Copy Writing and Press Releases

Speedie PR

My Background

I have worked in the Financial Services industry for over 25 years, the last 16 of these specialising in Marketing and PR for large corporates such as Liverpool Victoria and the Woolwich as well as smaller, more niche companies such as Moneynet and Foresters.

I set up Speedie PR in 2003 and my clients are diverse in their products and services (one day I will be writing about personal finance and property then the next about dating and animal charities!).

This allows me to have a fresh perspective every time I issue a press release or write copy.

Press Releases

How do I work?

You would tell me what you want to promote and I’d draft up a release which can then be edited until we are both happy with it. There are two areas to target – trade and / or consumer.

To keep my costs low and allow me to utilise my time most efficiently, I tend to do any initial meetings with clients over the ‘phone and then via email. Email means that it is easier to keep up to track of where we are and is the most efficient form of communication while preparing the release.

All my PR is sent via email – I do not telephone lots of journalists with a follow up to a story - in my experience, this alienates them. However, if I know of a particular journalist who I think would be interested in the story, then of course I'll call them at no extra charge to you.

Also, dealing via email means that I can keep costs low (ie: no stationery, no postage) but it is beneficial for the recipient. Not only are they getting news as it happens, but, as it is in email format, the release can be copied and pasted into a word processor and edited, making the journalists life a lot easier!

Prices

For a consumer release, the charge is £500 plus VAT to produce and distribute (via email) one Press Release. This includes drafting up the PR and having up to four sets of changes to it. Any more than four amends costs a further £20 per set of changes.

My mailing databases for this particular project would go to around 1,000 contacts for the consumer release. This would include all National dailies and weekend papers; relevant consumer magazines and publications; specialist publications, some regional etc.

For a trade release, it would go to 250-odd contacts. The cost would be £250 plus VAT. This includes drafting up the PR and having up to four sets of changes to it. Any more than four amends costs a further £20 per set of changes.

Payment

I require half the fee upfront and the remainder paid once the release has gone out.

For more information our to discuss a project , Please complete our Speedie PR Enquiry Form and we will get in touch with you straight away.

Enquiries

Any enquiries as a result of the PR are dealt with in two ways – simple requests for a logo or a bit more information I will deal with. Journalists wanting further quotes I will direct to you.

Also, as I am well known by journalists, I am often approached by them when they are looking for case studies or something in particular. If I think your product/service fits the bill, then I will pass them on to you at no charge.

Press Cuttings / Monitoring

The cost for monitoring any press coverage is not included in this cost and is not something I am able to do due to the sheer volume of publications there are nationwide.

You would need to judge how successful the PR has been by employing a press cuttings agency (about £100 a month plus £3 per cutting) or by seeing how many enquiries you get!

Once a release has gone out, I do not make follow up ‘phone calls.

For more information or to discuss a project , Please complete our Speedie PR Enquiry Form and we will get in touch with you straight away.

Copy Writing

How do I work?

I can produce one-off articles or can provide ongoing content. I would need a specification (number of words; details of where to get research; tone of article/copy; type of audience who would be reading the copy etc)

To keep my costs low and allow me to utilise my time most efficiently, I tend to do any initial meetings with clients over the ‘phone and then via email. Email means that it is easier to keep up to track of where we are and is the most efficient form of communication while preparing copy.

Prices

Price is dependent on the job specification, but for a 250 word article you could expect to pay around £75 plus VAT. Any copy produced by me is original and would become your property upon receipt of full payment.

Payment

I require half the fee upfront and the remainder paid once the release has gone out.

For more information or to discuss a project , Please complete our Speedie PR Enquiry Form and we will get in touch with you straight away.