Can a relatively poor English writer become a copywriter?

50 replies
Just an interest...

My English isn't that bad. I can spot quite a bit of bad English used in websites and even this forum.

However, I know that my English sounds strange or poor in terms of the plurality, structure and flow.

For example, check out this website that I've written:
Make Money Fast

So, can guys like me develop into a sound copywriter?
#copywriter #english #poor #writer
  • Profile picture of the author Vitaliy K
    Joseph, you can outsource your writing projects if you do not feel well about your English.

    I liked your English on Make Money Fast website. Well done!
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    • Profile picture of the author Lady
      Absolutely Joseph, you can become proficient with practice at anything you desire. All it takes is hard work, and it appears that you are not a stranger to that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicola Lane
    Why not do copywriting in your native language? I am sure that there is Direct mail used there - and websites!
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  • Profile picture of the author Revolves
    If you think you can become a copywriter, then you can. Your English in "Make Money Fast" quite good. Just keep learning...

    Regards,
    Revolves
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      Being able to sell is more important than perfect English, in my opinion. You can always have someone proofread the draft for you and make corrections to any grammar or flow issues. As you learn from your mistakes, your English should start improving so that you won't have to do it forever.

      Tina
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      • Profile picture of the author Jag82
        Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

        Being able to sell is more important than perfect English, in my opinion.
        Agreed. And some people like to get
        all "bombastic" by using very complicated
        and deep words, thinking that the readers
        will be impressed by their command of language.

        But sometimes, these words only serve
        to alienate. What use is it if the readers
        can't even understand what the heck
        the message is saying?

        Jag
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  • Profile picture of the author AlanCarr
    In a word, 'No'.

    Sorry.

    It's not about grammar - copywriters break grammar rules all the time - it's about being a master craftsman with words. Aint gonna happen with a foreign language.

    Having said that, you could probably pick up some work creating English versions for non-English speaking clients.



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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Then
      Originally Posted by AlanCarr View Post

      In a word, 'No'.

      Sorry.

      It's not about grammar - copywriters break grammar rules all the time - it's about being a master craftsman with words. Aint gonna happen with a foreign language.

      Having said that, you could probably pick up some work creating English versions for non-English speaking clients.
      AC
      Oh... That's interesting... You mean copywriters make grammatical mistakes too?

      I always have the thought that copywriting requires a good command of English. I tried writing once, and I got slammed for bad English.
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
        Hi Joseph,

        How are you?

        The short answer is "it depends".

        You're going to have to learn to write the way that Americans talk. That means having to not just get a stronger grasp of English but unlearn some of the grammar rules you may already know.

        Like Jag mentioned, starting sentences with 'But', 'And', etc is a great example... it would make an English teacher goes nuts with the red marketing pen but it works great in sales copy.

        But sales copy needs to sound the way people talk and right now, the dominant sales copy language on the 'net is American style English. My prediction is it will become Chinese in about 10-15 years but I digress.

        Having said that... look at the market you're writing to. If I'm writing copy for a product aimed at UK stay-at-home mums, I'm going to write in U.K. style copy and slang. I'd probably go a step further and pay a U.K. born copywriter to critique my copy before handing it over to the client to make sure I've gotten the right grammar and style down.

        There are a number of well-known copywriters that English is not their first language. I've listed a bunch of them in a previous thread about a year ago.

        So, it is possible. The challenge will be working as hard as other non-American copywriters did when they were getting started.

        Hope that helps,

        Mike
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    • Profile picture of the author businessmatt
      What about Dan Lok? He seems to do pretty well for himself, and English is not his first language.

      Originally Posted by AlanCarr View Post

      In a word, 'No'.

      Sorry.

      It's not about grammar - copywriters break grammar rules all the time - it's about being a master craftsman with words. Aint gonna happen with a foreign language.

      Having said that, you could probably pick up some work creating English versions for non-English speaking clients.



      AC
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  • Profile picture of the author Jag82
    Originally Posted by Joseph Then View Post


    So, can guys like me develop into a sound copywriter?
    Why not?

