Why I Left Copywriting

[Kevin Lam]

CLARIFICATION: I left copywriting as a PRIMARY source of income, not the skill set. Copywriting is still a huge part of what I do in product launches, SEO and web design. And I DO still accept clients from time-to-time.

-----------------------------------------

Hey guys,

I haven't been in this part of the world in a long time. I've been very, very busy building my SEO business and prepping up for multiple products and services. I'm not here to talk about that aspect of what I do, but I want to leave something that will perhaps get you copywriters to think.

In the past 3 months, I've turned down about 10 copywriting gigs. I've passed all of them on to other copywriters... some more experienced than others. Some I knew, some I didn't.

Aside from not being paid enough, my SEO and design company is expanding to over 20 personnel. We are shooting to make over $1 million this year as a company. It's an ambitious goal, but I know it can be done.

Why I left copywriting.

I found the next level to copywriting - product launches.

That only came about when I helped Tim Bekker with StupidSimpleSystems.com and then his second launch through WhiteHatCopyCat.com, which produced over $130,000 in sales under 90 hours.

I've since moved on to do copywriting consultation and coaching for a top Inc 500 company... $2,500/m for 12 hours of talking. Not too bad of a deal. Some folks get paid that much for WRITING it and doing everything else. I just talk.

From there, I've moved into truly doing a product launch with XXXXXXXXX [edit]Damn, I just remembered, I shouldn't be mentioning this yet. Sorry, I removed his name for now. You'll hear about the launch in the next few months though.[/edit]

Just from some strategies I've come up with, his income should increase by half a million this year without him working any harder.

His launch is expected to be over $3 million. This is after some real number crunching. [edit]Sorry, I decided not to share my percentages. Just know that it's VERY GOOD.[/edit]

That isn't even the best part. The money isn't the issue or factor at all.

It's about getting my name out there and associating myself with him. He knows just about every big name guru there is... Tony Robins, Kevin Wilke, Dan Kennedy, T. Harve Eker (I love his book), even Justin Timberlake... weird.

THIS is the holy grail all of us should be going after. This is truly why I left copywriting as a primary source of income. I still do it... it just doesn't come cheap anymore and I'm more focused on doing product launches so that I can profit at least $100,000.

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Now, let me tell you how I met XXXXXXXX. First off, I bought his product when I was 16. I recognized him 10 years later at a meetup here in Dallas. I approached him like he was the only person in the room and started talking. We were a fit. The following week, we met up and started making plans and seeing if we could really work together. It was smooth sailing after that.

Point is - you never know when you might have an opportunity come along. Just be on your game and be ready to play at all times.

Alright, I'm going to go MIA here for a while again, but I'll tty guys later. I hope all is well with you all.

[Diver's]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for sharing.. i do believe in having our own product launches, which is where most of the money is in this I-M World.

Its good that you've met the right person and spearheading a collaboration together.. all the best to your new launches!

[BillOliver]

On 12th June 2005 Steve Jobs addressed students at Stanford saying:
"You've got to find what you love"
Text of Steve Jobs' Commencement address (2005)

The address reverberated throughout the web and now Google has almost 900,000 hits on "You've got to find what you love"+"Steve Jobs"

I never do public speaking and nor do I particularly like start-ups, but I do write... and write ... and write! Copywriting is not for everybody, but I expect it is for most people in this particular forum.

All the best with product launches; hope you rocket upwards and hit the stratosphere!

Bill

[David Raybould]

Hey Kevin,

I was wondering how you were
doing buddy.

Glad to see things are going well
for you.

Onward and upward...

-David Raybould

[Sam Mlambo]

It's always inspiring to hear about the success around you. Gets me pumped up to do better and accomplish the same... if not better

I'm happy for your success!

Talk to you soon Kevin

[The Copy Nazi]

That's nothing mate. I'm on target to turn over 10 mill this year. And I'm cutting Frank Kern's lawn and Carlton laughed at one of my jokes the other day. Oh yeah...and some Guru called Kevin Bidwell reckons my blog's the ants pants. I'm now ghost-writing his comments here on the Forum (shhh). An it's all thanks to the All-Natural Peruvian Viagra I'm been taking lately. I tell you - that stuff really works. And works. And works.

