Alasdair Murray 

freelance copywriter

An accomplished recruitment advertising professional with extensive agency experience, I started my advertising career at The Daily Telegraph as a Sales Executive. My next port of call 'media side', was at the Brighton Evening Argus, and I also did a stint as a rep at Reed Regional Sales (now Newsquest). Joining Austin Knight back in 1987 as an account handler, spells at MSL, Lonsdales, McCanns and TMP Worldwide followed, before I set up in business as a freelance writer (of both copy and, when time allows, comedy) back in November 2001.

So what's my USP? Well, quite simply, having been a 'suit' and a writer, I particularly appreciate the pressures you are under and the demand for your copy to hit the mark, first time, every time. What's more, I have been involved in literally thousands of copywriting exercises, both as an account handler and as a copywriter, thus I can intuitively interpret pretty much every brief without the need to come back with loads of questions.

Able to turn my hand to everything from straightforward online or press  'copy only' assignments, through to writing radio scripts , coming up with concepts, creating 'stables' of ads for manuals, producing copy for microsites or helping out with pitch work, you'll soon discover that I am a useful 'bolt-on' service to have 'up your creative sleeve' at busy times, or if you want your in-house people to focus on the 'sexier' projects whilst I take care of the 'copy only's'.

How I work
For a copy only job, all I need from you is a job description and person spec emailed (preferably) or faxed, plus, if it is a client I haven’t done work for before, an example of the sort of ads they usually run in the press (in PDF format). A massive brief is not essential, unless there is some specific information/phraseology that has to be included at the client’s request (I can always phone you for additional info if I feel it is necessary). Obviously, the more information the better, but don’t feel obliged to spend ages writing a brief unless you feel the job just can’t be written without it.

Turnaround time for 'copy only' jobs is 24 hours maximum and often less. If something is really urgent, I will always try and accommodate it if possible. Miracles can be performed, but they take time! (and depend on workload - don’t be afraid to ask though). I'll even throw in some headline options if you want them.

For other, more involved projects, I will always discuss your requirements fully and quote for a job before starting it. Timescales vary, but I am always mindful of the fact that this is a deadline driven business we work in. You will often be pleasantly surprised when it turns up before you were expecting it!

In summary - no hidden charges, no thinking time or navel contemplating charge, just good copy, fast turnaround, competitive rates and, perhaps most importantly - always 'on brief'.

Prices

Copy only job  (with or without headline)   £40.00*
Subsequent vacancy in same ad                 £27.50
Editing/enhancing originators work            £22.50
Pitch work/concepts/radio scripts etc.         p.o.a.
Rush job charge (3-5 hour turnaround)    Add £20.00
Daily rate                                                        £210.00

So, the next time you need a freelance writer who is genuinely experienced, never wide of the mark and who can help ease that busy creative workload, why not give me a call?