So You Want To Be A Copywriter?

Wannabe copywriters often verify out my internet site for details relating to my services and costs. And fairly right too! I still give collegebeddingforgirls.org, college bedding for girls, college bedding for girls: how to pick the right set my competitor's websites a 'gander' every now and then, in situation they're carrying out some thing that I ought to be performing.

I get a lot of emails from students working towards their advertising or other media degrees, asking for a handful of ideas about securing function in the 'Copywriting Industry' I didn't realise we had an sector! If we have, it really is certainly a cottage industry since most copywriters are freelancers who perform on their own and normally from property.

"Properly what about advertising and advertising agencies?", They enquire. "Properly what about them?", I ask. And so it goes on and on until they realise that a copywriter who functions for a structured and institutional organisation, is a totally various animal to that of the freelancer.

Institutional versus Freelance

So what are the differences among them? There are many. Let's appear at the agency writer. He or she is most likely a talented individual with creative abilities and a very good command of the English language. They will have learned, from their course perform, the psychology of selling, aspects of communication and how to write in a flowing and intriguing style.

Every day, at the agency office, they will function on their assignments, which have been delegated to them by their manager. Their perform will be scrutinised by their manager or team leader, who, in the interests of their business, will make a decision whether or not it is worthy of publication.

Right after a couple of years, carrying out equivalent 'run of the mill' stuff, they may possibly be offered the chance of coming up with something fully original. All by themselves, with no guidance, un-tethered by their mentor. And, in the interests of the company, not to mention their job safety, they will generate something as institutional as they have been doing previously. They will play it protected. Effectively would not you?

At some point, their creative awareness and talent may possibly break through the institutional membrane and they'll want to move on. They'll want to do one thing for themselves. They may even turn into a freelancer.

A freelancer is just about anybody with a passion and a flair for writing. Some have started out on their profession path by working for agencies, some have graduated in English and just feel 'qualified' to do the job, whilst others come into the 'industry' from a assortment of other routes.

By whichever indicates, once they grow to be a freelancer, they rapidly discover to survive. To survive and prosper as a freelancer you have to have the potential to adapt, diversify and create the ability of writing in any and every single style humanly feasible. But there's far more! You will have to meet deadlines, occasionally work for much less than the lower national wage limit and discover to turn your brain inside out. Sounds painful!

What does it all amount to? What is the bottom line?

Let's summarise thus far.

A copywriter working for an agency will function in a nice warm office with good friendly colleagues, writing straightforward institutional letters, brochures, advertisements and info packs. They'll be paid someplace between 18K to 26K, get four to 5 weeks annual paid holiday and get to slag off the boss at the office Christmas party.

Sounds fairly excellent to me. If you want to be a copywriter, I suggest you go down this path. It delivers a great salary and a steady secure position.

The freelancer's life is not so clear cut. They mostly function on their personal, create all sorts of stuff about every thing and wonder where their next packet of fags is going come from. They only take brief breaks, get stressed and slag every person off at any party.

They're self-employed, so have to maintain accounts. They have to acquire all their own stationery, stuff their own letters and post off their mailings. They have to advertise or even worse, they have to compete to sell their services for a pittance to unknown clients by way of some on the web freelance internet site. The pits!

Sounds terrible does not it? Then why do we do it?

The uncovered truth about freelancing

Properly, clearly I cannot speak for everybody so I'll tell you why I do it and how I do it. "Listen up"

The primary cause I write for a living is because I enjoy it. I've constantly been a inventive person so writing comes as second nature. And let's face it, it's not very hard to do.

I love the challenge that each assignment brings. I have ghost-written many books for clients and every has been on a fully different topic. The downside of ghost-writing is possessing to sign away all rights to the perform, which indicates you can't showcase it or put it in your portfolio. The client gets all the credit for your masterpiece.

I've written several articles for internet sites, emails and sales letters. I create poetry, humor and boring stuff like FAQ's and item info. But I am by no means bored simply because the work can be so varied.

Then there's the money of course. A good freelancer should be in a position to make about 50K a year. Some make less but some can make over 100K a year. There really is no limit. Make a name for your self and not only will you be earning a very good living, you could possibly uncover oneself in the enviable position of becoming able to pick and pick the function you do.

Still want to be a copywriter?

Very good! Now let's dispel a couple of myths by answering a few concerns that I get asked all the time.

The 6 Most Often Asked Concerns

1. Do you require a formal education and a degree?

No way! Despite the fact that most agencies will only employ graduates, there's no cause why a freelancer demands something other than a good command of the English language, creativity and a flare for writing. There are a lot of copywriting courses available, if you happen to be a little unsure or want to hone your skills, but make confident the course work is set by an skilled and reliable copywriter.

2. Can previous work expertise help?

Yes! Sales and advertising expertise is extremely beneficial if you intend to make a living as a sales copywriter. At the very least, you should comprehend the sales procedure and the buyer service aspect.

three. I do not have a portfolio. How can I get perform?

Create one particular! Write some articles, create a modest book, create some sales letters, brochures and emails. Show what you can do. Create for free of charge. Create for charities, magazines or newspaper letter pages. Use your imagination and create about something.

four. Where are the greatest areas to get function?

You could attempt contacting advertising and marketing agencies by way of a letter of introduction, but don't hold your breath. Magazines are always looking for fillers, so this would be a very good place to start off. Neighborhood small companies might be interested in getting some leaflets written for door to door delivery. Make contact with them by letter, listing your services and your rates.

When you have gained a small expertise, go on the internet and subscribe to some of the freelance sites. Elance, Freelance Perform Exchange and Getafreelancer are fairly very good, but be prepared to compete with other bidders from all over the world. Some Indian freelancers will perform for as small #3 an hour, so you're up against it. Nonetheless, I feel it is worth the experience. I get some of my assignments this way.

Build a web site or have someone do it for you. I'm of the opinion that all businesses ought to have a internet site if they want to remain in company.

Develop a mail shot and operate your way by means of your nearby Yellow Pages. Sell yourself. It really is what you will have to do anyway, so get utilized to it.

5. What must I charge for my services?

This is just a guide. You will instinctively know when you have turn into established.

A a single page letter consists of about 500 words and should take no more than 2 hours to write, revise and finalise. If you want #ten an hour, that'll be #20 for the job. Do not bother quoting a price tag per word as you will uncover your self writing a load of drivel in order to fill the pages.

Once again, once you are established you can charge what you believe your work is worth. It is not uncommon to charge #400 for a 6 page sales letter, if you are good.

6. What do you believe is the most essential ability of a effective copywriter?

If you can't do this, you will not be quite effective.

"Write as you speak"

That is it! You need to be in a position to communicate with your reader correct off the page. Your words should be conversational. You need to be in a position to 'speak' to your reader and stir their interest, their feelings, their desires.

If you're attempting to sell them one thing, you need to be convincing. Your letter has to be compelling and attention-grabbing. Lastly, your letter has to make them take some action. This could be filling in a form, producing a telephone call or writing a cheque. It really is a call to action.

Nevertheless believe you have what it takes?

Then go forth and return with the bountiful harvest of your inventive genius!

If you want to know more, and there is a lot much more, subscribe to my newsletter.

Great luck and warm regards,

Bill Knight