Bookmark this page for those, “Does anyone know a great freelance copywriter?” Moments

My name is Derek. I’ve been a freelancer since 2012, and full-time freelancing 6 out of the last 7 years. Now with 32+ clients served.

 

This page exists as a handy reference for those of you who hire freelance copywriters or strategists from time to time.

I know I’m not a good fit for every project, and you’re probably working on a deadline. So, I’ve written the below outline of my credentials and capabilities to help you quickly tell if there may be a match between us.

Open to hourly billing, flat rate projects, retainers, and long-term contracts.
For specific questions and availability — start a conversation ✉️ derek@plain.run

 
 
 
 

Supporting Agencies and brands of all sizes

Comfortable working as an extension of agency teams or going direct-to-client.

Agencies supported: Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC), MKG - Experiential Marketing, Toaster, The Charles Group, The Article Group, States of Matter, Pneuma33

Freelance clients served: Cisco, Flexport, Facebook, YouTube, Google, Delta Airlines, Pepsi, Carnival Cruise, Tripadvisor, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, HP, The Trade Desk, Placemakr, Leadr, Alteryx, EcoR1, Mayple Global, Unit21, Muse by Interaxon, HomeDirection, Seattle Sounders FC, La Marzocco, Modbar, Box, City of Covington, and Pushpay. 

 
 

With a Little Recognition Along the Way

  • 5x Muse Gold & Silver Award Winner — Corporation, B2B, Biotechnology, Integrated Marketing - Rebranding

  • Quoted in “Wireframing for Everyone,” published by A Book Apart

  • Facebook business case study award, signed copy by Sheryl Sandburg

  • Marketo’s Marketing Nation Conference Speaker

 
 

“Once we find someone we like, we just want to keep working with them.”

Clients who work with me once, often choose to work with me again. Here are a few of the reasons why:

  • Zero sensitivity around feedback

  • Gets up to speed quickly, even in complex industries, thanks to a research background. Nothing is too dry or dense.

  • Used to working in collaboration with art directors, creative directors, producers, designers, salespeople, marketers, clients, and multiple stakeholders

  • Speaks the language of design, strategy, business, and copy to act as the bridge between roles

  • Often wireframes or visualizes the copy along the way, to help clients see the work in context

  • Understands the importance of human-centered thoughtful writing

  • Writes fast and never misses a deadline

  • Comfortable managing or leading a project, from start to finish, if needed

  • Carries $1M professional liability insurance, incorporated as a business, and set up with electronic invoicing to make billing easy

 
 
“Looking for a freelance B2B writer for a tech branding opportunity? Derek Gillette << best of the best!”
— Susannah Bard, Managing Director, Toaster
 

when you need more than just a copywriter

Sometimes the deliverables aren’t clear upfront, or they may blend between multiple disciplines. In these times, clients appreciate my background in operations management, executive-level marketing, team leadership, research, and strategy — which helps me to bring a more holistic, strategic approach.

  • Web pages, landing pages, headlines & wireframes

  • Messaging guides, editorial guidelines, voice & tone, & brand strategy decks

  • Research, competitive audits, qualitative interviews & interview summaries

  • Email, newsletters, and in-app copy

  • Packaging copy & product descriptions

  • Long-form content & print pieces (brochures, books, decks of cards)

  • Blog posts, ebooks, press releases

  • Ad copy, campaigns, & social

  • SEO copy and recommendations

  • Video scripts & concepting

 
 
 
 

beyond a single speciality

Use my multi-industry portfolio to your advantage. You’ll get the benefit of all the following experiences when you work with me.

  • Technology, SaaS & Big Tech

  • B2B & B2C

  • Finance, Payments, Risk & Compliance & FinTech

  • Airlines, Cruise Lines & Travel

  • Startups, Fortune 500 & Non-Profits

  • Professional Sports & City Government

  • Supply Chain, Third Party Logistics (3PL) & Freight Forwarding

  • Education & HRTech

  • Healthcare & BioTech

  • Programmatic Advertising, MarTech & Social Media

  • Coffee, Hospitality, Consumer Goods & Retail

 
 
“We’re so impressed with what you’ve done. The work was fast and beyond our expectations. How do I leave you a review?”
— Ammar Moiz, Founder & CEO, Mayple
 
 

some call this a…

Often client-facing. Always happy to be a part of a larger team. Here are the freelance roles I’ve been hired for:

  • Senior Copywriter

  • ACD of Copy

  • Director of Copy

  • Brand Strategist

  • Multi-Channel Content Strategist

  • Interim VP of Marketing

  • UX Writer

  • SEO Strategist

  • Marketing Strategist

  • Growth & Content Marketing Strategist

  • Content Strategist

 
 
 
 

can i walk you through one or two?

These case studies will show you the finished product and my processes along the way.

 
 

LOOKING FOR A STRATEGIC COPYWRITER TO ASSIST YOUR TEAM?

My name is Derek and I write all kinds of things for businesses of every size in many different industries. Do you have a writing or strategy need? This is what I love to do.

  • Landing pages, websites, wireframing

  • UX, in-app, onboarding, designing workflows

  • Customer and stakeholder interviews, research, SEO

  • Print, long-form, case studies, packaging, impact content

  • Creative direction, concepting, storytelling, presentations

  • Strategy, messaging, frameworks, voice and tone

  • Ad copy, email, scripts, copyediting, broad range of mediums

✉️ Start a conversation | derek@plain.run

Derek Gillette // Senior Copywriter // Freelance Since 2012