How To Pitch A Copywriter If You're Broke But Have A Good Product

If I got a penny for each time I was pitched to write
copy for below my normal rate because (as the person claims) I would
make a ton of money from the other jobs they have for me and from
the "royalty" from the product sales, then I would be rivaling Warren
Buffet for the #1 spot in Forbes Magazine richest people list.

I thought that I would make it easier for other people armed with
a good product but strapped for cash to make a successful pitch
to a copywriter worth his/her salt.

So first, what NOT to do:

1. Don't try to sell a copywriter. Thinks about it: his job is
to sell so how can you 'outsell' him. Come direct.

2. Don't offer 15% of the sales. If your affiliates get 75% why
do you think that 15% would get your copywriter titillated?

3. Don't say that all your money was spent in product
development, it's like telling your wife how many other women
you had before her. (So you thought about copywriting last huh?

4. Don't promise future jobs. It's obvious if you like their work you'll
give more jobs--it's a stale selling point!

5. Don't try to explain how "easy" and "short" the letter will be.

What to do:

1. Be prepared to show you have some marketing experience. If
this is your first product and you've never marketed before then
how will your product sell? XX% of 0 = 0. So have a marketing
plan to show how you are prepared to promote the product.

2. Show that you are familiar with the copywriter's
work--stroke his ego. We are humans too. did you read their blog,
ebook, a sales letter they wrote, an interesting forum post (like
this one!)--show that you've been 'checking them out'.

3. Have at least 20% of the normal rate to pay upfront. A
copywriter takes on a lot of risk when he writes on a retainer
basis, so don't insult him by paying peanuts upfront. Show that
you are serious about moving forward.

4. Be prepared to show how you will 'declare' the sales
account so the copywriter can be sure you are not ripping him
off. Give access to a paypal account or give screen shots--but
treat the copywriter as you would any other JV partner.

5. Be civil through the whole process, you may have a business
partner for life!

You may truly have the next breakthrough ebook, software,
membership site on the drawing board but no large bank account to
draw from ... and a copywriter could be the final piece in the
marketing puzzle to get your business to the next level .. if you
play your cards right.

Hope this helps ...

-Ray Edwards