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Need Help!

by RedChamomile
11 replies
Hello, Dear Warriors,

I am making my first steps in copywriting. But have one problem: English is not my native language. I've studied it at school and in University (i'm a translator). But to enter English-speaking market i've got to know modern variant of American English, some slang.

I have decided to ask for your help. Maybe some of you know how to improve my English and make it sound natural.

Also I will be very grateful for some copywriting tips and advices.

Sincerely yours, Irene
  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Hi Irene,

    Welcome to the wonderful world of copywriting.

    Doesn't matter which language you speak - because you always need to "edit" your copy about 18 times. Chances are, being a translator any glaring errors will show up.

    And you could get a native speaking english friend to point out any written "language" mistakes that you might have missed.

    The more you practise - the more natural you'll sound.

    If it's still a concern you could write ads, sales letters, web copy etc for clients in your original country.

    For tips and advice you can always ask any questions on the forum.

    And have a look through this list.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ooks-ever.html

    And choose a few to read.


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Steve The Copywriter View Post


      Doesn't matter which language you speak - because you always need to "edit" your copy about 18 times. Chances are, being a translator any glaring errors will show up.

      And you could get a native speaking english friend to point out any written "language" mistakes that you might have missed.

      The more you practise - the more natural you'll sound.


      Steve
      Overcome with a sudden coughing fit, ah hum Steve...

      Capital 'E' for English please. And 'practise', replace the 's' with a 'c' - practice.

      Tsk tsk tsk. Pfffft. I don't know, what am I to do with you huh?

      Scarpering...


      Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author winsoar
    Absolutely get it checked by someone born in the UK or USA. No matter how many times you read your own copy you can miss errors that other people see.
    Signature

    Visit my official blog: James Winsoar and learn how to generate 30+ new FREE leads a day on auto-pilot!

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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    ...it was intentional (no it wasn't...). But it did prove - although it helps to have perfectly correct spelling and grammar - it isn't absolutely essential to get the message accross*


    Steve

    P.S. * See what I mean? lol

    To further prove the point in November I wrote and sent 5,000 Postcards for a client - with a blazingly good response.

    The client said - "Do them again in December" - for some inexplicable reason there was a "couldn't miss it" typo on the second batch - and the response was even higher.

    The logic? - (it wasn't a seasonal campaign - so there was no "Christmas effect") - maybe the typo stuck in people's minds making them concentrate even more on the copy and helped bump up the results.

    Nobody complained about it. And the client said "Keep misspelling"
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      Let me guess Steve, the main headline went something like this...

      "Spot the spelling mistakes on this postcard
      to recieve a £5 cash bonus for each one you spot."

      Truth up, you bribed his target market to boost the response rate didn't you?
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Lol, reminds me of someone who said that good copywriting is "ethical bribery"


    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Andrews
      Banned
      I've actually got a possible lead here for you Steve. A local tyre repair garage who might be in need of some postcard marketing very soon.

      Been trying to bring them around to the idea this evening, hit me up via email if you would be so kind.

      Cheers!


      Mark Andrews
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Well I thank you.

    Rest assured, I'll make sure the wheels don't come off.


    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author RedChamomile
    Wow. Didn't even expect for such a vivid conversation in my thread. Thanks for those of you who bothered to give me some piece of advice.

    Maybe some of you need a free assistant. I will work for you with pleasure. It may be useful for both of us. I guess such way I will be able to receive some experience in copywriting in English, and you will get... a free assistant!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve The Copywriter
    Blimey Irene, steady on, your PM box is going to be full to the rafters.

    I feel it is my solemn duty to inform you - and I'll try and say this as politely as possible.

    Copywriters whether they are new or not should not work their asses off for free.


    Steve


    P.S. As an alternative option - read a few good copywriting books.

    Pick up newspapers and mags and "deconstruct" the Ads - what's good and what's bad about them?

    Handwrite out some great ads - because you start wiring the techniques into your system - I know it sounds odd but it does work.

    Write some "practice" ads - choose a subject and write an Ad, sales letter, web copy etc.

    Then write your own "I'm a copywriter pitch" and we'll critique for you.

    So it's good enough to send to clients. To get you on the road to fame and fortune.
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  • Profile picture of the author WRCREX
    I think Windsoar has it correct. You need someone who is both fluent and a writer themselves (business type doesn't hurt either) to coach you, edit your copy, etc...and you need to learn the correct "habits" in order to really become fluent. Fluent English copywriting is an extremely rewarding tool when utilized correctly!
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