Services Chicago writing writer, speechwriting, speeches, articles, white papers, Smart Write Inc.

eeches

n interesting premise supported by facts – not emotional manipulation - creates a lasting impression.

Good speeches are well researched; complemented with personal anecdotes and memorable quotes; and structured knowing that audiences

listen intently for the first 10 minutes; start to shut down after 20; then listen again if the speaker indicates the speech is nearly over.

Speech services include the following:

Research the event; determine audience expectations.
Interview the speaker, gather background, research the topic.
Draft a rough outline for approval
Write the speech.
Create any visuals.
Submit the draft for editing and approval.
Print the final word-for-word in speaker’s format.
Prepare and print handouts.
Contact the event facilitator about requirements, i.e. podium height.
Attend the event (no charge within the Chicago Metropolitan area).

roject fees are for 20-minute, 30-minute, 1-hour, and 1-hour-plus speech

Business Articles

These multi-purpose marketing vehicles are highly credible to readers. In addition to the thousands of industry insiders who read the

publications, articles can be posted on the company Web site; and reprints can be used as handouts and mailed to customers and clients.

Some companies use the “As seen in….” tag in brochures and sales letters.

The biggest market for business articles is trade magazines.

Some publications favor articles written by companies who advertise heavily, but every editor will make room for a well-written article on a

topic that interests readers.

While some magazines will make an informal commitment to publish, the process usually starts with a query.

The query letter is a one-page document that outlines the proposed topic; why readers would be interested; the author’s qualifications; and

some nuts and bolts such as length and proposed sources. Anything that makes the editor’s job easier increases the chances of publication.

This means it’s important to offer graphics and sidebars.

We draw the list of trade publications to query from Bacon’s Guide and send the query to every relevant outlet.

Once an editor commits, we write the article. The average length for a trade article, including sidebars, is 3,000 words. However, every

publication has its own submission guidelines.

Business article services include the following:

Client meetings;

2. Formulating a media list;

3. Writing the query;

4. Submitting the query;

5. Tracking response;

6. Presenting results and choosing the best outlet;

7. Reviewing available graphics;

8. Interviewing sources;

9. Research;

10. Writing the article;

11. Submitting the draft and making changes; and

12. Finalizing the copy and submitting to the publication.

The project fee is split into two tasks – the query process (items 1 – 6) and the 3,000-word article composition (items 7 – 12). This means that

you only pay for the query process until the query is accepted by a publisher. Reimbursable expenses include query postage. Fees for lengths

significantly more or less than 3,000 words are negotiable.

White Papers

igh-quality white papers establish thought leadership and positions the company as both an innovator and leader in its field. They also

introduce complex products to new and established markets. Traditionally, these hard-working marketing tools have been handouts and

mailers for loyal and potential clients. Now Web designers also use them to gather information about site visitors.

More is not better – a good length is between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Readers are expecting something valuable; not long explanations and

definitely not fluff.

White paper services include the following:

•

Client meetings;

• A preliminary outline for approval;

• Research – interviews, client materials, and outside sources;

• An initial draft with endnotes/footnotes;

• A final copy incorporating all changes.

Project fee is for 1,500 – 2,000-word paper. Fees for additional lengths are negotiable.