication in books, newspapers, or periodicals or on websites, or on TV.
The Editor does NOT write the material,

The Editor reviews story ideas and decides what material will appeal most to readers. During the review process, editors offer comments to improve the product and suggest titles and headlines.

A person who is “editing” - is merely “fixing” existing Copy. Not writing new Copy.
As such, this editor is under no pressure at all to “improve” the Copy.
Just to tweak it here and there.

Anything beyond “tweaking” – is re-writing.

Editors Direct. Writers Write.

Editors DO NOT write.
Nor do Editors write so that other writers can come along and re-write the re-write.

”Editing”
A person who corrects and makes changes to texts or films before they are printed or shown, can be considered as “editing” the material.
They are Polishing. Fine-tuning. Tweaking – WHAT IS ALREADY THERE.
Not re-writing or re-filming.

Anything that goes beyond "tweaking" or "shaping" is Re-Writing.
That is NOT Editing
That is RE-DOING the Job.

As such - I will bill for that job.

Editorial Content “Massaging” Service

I call it “Massaging” because your Copy is already done.

It just needs to be shaped, or tweaked, or polished a little.
An “Editing” service only tweaks what you have.
It does not Re-Write
As an example – in money terms that you can understand:
Copy "Editing" will cost you $5.00 - Cleaning up what you already have.
Writing Copy will cost you $50.00 - Reading what you have. Understanding WHY you want to change it.
Writing and submitting it.
Tweaking THAT to get a final, polished result.
Re-Writing IS Writing and it will still be $50.00

Remember: You are doing this because what you have needs major surgery – not a Band-Aid

Why You Should Get a Content Editor Early

A good Content writer can also be a good Editor.
If you start with a good Editor and a good brief – you can avoid a headache.
A good Editor will stop you from going beyond the bounds of the brief.
Something that even a good Copy Writer will overlook.
Which is why some Copy Writers complain that they are poorly paid.

I am a Good Editor -
And if you try to squeeze an inch in on me somewhere by asking for a bit of copy tweaking, which begins to turn into an epic screen script – we will be cancelling that job, in favor of starting the new ACTUAL job.

Read: Client Responsibilites to The Project Design Brief

Doctors, astronauts, and plumbers need training to do their jobs. But anyone with a computer is a "graphic designer" . . .

All Design Briefs inevitably fall victim to Feature-Creep, Extended Deadlines and Cost Escalation.
Invariably, frustration and resentment develop.
And the 'urge-to-murder" arises.
This is why we provide this Handy Check-List of "Things To Be Aware Of".