[Edk]

Good ramble. I was trained in copywriting by an ex-creative director. Top guy. I've done a little copywriting but decided internet stuff was where the action (and much else was at). Then he, started moving over into this area too after 40 years in advertising. Sadly no longer with us, but it sure makes sense you passing on those gigs. Thanks for the post

[Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter]

Hey Kevin.

Glad to hear all is well with you.

Becoming a product launch guy is a whole new business, far different from copy writing. You've been able to leverage your connections to make that happen and it can be lucrative. It can also be a headache for someone who doesn't love it.

Me? I'm leaving copywriting to become a professional erotic dancer.

[acrasial]

I haven't even started to get into copy writing yet, and I am already being told that I should just NOT EVEN BOTHER. Why?

Because my heart and mind are not in the right place for it. Apparently I would butcher it's integrity should I attempt to ever try to copy write.

[Ken_Caudill]

Originally Posted by Metronicity

That's nothing mate. I'm on target to turn over 10 mill this year. And I'm cutting Frank Kern's lawn and Carlton laughed at one of my jokes the other day. Oh yeah...and some Guru called Kevin Bidwell reckons my blog's the ants pants. I'm now ghost-writing his comments here on the Forum (shhh). An it's all thanks to the All-Natural Peruvian Viagra I'm been taking lately. I tell you - that stuff really works. And works. And works.

Stay tuned for my exciting new ebook, soon to be a blockbuster WSO : How to Get into Dan Kennedy's Pants.

It's amazing what the market will bear.

[Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter]

Originally Posted by acrasial

I haven't even started to get into copy writing yet, and I am already being told that I should just NOT EVEN BOTHER. Why?

Because my heart and mind are not in the right place for it. Apparently I would butcher it's integrity should I attempt to ever try to copy write.

Kevin's doing his own thing. Give it a go. If you like it, you'll make lots of money. If not, you can always open that fried pickle stand you've dreamed of.

[Loren Woirhaye]

Originally Posted by acrasial

I haven't even started to get into copy writing yet, and I am already being told that I should just NOT EVEN BOTHER. Why?

Because my heart and mind are not in the right place for it. Apparently I would butcher it's integrity should I attempt to ever try to copy write.

There's nothing wrong with learning to write copy, or doing it -
but you have to be pretty committed as a marketer to make
decent money freelancing as a copywriter. You can do it, but
it's not easy money for most people who give it a try - hype
and courses promising the "lazy 6-figure copywriter lifestyle"
notwithstanding, the truth is working with clients kinda sucks,
for a large number of reasons.

Copywriting is an amazing skill to have, and working at it will
help you succeed better as an internet marketer. No doubt -
but the nature of copywriting freelance is like most other
freelance work; it can pay well but it's feast-and-famine.
There's also a lot of clients looking to get something for nothing
and commoditization of writing skills is a major problem in the
writing industry, with many amateurs so eager to work they
give the work away and destroy the perception of value in
skilled writing.

This isn't just a problem with copywriting, btw, it's present in
most fields of writing.

Here's Harlan Ellison telling it like it is:

YouTube - Harlan Ellison -- Pay the Writer

[Loren Woirhaye]

Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter

Me? I'm leaving copywriting to become a professional erotic dancer.

YouTube - The Proposal 2009 HQ Ramon Strip Dance...

[sundrop881]

That was in very poor taste!

[BrianMcLeod]

Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter

Me? I'm leaving copywriting to become a professional Neurotic Dan, sir.

Fixed that for you, Kev. LOL

[Ken_Caudill]

Originally Posted by sundrop881

That was in very poor taste!

That's what I liked about it, too.

[Ross Bowring]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

There's nothing wrong with learning to write copy, or doing it -
but you have to be pretty committed as a marketer to make
decent money freelancing as a copywriter. You can do it, but
it's not easy money for most people who give it a try - hype
and courses promising the "lazy 6-figure copywriter lifestyle"
notwithstanding, the truth is working with clients kinda sucks,
for a large number of reasons.

