The first time I was asked to write a speech was early in my copywriting career … 1985, I think it was.
The client, a software company, had hired me to write a series of product brochures.
“Do you also write speeches?” one of the product managers asked.
He had to give a longish talk – on mainframe computer security – at an important IT conference.
“Sure,” I answered without hesitation.
I had never written a speech before. But I’d sat through plenty of them. How hard could it be?
"What would you charge for scripting a 45-minute presentation?" he asked.
I had no idea, but for some reason blurted out: "$10,000."
“Can you have a first draft to me a week from Thursday?” he responded … and that was the beginning of my freelance speechwriting career.
I ultimately chose to specialize in direct marketing, not speechwriting.
But sometimes, I think my life would have been easier – and less stressful – if I’d chosen speechwriting instead.
As a direct response copywriter, I have to generate sales results – and beat previous promotions – all the time.
That’s a lot of pressure to perform.
Speechwriting is, in many ways, an easier copywriting specialty.
One reason is that a speech almost never generates direct sales.
Therefore, as long as the client likes the speech you write for him – and his audience gives him a hearty round of applause after he delivers it – you’re home free.
Also, in terms of pay, speechwriting is very competitive with direct response copywriting when figured on an hourly or daily basis.
Sure, I often get $9,500 or more to write a major DM package.
If it takes me a full week to write it, I earn $1,900 a day – or $237.50 per hour.
A 20-minute speech pays less – about $3,000 to $3,500.
But a big DM promotion can be 8,000 words or more ... while a 20-minute speech is just 2,000 to 2,500 words.
So it takes less time to write ... maybe 10 hours or so. If I charge $3,250 for the speech, that’s $325 an hour – almost 37% higher on a per-hour basis than writing the direct mail package.
No wonder top speechwriters – both staff and freelance – do very well, earning as much as $100,000 a year or more.
Make $100,000+ a year as a
speechwriter
In our e-book Speechwriting for Fun and Profit, Karl Davenport and I reveal what it takes to make a six-figure income as a freelance speechwriter.
You'll discover:
- Shortcuts to getting your first few speechwriting clients and assignments. Plus: easiest speechwriting project to start with. Page 28.
- The 8 keys to freelance speechwriting success. Page 5.
- Little-known secret for putting together a sample portfolio puts you light-years ahead of other speechwriters competing for the same assignments you are. Page 38.
- Where to get lists of potential clients you can contact about speechwriting work. Page 32.
- How much of a savings “cushion” should you have before you give up your day job to go freelance full-time? Page 21.
- The 3 secrets of achieving lasting success as a freelance speechwriter. Page 31.
- How to tap into the corporate speechwriting market. Page 9.
- 4 steps to securing a meeting with potential clients you want to write speeches for. Page 34.
- Setting your fees: what you have to charge per hour to earn $100,000 a year ... and how to get it. Page 35.
- 4 speeches local and state politicians will pay you handsomely to write for them. Page 10.
- Types of speeches and the clients who need them most. Page 12.
- 3 tips for closing more sales and landing more projects with great clients. Page 37.
- 5 ways to ensure steady cash flow as a freelance speechwriter. Page 22.
- Freelance vs. staff speechwriter. Which is best for you? Page 13.
- 10 tips for better PowerPoint presentations. Page 65.
- Writing projects you can take on to earn extra cash between big speeches. Page 23.
- Typical rates earned by freelance speechwriters per assignment and per hour. Page 15.
- How to find speechwriting assignments online – and bid for them successfully. Page 39.
- Setting up a comfortable home office in limited space and with minimal cash outlay. Page 24.
- 10 proven marketing methods for generating leads, inquiries, and assignments for your freelance speechwriting services. Page 43.
- Simple formula lets you calculate the word length of the speech you are writing based on the amount of time your client has to speak. Page 47.
- How to use humor effectively to engage the listeners. Page 62.
- Sure-fire way to secure your first assignment, portfolio sample, and client testimonial. Page 39.
- 5 easy steps to starting and running a lucrative speechwriting business. Page 18.
- Creating a business-building website for your freelance speechwriting. Page 44.
- The 4 characteristics of a winning speech, lecture, or talk. Page 48.
- Choosing the right corporate structure for your freelance business. Page 18.
- Creating audio-visual aids and multimedia presentations. Page 63.
- How to tailor the speech to the needs, interests, and beliefs of any audience. Page 61.
- 5 places you can hook up with potential speechwriting clients through networking. Page 41.
- Technology for freelance speechwriters: choosing the right computer, Internet connection, software, and other office equipment. Page 25.
- 5 speechwriting tips that add credibility and support the core message of your talk. Page 50.
- How to write a winning business and marketing plan. Page 19.
- The 3-part outline you can use for virtually 99% of the speeches you write. Page 51.
- Quick tips for researching the subject matter or topic of the speech. Page 58.
- 3 tips for interviewing speakers so you get what you need to write great speeches for them. Page 57.
- Do you need a college degree to work as a speechwriter? The answer may surprise you. Page 26.
- 5 different ways to organize speeches that present a lot of information or content. Page 60.
- The ABCDE speechwriting formula. Page 52.
- Where to find additional instruction on the art and craft of speechwriting. Page 28.
- 4 tips for writing more riveting speeches. Page 60.
- Speechwriting resources: books ... associations ... websites ... page 69.
Bob, Thank you. I now have my copy. Thrilled with the bonus. Thanks to you I have found what I can do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. --Marilyn Martyn
"OK, but what will it cost me?"
Skilled speechwriters who market their services effectively can earn $100,000 a year or more ... $3,000 to $4,000 or more for a single short speech.
But Speechwriting for Fun and Profit won’t cost you $100,000 ... or $3,000 ... or even $100.
Instead, the price is just $29. You’ll pay back your modest investment in this manual with the revenues from your first speechwriting assignment 100 times over!
And if you are not 100% satisfied with Speechwriting for Fun and Profit, you don’t pay even that much. Here’s why ...
Our 100% iron-clad guarantee of satisfaction
I totally guarantee your satisfaction with Speechwriting for Fun and Profit.
If you aren’t convinced that it's the smartest investment you’ve made in your freelance writing career this year, just let me know within 90 days.
I’ll give you a full and prompt refund. And you can keep the e-book with my compliments.
That way, you risk nothing.
So what are you waiting for?
To order Speechwriting for Fun and Profit on a 90-day risk-free trial basis, just click below now:
Sincerely,
Robert W. Bly, Director
CTC Publishing
P.S. Order Speechwriting for Fun and Profit today and you get a FREE Special Bonus Report, Take Your Copywriting to the Next Level (list price: $29).
In this 59-page special report, you will discover:
- How to get great testimonials for your ads ... and where to use them in your copy. Page 44.
- The magic of "false logic" – convincing the reader that you know what you’re talking about no matter how complex the topic. Page 35.
- Using the "Copy Length Grid" to determine whether your ad copy should be long or short. Page 50.
- How to prepare for a copywriting assignment. Page 3.
- Reach your prospects on a deeper level using the "BDF formula" to uncover their core buying complex. Page 40.
- And more ...
To order Speechwriting for Fun and Profit on a no-risk 90-day trial basis ... and get your FREE Bonus Report ... click below now: