Have questions? Let’s answer them.

You probably have questions; I’ve answered some of the most common below. But if you’d like to discuss something different, or you’d like me to clarify something, or even if you just want to chat for a bit, just e-mail me at hello@mhornish.com. I’ll get back to you straight away.

Is writing for a political candidate or cause any different from writing for a business?

Short answer: Yes. Of course nonprofit messaging and marketing should be handled differently from “regular” marketing, because you’re not selling a service or a widget. Your entire focus is different because you’re not asking someone to buy something; you’re asking someone to believe in you and what you do. That takes a different skill set than what most copywriters bring to the table.

In nonprofit copywriter speak, your message should be “donor-centric” – which is a fancy way of saying that it should be interesting and engaging to your supporters and potential fans. I’ll go out of my way to know your audience inside and out, and I’ll use what I learn to craft copy that speaks to them … and motivates them to support your nonprofit. E-mail me at hello@mhornish.com to talk about how I can do that for you.

For political candidates and campaigns, successful writing engages and motivates your current fans, while helping make new ones. To really hit the ball out of the park (which is what you need to do to win), you need a sophisticated understanding of the audience, the nominee, the campaign and the purpose of the particular piece of copy (whether it’s an e-mail, a mailer, or a website).

Let me be brutally honest: if a copywriter or a consultant is pitching services to you and hasn’t asked about your campaign’s themes or your district’s composition, you’re not talking to the right person.

But make no mistake – you can and should turn a “blah” About Me page into an inspiring introduction. And if your website is a voter’s first impression of your campaign, don’t you want it to be welcoming, inspiring and informative?

Of course you do. I can help you make that happen. Start up the conversation by e-mailing me a hello@mhornish.com.

Can’t any digital firm handle my website copy and my e-mails?

There are lots of people in the world who can write, and some of them write well. But if you were just looking for someone who could put sentences on a page you wouldn’t be looking for someone like me.

In the political world, many folks use their digital strategy team for messaging and copy creation. I’ll be honest with you: that’s a big mistake. Does your digital team have experience writing, or do they just create fundraising e-mails that sound like the DCCC’s? Do they know how to weave your story and the campaign’s major themes into every e-mail (fundraising or otherwise)?

Do they even understand why that’s important?

Listen, I’ve seen campaigns expend hard-fought-for money to hire digital teams that send out e-mails exactly like every other campaign in the region. You’re not like every other campaign in the region. So why let them treat you that way?

When someone comes to your website or clicks on your e-mail, they’re opening their electronic door.

You need to take full advantage of that opportunity. So your e-mails and web copy should reflect what’s unique about who you are and what you stand for, rather than looking like a cut-and-paste job from the latest D.C. digital superfirm.

Let’s talk about how I can help you do just that. E-mail me at hello@mhornish.com.

Why do you like working with candidates?

I love helping good people do great things. And let’s face it – campaigns often don’t have the time or resources to have a fully-staffed marketing or communications team. I can provide the content that you need to continue engaging your supporters on a regular basis.

And I love working with candidates that are trying to change the world. I don’t take on every candidate or nominee. But the campaigns that I do take on mean a lot to me. I believe in what they’re doing, in who they are, and that they’ll make a difference. If you want to see if we’re a good fit I’d love to chat. You can reach me here or by e-mailing me at hello@mhornish.com.

How much does all of this cost?

Great question. It depends upon the scope of the work, the type of project, and the length of commitment. Reach me at hello@mhornish.com and we can talk specifics.

Get the ball rolling by reaching out through my contact page or e-mailing me at hello@mhornish.com.