Sometimes You Have to Say No

This tip brought to you by our Copywriting Guru Jeffery Loquist on Dec 14, 2009

When I was 10 or 11 I was obsessed with Run DMC.

I remember sitting in my bedroom listening to "Rock Around the Clock" in my fake Venture Adidas (yeah, I know, super cool). There was even a few occasions where I attempted to pen the next rap hit.

I'm going to be perfectly honest here...I'm not a rap superstar.

I've never been a rap superstar.

I doubt I could write a Dr. Seuss-esque story.

And I'm pretty sure if I placed the phrase "Wiggity Wack" into rap lyrics the chances of it being a hit are much slimmer than in 1992.

So, when I received a phone call today asking if I could copywrite a rap song it should come as no surprise that I turned the potential client down fairly quickly. Now, don't get me wrong, I attempted to find a writer willing to take the project on.

It should also come as no surprise that I have yet to find a taker.

Actually, that is a bit of a surprise.

See, there are plenty of writers out there that will take any project they can get as long as it pays. I know this because I used to be one of these ambishous little guys.

85 page car insurance site in 10 days...got it.

20 pages on feminine hygene...sure, I'll make it happen.

My motto used to be I'd write 500 words on the benefit of Satanism if the money was right.

Seriously.

The problem with this philosophy is that as a writer you are going to have strong points and you are going to have weak points. Taking on a project where you will not be able to provide the highest level of quality is doing a disservice not only to your client but also to yourself.

So before making an offer on a project consider the type of writing it is, the amount of time it will take and whether or not you have the ability to obtain the information needed to create quality copy that will help improve your clients busines as well as your own.