So here's the skinny, the scoop, the 411 (as the kids say): you got me. I can write just about anything - except, apparently, my own bio. It's embarrassing, really. But I just can't bring myself to write about...me. I know I should mention the fact that I've been doing marketing and copywriting for an architecture firm for the past 8 years. I also know I need to somehow weave in my 6 years of work for a Culver City newspaper, both as contributor and Assistant Editor. But how?

Third-person bios are right out. Frédérik doesn't like writing about himself in the third person. It makes Frédérik feel pretentious.

And fairy tales? Once upon a time there was...ah, forget it. That’s a little too cute.

So let's leave it at this: the name is Frédérik Sisa, writing is who I am, and I've been doing it on a corporate, freelance, journalistic, and personal basis for over 10 years. Work with me and you'll get words that bring you more attention, more business, more art, and more, well, more.

Copywriting

Goodbye, blank page. Hello, beautiful text. Proposals, correspondence, reports, flyers, websites, advertisements, direct mail, press releases, artist statements & bios, wedding ceremonies & vows, speeches, holiday newsletters - whatever you need! Fees do not include research/preparation and begin at $450 per full page of copy (approx. 400-600 words).

Copyediting/Developmental Editing/Critique

Broken text? Worn-down copy? I can rebuild it. I can make it better than it was before - better, stronger, faster. And it won’t cost you six million dollars. (Unless you want it to.) Fees: Copyediting - $0.10/word. Developmental Editing - $0.25/word. Critique/analysis - $0.15/word.

Research

Search engine or index cards, whatever your project, if you need to know something like, say, the history of a pre-World War II architecture firm , I’ll do the research and write a report. (Students doing their homework need not apply). Fees are either hourly at $60/hour or flat beginning at $75 for small personal projects and $400 for sales projects.

VALUE-ADDED SERVICES

Corporate identity consulting, graphic design and typesetting, and more - to make you look as good your read.

It's not madness, it's method!

This is how it works after you've approved the quote and made a deposit of 50% of the total amount:

1. Research! Preparation! It's all about YOU (and I promise not to call you "baby"): your project, your message, your target audience.
2. First draft.
3. Revisions and polishing.
4. Mobilize! Your message is go!

Yes, it's that easy. The remaining 50% of the total amount is due on delivery of the final text.

Whether the job demands an academic, business, casual, or quirky tone, I will provide you with text that is appropiate for your message. Of course, it's rather difficult to offer examples of every possible kind of writing I can do for you. After all, each job is unique. But here's a snippet from a copyediting job, as a teaser.

Artist Statement: Before

R. was born in Claremont, California. her childhood summers were very different from her peers', as they consisted mainly of travelling the United States with her grandparents in their motor home. Now, as an adult, her memories of constantly changing landscapes seen through the picture window create the frame of reference she draws on in each of her paintings.

Artist Statement: After

My childhood summers were very different from my peers'. While they tended to stay put, I accompanied my grandparents on a grand motor home tour of the US. Now, as an adult, my memories of staring out the window towards endlessly captivating and ever-changing landscapes are the foundation for my work as an artist.

My work is also featured here:

The best thing about testimonials is that other people sing my praises while I get to hang on to my humility. Here's what clients and associates have to say:

“During the past six years, in his ever-expanding role with thefrontpageonline.com, Frederik Sisa has earned a widening reputation for penetrating, scholarly and, most importantly, clear analyses on a broad range of topics. He is, perhaps, the most adaptable journalist I have met in 55 years. With seamless ease and a disarming, well-researched grasp of a span of topics, he roams from politics to pop culture to ever known dimension of the entertainment world. He brings one of the rarest blends in journalism, erudition in style and substance, underpinned by complete accessibility. Combined with a strong sense of responsibility, an engaging, reliable personality, a vast and expanding grasp of ever-updated technology, he is the quintessential most valuable player, both for his expertise and his versatility.”

- Ari Noonan, Editor, The Front Page Online

"Frederik helped me immensely with publicity material for a recent exhibition. While still using my own words, he was able to pick out the most salient points to highlight, create a cohesive story, and smooth out the tongue twisters. Brilliant and easy to work with - I highly recommend him. "

-Katherine K. from Los Angeles, California

"OMG, the artist statement is so great, I had tears in my eyes while I was reading it because it's EXACTLY what I would have written if I had the same vocabulary and knack for writing! I kept thinking, how did he know so clearly what I meant? Very creative too, it sounds like an artist wrote it. Thank you thank you thank you!"

-Roxanne T. from Los Angeles, California

"WOW! We can never thank Frederik enough for his help with writing our wedding ceremony and vows. From our first phone conversation to visiting the wedding site with us to the final draft, he made the process fun and easy. Frederik made every attempt to get to know my husband and me, to learn about our relationship and our engagement, and to incorporate that into the most perfectly personal and unique ceremony. Thank you, Frederik, for everything!"

-Tara and Geoff A. from Long Beach, California

"Frederik’s skill with the english language is superb. His excellent prose was magnificent, not just for our wedding vows, but also with an engagement poem. His ideas are unique and made our day special!"

-Nick and Lisa L. from Brisbane, Australia

What does a copywriter do?

A copywriter is, of course, a writer. The difference between a copywriter and, say, a novelist is that the copywriter typically writes text for business documents, advertising and marketing materials (like mailers), websites, and other applications. And the independent copywriter, like yours truly? Think of me as a hired pen, if you will, ready to leap into action and write the words you need, when you need them.

What's the difference between copyediting, developmental editing, and copywriting?

Copyediting involves evaluating and correcting a text's grammar, spelling, and general flow. Developmental editing, which can include rewriting, deleting, or reworking, goes deeper by also examining how the text best communicates its ideas, messages, and meanings. Copywriting, as the name suggests, involves writing new text from scratch for your website, business documents, or other message-critical application.

Do you have a specialty?

Back me against the wall, and I might tell you my specialty is informative and creative text. However, years of marketing means I also understand the nuances of sales copy. So think of me as a copywriting Swiss Army knife, equipped with a variety of tools that will help you communicate your message effectively.

Why hire you?

Mad skills, great service...and did you read the testimonials?

Valued-added services...what are those?

For select small business projects, I am happy to put to use the graphical tools from the aforementioned Swiss Army knife. From small websites to logos, page layout to typesetting, and more, it's all part of my goal to offer complete communications turn-key solutions.

What are your payment terms?

Simple. 50% of the fee is due at the beginning of the project. The other 50% is due at completion.

Where did you get those spiffy illustrations for your website?

The images are from vintage books now in the public domain, courtesy of websites like oldbookillustrations.com and fromoldbooks.org.

Talk to me! I'd love to help you with your next copywriting, copyediting, or research project. Here's how to reach me:

1. eMail me at fsisa@fswritesforyou.com
2. Call me toll-free at 1.888.372.1212
3. Find me at the very spiffy Thumbtack.com