    No one is born with a natural ability to write sales messages.

    It takes a lot of education + practice.

    The fact that you are already writing your own sales copy
    is an important first step. Just keep practising and honing.

    Your own sales will tell you if your copywriting is getting better.

    Good luck!

    On a last note, I make grammatical mistakes all the time.

    I admit I'm not a natural with it. And I often spot my
    mistakes only on the 2nd...3rd...4th...revision.

    That said, sometimes, you can sacrifice grammar for the
    sake of better communication.

    For example, we are taught in school never to start a
    sentence with the words "But", "And" and "Because".

    But of course in copywriting, we do that all the time.

    Because that's simply how we talk in real life.

    And copywriting is about effective, "face-to-face" communication.

    My $0.02.

    Jag
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    • Profile picture of the author BigWig10
      Originally Posted by Jag82 View Post

      Why not?

      No one is born with a natural ability to write sales messages.

      It takes a lot of education + practice.

      The fact that you are already writing your own sales copy
      is an important first step. Just keep practising and honing.

      Your own sales will tell you if your copywriting is getting better.

      Good luck!

      On a last note, I make grammatical mistakes all the time.

      I admit I'm not a natural with it. And I often spot my
      mistakes only on the 2nd...3rd...4th...revision.

      That said, sometimes, you can sacrifice grammar for the
      sake of better communication.

      For example, we are taught in school never to start a
      sentence with the words "But", "And" and "Because".

      But of course in copywriting, we do that all the time.

      Because that's simply how we talk in real life.

      And copywriting is about effective, "face-to-face" communication.

      My $0.02.

      Jag
      Jag it's great how you illustrate that we start sentences out with conjunctions in copywriting, because that it is so often the way we speak.

      To the OP, I think your landing page looks great! Well done. Copywriting just takes time and practice, as many of the others have mentioned. Copyblogger and Problogger are some awesome dudes out there who know their stuff - I highly recommend checking out their blogs.
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  • Yes, you can become a solid English copywriter.

    No, it will not be as easy as someone who is a native English speaker.

    But it's really up to you. If you want to write copy then with years of hard work, practice and study (in that order) you can become a great copywriter.

    But if your goal is just to sell products effectively then it is much easier to hire someone to do it for you. Seriously. If you want to earn $10K/mo, then paying someone $10K for a sales letter amounts to 1 month of your working time. For you to create a solid English sales letter will take you years of work. Which is cheaper? Yeah, I thought so.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    Hi Joseph

    I believe, YES.

    But with one major "BUT" ...

    ... someone with English as their second language needs to work a bit harder, to get to the stage where they can craft their words to have a natural "flow".

    Right now, I am training a couple of people to become copywriters who don't have English as a first language (like yourself), and I've given them a couple of daily exercises where they PRACTICE to improve their sentence structure.

    Yes, it can done... it just takes more time, and practice.

    I also recommend that, when they start writing copy, they get an EDITOR... but importantly, someone who also understands the flow of copy (not just a book editor) ... to edit their work.

    This will only cost them a small fraction of the copywriting fees they can earn... yet it will ensure their copy is clear to English speakers, and flows - assuming they did hire someone who understands the nature of copy writing.

    Heck, most magazines and book authors have editors.

    So my short answer is YES... if you're willing to put in a bit more time and effort towards improving the flow of your language... and, especially for your first several sales letters... hire an editor who knows and understands the nature of copywriting.
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  • Profile picture of the author AlanCarr
    Sorry to repeat myself but again, no.

    Let me tell you some things I've learnt about the English language...

    Moving to Malaysia (I'm in East Malaysia, on Borneo Island) I had numerous people tell me I should take up teaching English. For fun, I looked into it.

    Trust me native English speakers - it aint until you consider trying to TEACH English do you really get what a pig-awkward language it is.

    Forget rules. For every rule in English there's about 10 exceptions, not to mention turns of phrase that have nothing to do with rules but sound awful when done wrong.

