Ambitious newbie

by 9 replies
12
I have no background in copywriting, but I do have that strategic understanding of what makes people tick that marketing thrives off of. I was raised by a lawyer so I guess you could say it's in my blood. I understand I'm not bringing much to the table as a newbie, but hear me out please.

I'm already drowning in student loans for a liberal arts degree that really did turn out to be useless, so I don't have much to invest in this. If I'm going to pursue writing it's not going to involve short fiction or haikus, it'll have to be something that yields results financially.

I'm confident I have the skills to make this happen, what I don't have is the experience and portfolio. So basically I'm looking for a "copy cub". I'm happy to write free samples, and if you don't think I have what it takes there's no pressure to work with me. If nothing else it's still practice for me and you're under no obligations...

Thanks, let me know if anyone is interested!
#copywriting #ambitious #newbie
  • Go here: Warriors For Hire

    But I have to say, copywriting is salesmanship on paper/screen and your approach is a horrible way to sell yourself. "I'm a poor college student with a silly degree and I'll just do anything" does not stand out as strong, knowledgeable, direction oriented, etc.

    Have you ever dated someone who gave off that vibe of "I'm desperate for anything?" Big turn off, right? Yeah, well, it's not attractive in business either.


    "I worked my butt off to achieve my degree and I've decided to use the well rounded knowledge I gained on various subjects to be the backbone of my newly chosen career in copywriting. Right now my primary goal is to fill up my new portfolio with lots of success. If you are as eager as I am at selling some products, then let's talk and work something out."
  • Lost,

    May I ask why you think you have the skills under your belt? (Not being an asshole, just curious.) Copywriting typically isn't something you can just "do".

    Read some books (they're very low cost on Amazon. You can find a good list here: http://www.warriorforum.com/copywrit...ooks-ever.html). If money is a huge issue, I'd start here: http://www.scientificadvertising.com...dvertising.pdf

    Then set up an offer and get some work under your belt. To get good, you really have to go through the grind.

    If you do want to copy cub (you're the cub, they're the chief), you'll need some work to show them. It isn't hard for a copy chief to find cubs, and they'll always pick the best.

    Cheers,

    Chris
  • @pewpewpewmonkeys, lol thanks for the reality check, I suppose it is unattractive.

    @Chris, I have a minor in journalism. It was originally going to be a double major, I survived the initial cut-throat "professional" courses but ultimately decided against it as a career.

    Still though, I know I can be successful as a writer. Reporting, marketing, sales... the lines kind of blur at some point and if I'm going to use what I've learned why not go for the money. I'd love to get some work under my belt but am unsure where to start or who to approach with an offer.

    eta, sorry I meant to say I'm looking for someone to take me on as a "cub". Not sure how I mixed up the terminology but I'm typing this from my phone, my laptop broke and money really is that tight. Which is not a sympathy ploy by the way, just being honest.
    • [1] reply
    • Have you "learned" copywriting? If not, I doubt a single copy chief will take you on.

      Put it this way... A copy chief is outsourcing work to a cub, but the final deliverable is a reflection of the chief. If you can't write copy -- if you have no experience at all -- the chief won't put his reputation on the line.

      With that said...

      If you truly do want it (and it's not just a manufactured want, because of your financial situation,) a chief will value your ability to work hard and grind. If you can show the chief that you're willing to stick in and work until it's right, they'll appreciate it (and that's from personal experience).

      HOWEVER, you need to learn copywriting. You need to write copy.

      Here's my recommendation...

      1. Spend the entirety of this month learning how to write copy. Read key books (Scientific Advertising, The Copywriting Adweek Handbook, The Ultimate Sales Letter, etc), read the stickies in this forum, read through Rick Duris' Copyranger website.

      Immerse yourself in learning the skill.

      You can do ALL of this whilst writing articles on Elance. You'll get paid peanuts, but it will keep you going and let you invest in yourself.

      2. Step two is to start writing copy for clients. The "Warrior For Hire" sub-forum is a great place to start. Set up shop around $200 and continue to raise your price from there.

      Alternatively, you could offer to rewrite someones own copy for a % of the increased profit.

      Or you could offer to work for free, and use their work in your portfolio. I wouldn't recommend working for free, but I know Ross Bowring got his start like this.

      3. Once you've got a few successful promotions under your belt, and can write copy to a solid level, start approaching people who need cubs. Email successful copywriters with established businesses asking if you can help out.

      ...

      If you really are serious about starting your copywriting career, then put the work in. If you can do this - you'll find helping hands along the way. I know I did, and still do.

      You can also post any copy you've written for a critique in this forum, and we'll help you.

      Hope this helps,

      P.S. If you want to take my advice, PM me and I'll send you a few things.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I haven't "learned" copywriting per se, but I promise I'll do my research.

    I like a challenge, and yes this is something I really want. Of course finances are a factor, but I'm sick of selling myself short honestly.

    Anyway, thanks for all your advice I'll send you a PM.
    • [1] reply
    • Hi Lost,

      Just to let you know, what you're trying to do can be done.

      I started off as a freelance journalist, writing for national magazines, 30+ years ago. I taught myself copywriting and have not only made a good living at it, I have also trained Pulitzer-Prizewinning journalists (among others) to retool themselves as copywriters.

      However, this is not something that can be done in a day. It takes a long period of disciplined study and practice, as well as humility.

      Use the "sticky post" recommendations here to start with the classic texts of copywriting and then find yourself a mentor. And don't forget the humility part!

      Marcia Yudkin
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • I would start by going on Facebook and search copywriting groups. You would be surprised how some of the best copywriters are not so hot at marketing their talents. Join one of the groups and build a relationship with new copywriters and copywriters who have lots if experience. Build relationships, ask questions and read other peoples copy.
  • Writing sales copy is different than writing news, fiction, technical papers, or anything else you know how to write.

    It's nice that you "know what makes people tick" but frankly that won't take you very far.

    Learn the basics of the craft first.

    Alex
  • Offer up your services for free or really cheap on Craigslist. You might get someone to bite. Take on a few jobs, get some feedback from the client, and use those projects to build a portfolio. Then create a freelance website and join sites such as Elance to find paying gigs. This will give you an opportunity to prove you have what it takes to be a Copywriter and build a portfolio. Tough to get any gigs or get someone to hire you without a portfolio.
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    Ambitious newbie

    I have no background in copywriting, but I do have that strategic understanding of what makes people tick that marketing thrives off of. I was raised by a lawyer so I guess you could say it's in my blood. I understand I'm not bringing much to the table as a newbie, but hear me out please. I'm already drowning in student loans for a liberal arts degree that really did turn out to be useless, so I don't have much to invest in this. If I'm going to pursue writing it's not going to involve short fiction or haikus, it'll have to be something that yields results financially.