From Fast Food to Fine Dining: The 3 Tiers of Writing That'll Help You Charge Premium Prices
Master Content, Professional Writing, and Copywriting with a Simple Steakhouse Pitch to Wow Clients and Close Sales
Understanding Writing
Every writer is unique, much like every painter. They all wield the same tools, but some paint houses while others create masterpieces. This isn’t to say a house painter can’t produce art, but you’re more likely to find an artist willing to take on house-painting gigs.
The key distinction is that while anyone can write, only a true writer crafts art. For some, writing is an artistic pursuit; for most, it’s simply the second most common form of communication—right after speaking. Everyone you interact with can do it, just as everyone can talk.
This ubiquity leads many to view writing as a trivial skill, akin to breathing or walking. But place those same people underwater or on a tightrope, and they’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the challenges involved. Similarly, chatting casually or singing in the shower differs vastly from public speaking or performing on stage.
Aspiring writers soon learn that dunking clients in a pool or forcing readers into karaoke isn’t great for business. So, how do you demonstrate the difference between basic content creation and sophisticated writing? With a bit of effort, you can make your work stand out.
Explaining the Difference in 15 Minutes
Years ago, sealing a deal often meant taking clients out to lunch. Nothing beats a hungry client for illustrating the gap between mediocre and exceptional writing. Just ensure you know their preferences—taking a vegetarian to a steakhouse is a bold move, but rarely a winning one.
For this article, we’ll use a steakhouse example. Even if you’re not meeting in person, an online call before lunch can achieve the same effect. The goal is to describe food in a way that mirrors writing styles, showing how superior writing sells—and when it falls flat.
In this exercise, act as their server, explaining their meal. Then, draw parallels between their order and their business needs, all before the food arrives. If they’re hungry and your descriptions are vivid, they’ll associate you positively with that anticipation—especially if you sell yourself well. Choose a venue that matches your skill level; in Washington, DC, try The Old Ebbitt Grill.
The Selling Points
At the restaurant, focus on their order and guide them through three escalating descriptions. Compare each to a writing style, from basic to elite. Be prepared to improvise or jot notes—otherwise, you risk losing the client.
Tie these to price points that reflect the time, research, and expertise involved. Here’s how they might break down, with U.S. restaurant analogies:
Content ($0.10 per word): “Hi, have you decided what you want to order yet?” This is the value menu at Burger King, McDonald’s, or Wendy’s. It’s functional but forgettable—you wouldn’t take a first date here.
Professional Writing ($0.20–$0.30 per word): “I recommend a grilled steak with a salad and your choice of two sides: broccoli, fries, potato, or string beans. Which two would you like?” This is more detailed and engaging, like dining at Applebee’s, Outback, or Red Lobster. It won’t win awards, but it’s a step up from fast food and suitable for a casual date.
Copywriting ($0.50 per word and up): “I’d suggest one of our aged, top-shelf cuts—an 8-ounce filet seasoned with fresh black pepper, cilantro, oregano, and thyme. We pan-sear it to lock in the juices, then grill it over hickory to your preferred doneness.
Temperatures range from rare (red and warm in the center), to medium (light pink and hot throughout), to well-done (fully cooked, taking a bit longer).
Pair it with a fresh garden salad featuring cherry tomatoes and avocado, plus your choice of baked potato, garlic-grilled asparagus, seared lemon cauliflower, or steamed broccoli.
The chef recommends adding coconut-grilled prawns or teriyaki scallops. And to elevate the experience, try our Antinori Badia Chianti Classico—a complex red with notes of chocolate, ripe fruits, oak, and spice that complements the steak beautifully. Prefer white? Our Cristom Viognier 2013 offers balanced flavors of apple, honeysuckle, white florals, and subtle spice, though it’s robust at 14% ABV.”
This is elite service from a knowledgeable staff in a proud establishment. If you’re proposing to your partner, this is the spot.
Breaking It Down
Beyond making everyone hungry, these examples provide tangible illustrations of writing tiers, linked to costs. Now, your client has a clear mental picture of value for money. Recap and elaborate:
At $0.10 per word, content is internet fast food: cheap, quick, and broadly appealing short-term. It won’t dazzle, but it keeps search engines happy with regular updates. You can’t dine fancy every day, so some content will be basic—and that’s fine.
At $0.20–$0.30 per word, professional writing forms the core of most projects. This covers articles needing specialized knowledge, research, technical details, or prime website real estate. These pieces are longer, more engaging, and shareable—like posting a Red Lobster meal on Instagram versus McDonald’s.
From $0.50 per word upward, you’re in copywriting territory. This encompasses ad copy, marketing, sales writing, and conversion-focused content, plus specialized fields like academic, medical, or award-winning journalism. These are bookmark-worthy, shareable gems people revisit. In restaurant terms, it’s an unforgettable experience you’d rave about—perhaps even during a proposal.
Remember, you get what you pay for. High-end writing transcends “per word” pricing; $0.50 is a baseline, with top copy often hitting $1,000+ per page. Ensure your client grasps this to avoid undervaluing your expertise.
By now, gauge the vibe: sale or stall? Seal it with these three nuggets of wisdom:
Don’t oversell a done deal. If the client’s hooked, stop pitching. Overselling reeks of desperation—like discussing marriage and kids on a first date. It turns interest into unease. Breathe, relax, and skip the celebratory drink—this is business, not friendship.
If it’s cold, go bold. A lukewarm lead is low-risk, high-reward. Challenge them: “Pick another menu item for me to describe.” Pivot to ideas like co-branding to build trust. Hone your conversion skills; as a writer, you’re already equipped, but practice makes perfect.
A non-sale is just a lesson. It’s not failure—it’s like missing a flight: regroup, enjoy the moment (or meal), and lay groundwork for future ties. Ask what they liked, what they’d change, and if you can follow up in months. Each “no” is cheaper and more valuable than a college class.
With repetition, you’ll boost close rates, turning away lesser gigs or raising fees for premium ones. If struggling, adapt: Meet pre-lunch at their office with a menu, or buy them a meal post-pitch. Just avoid hangry cubicle dwellers—and if it’s a corner office, you’re likely already acing it!
Marketing Yourself
Reaching mastery takes time, especially for introverted writers who dread cold calls or initial meetings. But it’s achievable with effort.
Build trust by not just introducing your services, but proving their value—like nurturing a romance minus the poetry. Go the extra mile, stay professional, and skip irrelevant personal anecdotes (e.g., your Bitcoin wins or side hustles).
Invest in self-promotion: Craft showcase pieces like this article. If you won’t bet on yourself, why should clients?
For more tips, check my guide on five steps to better self-marketing. What works for one may not for another—we all carve unique paths. Best of luck on your writing journey!