Copywriting is an amazing skill to have, and working at it will
help you succeed better as an internet marketer. No doubt -
but the nature of copywriting freelance is like most other
freelance work; it can pay well but it's feast-and-famine.
There's also a lot of clients looking to get something for nothing
and commoditization of writing skills is a major problem in the
writing industry, with many amateurs so eager to work they
give the work away and destroy the perception of value in
skilled writing.

This isn't just a problem with copywriting, btw, it's present in
most fields of writing.

Here's Harlan Ellison telling it like it is:

YouTube - Harlan Ellison -- Pay the Writer

Loren, that clip is tremendous. Thanks so much for posting it.

--- Ross

[RickDuris]

Are you a copywriter? Like a REAL copywriter?

If you are, it is in your blood. You know this: You can't quit--it's just not your nature.

I am a copywriter.

And when I look at hard copy advertisements or videos or infomercials or websites, I can't help admire and learn. Like fine art and masterpieces at a museum, I appreciate the work that went into them.

For me, quitting copywriting would be like saying "Oh, I'll never walk again." or "Oh, I'll never drive a car again." Or "Oh I'll never have sex again." Or "Oh, I'll never find the love of my life."

Maybe I am different. Admittedly, I am different.

But if you're a business owner or entrepreneur, and you know how to write compelling copy or you have someone in your corner that can on your behalf... you are able to command your business destiny.

- Rick

[Sam Mlambo]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

Are you a copywriter? Like a REAL copywriter?

If you are, it is in your blood. You know this: You can't quit--it's just not your nature.

I am a copywriter.

And when I look at hard copy advertisements or videos or infomercials or websites, I can't help admire and learn. Like fine art and masterpieces at a museum, I appreciate the work that went into them.


- Rick

Right on! I've learned so much on powerful persuasion from watching infomercials. Sometimes my friends think I'm crazy because I enjoy watching the commercials more than the show What they don't know is that I'm studying so I can write immensely better.

[The Copy Nazi]

Originally Posted by RickDuris

Are you a copywriter? Like a REAL copywriter?

If you are, it is in your blood. You know this: You can't quit--it's just not your nature.

I am a copywriter.

And when I look at hard copy advertisements or videos or infomercials or websites, I can't help admire and learn. Like fine art and masterpieces at a museum, I appreciate the work that went into them.

For me, quitting copywriting would be like saying "Oh, I'll never walk again." or "Oh, I'll never drive a car again." Or "Oh I'll never have sex again." Or "Oh, I'll never find the love of my life."

Maybe I am different. Admittedly, I am different.

But if you're a business owner or entrepreneur, and you know how to write compelling copy or you have someone in your corner that can on your behalf... you are able to command your business destiny.

- Rick

Can't stay away huh? Knew you'd be back. It's like crack cocaine this corner of the WF. Especially now we have a few more stirrers around. Like that clown Bidwell...and Subtle...and Ken Caudill and others. Good for the place I reckon. And nice to see you. Hey what do you think of my new positioning - "The Copy Nazi" - with the slogan "No copy for you!"

I put three clients up against the wall and shot them this week. Feel much better. Oh yeah - and get this...I was so pissed off with clients I doubled my prices and they're loving it. Yeah "The Copy Nazi". Might see if I can get the URL.

Stick around. We're having a few beers later and Fingers is gonna pull out his axe. While Big Kev gives us a pole dance. Bring your camera.

Update: bewdy! I nabbed it - http://www.thecopynazi.com

[The Copy Nazi]

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

There's nothing wrong with learning to write copy, or doing it -
but you have to be pretty committed as a marketer to make
decent money freelancing as a copywriter. You can do it, but
it's not easy money for most people who give it a try - hype
and courses promising the "lazy 6-figure copywriter lifestyle"
notwithstanding, the truth is working with clients kinda sucks,
for a large number of reasons.

Copywriting is an amazing skill to have, and working at it will
help you succeed better as an internet marketer. No doubt -
but the nature of copywriting freelance is like most other
freelance work; it can pay well but it's feast-and-famine.
There's also a lot of clients looking to get something for nothing
and commoditization of writing skills is a major problem in the
writing industry, with many amateurs so eager to work they
give the work away and destroy the perception of value in
skilled writing.

This isn't just a problem with copywriting, btw, it's present in
most fields of writing.