    Also the sheer mass of the language.

    It's HUGE!

    While the Romance and Germanic languages are considered word-heavy, with around 100,000 commonly-used word, English is by far the largest, at almost 1 million words.

    Yes, yes, yes, most people will only use a fraction - but the fact remains it's vast compared to other languages. You can say the same thing 3 different ways, with 3 different meanings, each of which is "correct". Not to mention the countless ways of screwing it up.

    Quick example - my wife is a university lecturer, I met her while she was studying for her PHd in the UK. Before then she spent a few years studying in America. She lectures in English, she writes papers in English. She's been learning English since she was a teenager, she's now the Assistant Dean of a major university (and yes I'm proud as all heck).

    She STILL doesn't speak English like a native - I have to correct her papers all the time.

    That's just the 'correct' stuff.

    Now consider that copywriters like myself and others here are paid thousands of dollars because we're GOOD at this stuff, better than the native speakers themselves at selling by words.

    English words.

    Can a non-native speaker get good at English? Sure, eventually. Ludwig Von Mises comes to mind. He was so good with the big words that most natives couldn't understand him. However copy is more like becoming their best friend, the famous guy in a bar thing - but with skill.

    Don't get me wrong, you could learn enough to sell your own products. Sell yourself as a copywriter though and I know what will happen. Clients will throw your work back at you and tell you your English is crap, even if your copy would sell better than theirs because you know what you're doing.

    Don't forget that getting and keeping clients is the actual business of writing copy.

    It's nice to see positive encouragement on this forum. On this though, it's a mistake.




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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    Hey Alan

    How's it going?

    One thing to keep in mind, is that writing a university paper, and writing a sales letter, are two completely different creatures.

    I occasionally like browsing through peer reviewed journals put out by universities and other academic institutions... and my mind immediately MELTS.

    If any copywriter wrote the way those papers are written, the visitor would be clicking away by paragraph 2

    Ludwig Von Mises, no matter how great an ECONOMIST he was, would SUCK at copywriting... because if the natives couldn't understand him, then the reluctant prospect, ready to press the "Back!" button the moment he or she reads something they don't like or can't understand... isn't going to give him a second chance.

    They're not going to spend their valuable time trying to decode what is being said. Click. They're gone.

    The role of a copywriter is to write CLEARLY, and with PASSION.

    That can be done by anyone with a reasonable grasp of the English language.

    It's up to a COPY EDITOR to then filter it out, to make sure that clarity and passion is preserved.

    I would agree with you in the sense that natural English speakers have the advantage.

    But I also think it IS possible for someone with English as their second language to gain enough mastery of the English language to write CLEARLY and with PASSION.... as long as they make sure it gets checked and proof-read by a copy editor to give it that crisp, natural English feel.

    Copywriters aren't trying to be Von Mises ... except perhaps with their free market economics
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  • Profile picture of the author AlanCarr
    How on earth such a blanket conclusion can be arrived at, is quite beyond me.

    OK, for fun, try explaining what you mean by the above sentence, to a non-native speaker?

    Obviously HOW the conclusion was reached is clearly laid out in the post, with a blinding example (someone who actually teaches Masters degrees in English but still can't speak like a native) My studying of the English language with a view to teaching it, plus the fact copywriting is a matter of master word-craft, beyond the abilities of even native speakers.

    Yet you say it's beyond you. The word beyond means... what? Go ahead and explain?

    What's a "blanket conclusion"?

    What do you mean by "on Earth"? As opposed to what?

    Presumably, you mean one of these:

    Farther along in space or time or degree to you?
    On the farther side from the you?
    In addition to you?

    Or prehaps you mean the preposition - not within the scope of you?

    I'm guessing you mean that last one, that the post was outside your understanding, even though you're a native English speaker - and you're telling someone who isn't, that they can call themselves a professional copywriter?

    Why?


