5 minutes with A Level copywriter hirer

Name one A list copywriter who Fed Exed a package to one of the big mailers.

When you work for them, you start by writing their re-subscribe letters.

You work your way up.

No one goes from zero to hero your way.

But heck, what do I know.

Okay, here's how you actually do it.

First, mentor under someone like Harlan as I did for about 2 years. As he promised, I did six figures the first year out. He put me on the map.

He introduced me to John Carlton and David Deutsch, both of whom helped me. But make no mistake -- Harlan was the guy who first got the gears cranking.

He advised me to be a "B" writer, as they make as much as "As" do, with less grief. I could have listened. But noooooo.....

I made a fateful decision -- I chose to fly under the radar. I swore off writing for entrepreneurs. I started turning down clients.

I lurk here occasionally, but I'm really not part of the IM scene. I'm not against it. I think you folks are far more knowledgeable about IM than I'll ever be. I just chose to niche myself in with publishing houses.

Hell, I haven't even updated my site in a couple of years.

But when I aimed for the big publishers, I did not Fed-Ex them. At least, not successfully. The one time I tried, it got a quick glance, then a filing in the trash can (I can only assume the toilet was not close at hand).

Professionals don't like gimmicks. Or cleverness. Or cuteness.

Now, what I did manage to do was to take a dirt-cheap job writing for a former division of Phillips. I was hammered unmercifully for a year, then given a contract. I'm also now under contract with two other big publishers.

And yes, I've once again burst past the six figure mark.

Am I now on the "A" list? Nope. I'm light years away from Harlan, David Deutsch, Paris Lampropolis, John Carlton, and -- of course -- Doug D' Anna and Chris Marett.

But I'm on the path. I know what it's like to have a control for a big house. I also know what it's like to have my ass kicked, writing a letter after Jim Rutz, another A-lister. I know what it's like to have a roll-out -- and also, to spend 5 weeks on a flop.

I don't mean to embarrass anyone. However, please, until you've paid some dues in this arena, don't advise someone until you've at least set foot in it. An outfit like Agora is as different from Clickbank as India is from the United States.

And finally, by all means, get a mentor.

The people who have helped me have made all the difference. Harlan is right. Unless you get taken under the wing of an A-lister, and are prepared to sacrifice time and money to do so, don't shoot for the A list. It should be obvious -- if you want to do something, find someone doing it, and carry water for them until you can do it too.

Heck, I would have never even gotten a website up if it wasn't for people like Dr. Kilstein. If you want real world knowledge of both business and writing copy, he's the first guy to call.

Instead of arguing with him, I'd suggest people empty their cup and let a little of his knowledge seep in. Hell, he's giving it away!

And there's the question, how do you define an A-level copywriter?

Traditionally, that designation has gone to copywriters who write for the big mailers and have one or more controls.

It could be argued that copywriters who write #1 sales letters on Clickbank time after time are also A-level copywriters.

VL