Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do you focus on small businesses?
• Why should I hire professional editor and writers when I have educated, experienced people on staff?
• What is Boomer's philosophy of writing?
• Who owns the work Boomer does for us?
• How many writers do you have on staff?
• Are you affordable to small businesses?
• Do you take retainers?
• Do you offer packages?
• Do you charge for travel?
• What if I don't like your first draft?
• What happens after I contact you with a query?
• I'm a freelance writer who'd like to work for you. How do I get on your list of preferred writers?
• Does Boomer graphics or art work?
• If Boomer Publishing isn't quite what I'm looking for, will you refer me to other writers?

Why do you focus on small businesses?

We are a small business and have worked with small businesses most of our professional lives. We understand their need to work closely with their suppliers, clients and peers, and their desire to talk to all of them in clear, straightforward language.

Why should I hire professionals when I have several educated, experienced people on staff who can write for me?

We’ve often been hired to rewrite material written by some very intelligent college graduates or seasoned business professionals. But being bright or having experience doesn’t necessarily translate into being a confident or professional writer. Just as you wouldn’t ask a dermatologist to set a broken bone, you wouldn’t ask an accounting or direct sales whiz to write an employee handbook or monthly newsletter.

What is your philosophy of writing?

We offer writing that is as clear and clutter-free as possible. That is, writing that doesn’t call attention to itself by being gushing, cute or trendy. We don’t write down to readers or forget our obligation to clearly define and communicate your message.

Who owns the work Boomer does for us?

We produce “work for hire,” which means that you retain all rights to its use in perpetuity. You can do anything you want with it—print it in newsletters, post it on your website, use it in your marketing materials.

(For our marketing purposes and as examples of our work , we reserve the right to link to the work we’ve done for you if you publish it online, or to present a text-only version of the work on our website, clearly marked with your copyright.)

How many writers do you have on staff?

Besides our principal writers, Jeff Dondero and Patrick Totty, we retain the services of several other experienced freelance writers with whom we’ve worked in the past. We  call on them whenever we need help with a workload or expertise in a particular field.

When we assign a freelancer to a job, the fee is built into our regular rate.

Are you affordable to small businesses?

We try to be but we can't answer that question until we know what you have in mind. But be assured we will do our best to accommodate you. Give us a call—you may be surprised how easy we are to work with no matter what your budget.

Do you take retainers?

We take retainers for recurring jobs that have predictable tasks or timelines. Examples include:

• Website updates
• Newsletters
• Copyediting
• Proofreading
• Micro-targeting
• E-wire service

Do you offer packages?

Yes, we do. Please go to our Services page to see the various packages we offer.

Do you charge for travel?

Yes, we do, but our rates are simple and reasonable.

What if I don’t like your first draft?

In standard industry practice, writing fees cover two major drafts and minor subsequent revisions:

• A first draft, for which the client may request heavy edits, revisions or rewriting
• A second draft that meets the client’s requests for first-draft changes
• Minor adjustments to the second draft, such as title changes, deletions or updated information.

If, after we've revised the second draft you find yourself still not satisfied with the work we’ve done, we will release the writing to you "as is," as work for hire, in exchange for your immediate payment to us of a 33 percent kill fee. That fee will be based either on hours worked or the contracted-for project cost.

What happens after I contact you with a query?

First we'll talk with you to see if we are a good fit for your needs. We can meet with you, talk over the phone, or discuss matters via e-mail or Instant Messenger—whatever is the most comfortable for you.

From there we will create a basic proposal that includes the scope of project, timetable and deadlines, and fees (as well as any necessary expenses).  

Once you approve the proposal and submit a "binder fee," we'll begin work on your project. 

I’m a freelance writer who would like to work for you. How do I get on your list of preferred writers?

Get in touch with either Jeff Dondero or Patrick Totty at the e-mail addresses in the Contact Us page. Send us contact information, a letter about your expertise and expectations, areas of interest and special skills, a short resume and, most importantly, some of your best clips. We will respond with information about our needs and payment rates.

Do you do graphics or art work?

Our expertise is strictly in writing. We have graphic artists that we’ve worked with over the years to whom we’d be happy to refer you.

If Boomer Publishing is not quite what I’m looking for, will you refer me to other writers?

Gladly. We realize that our scope or approach may not suit everybody who is looking for editorial content.