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    • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
      It's not a matter of learning the rules of grammar so much... it's being able to write in a tone that suggests you're hanging out somewhere having a casual conversation with a friend, or someone you just met. And being able to write that way convincingly and effectively is going to be much harder for someone who's not a native English speaker.

      So yes, it can be done, but basically you need to be totally fluent to a native speaker's level in conversational English first. And that could take a lot of work, depending on where you're starting from. But it can be done.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
        Joseph,

        English wise, I've seen far, far worse than your attempt.

        It does read a little stilted. A bit too formal. Native English speakers have a flow to their thinking and speaking that you're not capturing... yet.

        Because I think with much immersion in the culture it is possible. It just means a helluva lot of time spent doing things other than product creation which might be the most profitable way to spend your time, and then outsource to a talented English speaking and writing copywriter.

        Also, from a psychology POV in your copy, even though you didn't ask, so take this as you will, but it's my experience living in the US that most people, although they dilute it to get themselves through the day, do secretly hate their jobs to some extent. Not all, but certainly most.

        So the bit in your copy where you talk about how the person likes their job, I don't think that's going to ring true for enough people to make it a profitable angle.

        Keep at it.

        -- Ross
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        • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
          Originally Posted by Ross Bowring View Post

          Because I think with much immersion in the culture it is possible.
          One thing is to watch a lot of American TV programs, if you have access to them.
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          • Profile picture of the author Jag82
            Originally Posted by KenStrong View Post

            One thing is to watch a lot of American TV programs, if you have access to them.
            You get lotsa American programs freely available in
            Singapore where the OP is from.

            In fact, English is taught as a first language in Singapore.

            Jag
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          • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
            Originally Posted by KenStrong View Post

            One thing is to watch a lot of American TV programs, if you have access to them.
            I agree, yet, growing up in England where American TV is on all the time, (and I was huge watcher) I still had no idea about the true "American English" I was faced with when I immigrated to the US. There's no substitute for living among the natives.
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Scott
          Originally Posted by Ross Bowring View Post

          It does read a little stilted. A bit too formal. Native English speakers have a flow to their thinking and speaking that you're not capturing... yet.
          I also want to point out that most NATIVE English speakers can't do this.

          I remember a thread a year ago where I said to some guy "you're obviously not a native English speaker" and he couldn't understand WHY I thought that.

          Poor form on my part, LOL.

          ANYWAY... my point is you may not be worse than the average English speaker... you just need to learn a bit about style and tone.

          -Dan
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  • Profile picture of the author AlanCarr
    Hi Paul

    Sure, IF they have a pro look over their work, but that wasn't the question.

    Yes, Mises, or my wife, write like they're trying to send you to sleep. My point is you can't write like that unless you have a damn good grasp of the language - but even at that level, they can't write like a native.

    OK, maybe I'm answering the wrong question...

    See, I'm answering the question 'can a non-native English speaker pass themselves off as a native, and make a living as a copywriter?' To that, no.

    Can they sell their own products? Yes, absolutely.

    Can they learn more about copy than the average Joe? Of course.

    As I said, they may be able to write, indeed with clarity and passion, copy that WOULD outsell the average Joe's home scribblings. However as I added, that's not the point.

    Because (yeah I know lol) copywriting is a business, which means clients, which means convincing THEM first.

    We (copywriters) all know how tough it can be at times, to get people to do what works. Take the 'long v short copy' classic, or simply "No, the price doesn't need to be above the fold.. sorta stuff.

    Now try doing that when the prospect can tell you're not a native English speaker?

    And they will tell.

    That was the other thing (knew there was something) I forgot to mention I've learnt about English while travelling around Asia. Most Americans, even some Europeans, think that English is "easy" and that everyone "should" speak it.

    As such, the harsh reality is that most prospects would rather write their own copy than consider hiring a non-native to write it.

    The first thing you have to sell as a copywriter is yourself. Them's the apples.



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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    One thing would definitely help.