Here's Harlan Ellison telling it like it is:

YouTube - Harlan Ellison -- Pay the Writer

Loren, that..was..killer. And funny. And timely - if you knew what I'd gone through this week with several ass*oles wanting stuff for nothing.

cheers,
The Copy Nazi

[rickstooker]

So sad to see science fiction's Angry Young Man has mellowed with age . . .

[Karomesis]

[RickDuris]

Hi Metronicity

Yes, I am back. And it's a good thing. And thank you for acknowledging.

Circumstances have changed for me and I relish contributing.

You'll see more from me in the days, weeks and months ahead. You make not like my posts, they may provoke you at times, but my words are only meant to inspire, encourage and inform.

- Rick

[Kevin Lam]

Hahahahahahahaha, you guys are awesome. I do miss you guys. Always raw, but always fun.

I can't be an erotic dancer... I'm Asian! I can only break dance.

Wow, so many comments to respond to. I don't know where the heck to start.

I'll start here.

1) I am not saying you shouldn't write copy! I'm just telling how it is FOR ME... that's why I said "Why I left copywriting" not "Why YOU should leave copywriting". Totally different.

2) I am not saying copywriting doesn't pay well enough... just not for me! There are great copywriters who get paid $10,000 or even $50,000... as much as I'd make for a launch in some cases, so not a bad deal at all.

3) I love watching infomercials and reading ads myself. I like picking it apart and learning from all the good stuff. I just love learning.

4) Metro - love you, man. You're always a blast.

5) Paul, not trying to brag. I'll brag when I'm making $10 million, but by then, I'd be making too much to remember to come back and brag. So that day may never come.

6) Thanks everyone for all the fun, encouragement and interaction.

7) Good hearing from you David.

[Johnny12345]

Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter

I'm leaving copywriting to become a professional erotic dancer.

Kevin,

The most disturbing thing of all is that Alexa Smith actually thanked you
for saying you were going to become an erotic dancer.

Johnny

[Kevin Lam]

In the words of Napoleon Dynomite, "LUCKYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

[Kevin Lam]

I added some clarification to my thread so people can stop freak'n out. I still do copywriting, lol.

[Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter]

Originally Posted by Johnny12345

Kevin,

The most disturbing thing of all is that Alexa Smith actually thanked you
for saying you were going to become an erotic dancer.

Johnny

I actually had to take out a restraining order against her--she would hang out at the parking lot at Naughty Nicks waiting for me to get off my shift. I don't like dealing with customers after hours and I am a dancer, not a boy toy.

[BrianMcLeod]

Originally Posted by Kevin-VirtualProfitCenter

I am a dancer, not a boy toy.

Kevin, have you announced your upcoming course on copywriting through the power of interpretive dance?

FTW

[Diver's]

Hi Paul, i dont think you write for just 47.53, if its true, i'll send you a pm later... lol

Originally Posted by Paul McQuillan

Is this a tip or a bragfest?

I am glad to hear all of your successes (and you
surely keep us updated on them).

I have a $47.53 sales page to write for a Twitter
ebook, so I gotta run....

[copyassassin]

Originally Posted by RickDuris
If you are, it is in your blood. You know this: You can't quit--it's just not your nature

Rick's comment reminded me of Bond Halbert talking about his Dad's Pink Caddy.

Gary loved to get a response.

A turned head; a raised eye brow; a WTF = VICTORY!!!

Us copywriters have this emotional need to get feedback. We need to be hated & loved.

Like we have this emotional defect that requires a constant looping feedback of love and hate.

It's our DNA. It's our nature.

*No ADD pill will ever take that away.
*No amount of therapy can fill it.
*No drug is quite enough.

Product launches are great. They make great money...

...But they are one-time affairs. Even at best they are monthly "get-a-ways".

Copywriting is like marriage.

1) Constant work/testing
2) Constant feedback/tweaking/feedback

It's the consistent testing/feedback loop of copywriting that is both energizing and completely devastating.

And the difference is razor thin.

And if given the choice between living in "security" or strapped is the tip of a nuclear missile...

I chose the roll coaster!

[Vendor-Lock]

your Title for this post is PROOF you are good at copywriting ! ; )