    Take a conversational style sales letter, like the ones put out by Frank Kern, or David DeAngelo (Eben Pagan), my two personal "hey, I'm speaking to you like a friend" favorites.

    Then write them out, WORD FOR WORD.

    Actually, this is a great exercise for ANY copywriter (or aspiring copywriter)... when you copy out something word for word, you start to make the words and phrases your own.

    They get into your brain.

    Do this for an hour or so a day, and you'll not only pick up some extra copywriting skills, but over time you'll naturally find yourself starting to write using the same sentence structures.

    Also, try having "writer's block" after doing that for an hour
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Hancox
    Buy the right hair cream and your dream will become a reality.

    But that's a different sales letter...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jerinjames
    The simple answer is NO. You can't be a copywriter with relatively poor English. And it's not about the grammer 'cos copywriters break those rules more often than you can imagine. But your English isn't that poor and I have definitely seen worse copies than the one you wrote.

    All you gotta do is write something that is simple, precise and clearly states what you are trying to say. And I am not sure if watching American T.V shows will ever improve the way you write.
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  • Profile picture of the author cerava
    Joseph, whether it mastering copywriting in English or in your native tongue, your efforts in practicing will translate into the degree of mastery you have in the field. Everyone has to start somewhere: even a brain surgeon must have had his or her first surgery.

    At the end of the day, it's - to quote Tony Buzan - learning with every try.

    Treat copywriting as important as anything else that you do - not just another fad in making money fast.

    Bear in mind that grammatical rules come as tools in your copywriting arsenal. Besides that you have the play of words, graphics and formatting. You may also need to develop a 'creative/graphics eye'. And then you'll need to understand the marketing and pshcyographical side of the whole process: market psychology and behaviour. All, with time and practice, would come together.

    In the words of Joe Vitale and Bob Bly, before you can break any rules, you need to know what they are first.

    Practice, Joseph, and learn with every try. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Then
    Hey guys, thanks for the advice.

    I'll give copywriting a try in the near future. For a start, I can try writing WSOs for myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author sadekjake
    Grammar is not much important, but you got to make sure whenever you are breaking a rule, you are doing it to make the overall content better. Copywriting is not always about being good with the words, rather its more importantly about being able to read the reader's mind and present the required info in a believable way.
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  • Profile picture of the author JoshuaG
    Nope.

    Because copywriters work with feelings as much, if not more then, ideas.

    When non native english copywriters try to appeal to the feelings of their target market (already a difficult thing to identify) they think the words in their native language that inspire those feelings then they try to translate. They then have to make approximations of the right words to use.

    A simple example would be the word "love". In english, when we hear the word we think of all the feelings,ideas, images etc that we associate that word with.
    However, when I think of the french word for love "amore" it inspires a very different set of feelings because it has associations with expressions from french culture. Film noir, experiences I've had in the city of Montreal, etc.

    If I am trying to appeal to my prospects feelings, how can I expect to do that with approximate associations?

    Sure you could be technically proficient, but to the best of my understanding there is alot more to copy writing then that.

    And thats just one reason!

    Languages and how people interpret them is an incredibly complex experience. Its not just about translations, if it were anyone could translate popular poetry from other languages and have it be a complete success. However, it is only those who have years of experience and a deep understanding of both languages that are successful. They are rare and exceptional people with highly intuitive mental facilities.

    I could go on...but...I'm late for a commitment.

    The problem is that its not just the words that inspire the feelings, its the combination of the words.
    We are not talking about a technical subject, we are talking about an art form.
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  • Profile picture of the author remotedb
    Oh, I really think it depends on whom you are selling to. If you are selling to Volvo driving corporate yuppie types, then imperfect English is a huge turnoff. It makes the copy come off as amateurish and gives the impression that you are a huckster out to make a quick buck from a "rich yankee".

    On the other hand, if you are selling to the semi-literate masses who comprise 80% of the rest of the English speaking world, it's probably not going to be a big deal since most can barely write in their own language anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author jennypitts
    I think it really depends. A copywriter can be a juxtaposition of a craftsman and a good writer. I think that a copywriter MUST know the fundamental basics of writing a good article or an Ad. Just think for a moment... How many times have you been turned off and away from a product just because the AD was TERRIBLY written? I have met MANY native English speakers that have horrible writing skills, while at the same time I have come across a lot of second language English speakers who can write better than native speakers.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
    No, a relatively poor English speaker cannot become an English copywriter.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
    Joseph, you could improve your English copywriting. But I think a couple other options might be easier paths to success for you.

    One option is to hire a native, fluent English speaker to proofread your sales letters. Have the person not just change things to standard English, but also explain the meaning of the standard phrase and why your version means something different.

    Your editor could email you the marked-up version, and take an hour or two to go over it with in a Skype call. You can then choose where to convert your version to standard English. In other places, you might like to go with your own wording to express more of your personality and individual style.

    The challenge here is that you are going up against some of the most masterful artisans of English, in one of the most competitive marketplaces ever in human history. Any little thing that feels "off" may make your prospects just move on to the next letter, where everything feels "just right."

    I see Alan's point, although I wonder if he came on too strong. It is possible to study and learn many of these techniques. But it is so much harder if you didn't grow up and have a lifetime immersed in the way your prospects talk. It's a challenge similar to learning how to play the guitar at age 50. You might get good, but you don't have enough years of practice left to match what Eddie Van Halen was doing at 20.

    This would not be as much of an issue outside of the IM/make money niche.

    The other option that I think might be even better for you: focus on content creation. That sales letter shows a very detailed, analytical, comprehensive type of thought process at work. If I was interested in the subject, I would love to see that kind of language in a step-by-step how-to guide, with or without further proofreading. Although there were some emotional appeals, the main focus of the letter was to go over all the facts of the matter from every angle. That is absolutely perfect for a complete reference guide, or an article, or a script for a teaching video. I think this could be a stronger area for you to quickly make money.

    I think you might have great success as a content creator, if you team up with a great copywriter. Let the copywriter use the million strange ways to be emotional in English and get the sale. Let you express the detailed view of the subject that will make the buyer glad they bought!

    Also look for the War Room thread about selling to introverts. If you do want to make your own sales letter, the insights in that thread might help you find a niche where calm explanations are move valuable than the latest razzle-dazzle. (Would you have even thought of the term "razzle-dazzle" there? It popped into my mind instantly as a way to express my mental image of fireworks over a circus tent.)

    Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    Dan Lok's copy is pretty darned persuasive, but from what
    I'm seen, his command of English grammar is spotty.

    He's a fine copywriter anyway. I haven't studied his stuff
    much but I did run across a few salesletters that impressed
    me with their energy... and flawed English. I was a little
    surprised how easy it was for me to overlook the errors.

    He's probably improved since then. I expect his recent
    copy is more polished.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jag82
      Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

      Dan Lok's copy is pretty darned persuasive, but from what
      I'm seen, his command of English grammar is spotty.

      He's a fine copywriter anyway. I haven't studied his stuff
      much but I did run across a few salesletters that impressed
      me with their energy... and flawed English. I was a little
      surprised how easy it was for me to overlook the errors.

      You are right.

      Dan Lok's copy has a lot of energy and verve in it.

      I particularly like the way he incorporates "story-telling"
      within his headlines.

      As for grammatical mistakes - unless it's very glaring
      - we usually overlook them. At least that's for me.

      Jag
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  • Profile picture of the author milo_pl
    My advice: if you feel your English is poor, read more book s in that language. It'll certainly improve your vocab and you'll get a grip how to express yourself in English
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    • Profile picture of the author Jag82
      Originally Posted by milo_pl View Post

      My advice: if you feel your English is poor, read more books in that language. It'll certainly improve your vocab and you'll get a grip how to express yourself in English
      100% true.

      Reading helps. A hell lot.

      You want to be reading newspapers, magazines, novels,
      non-fiction books...and of course...copywriting books!

      If my mum did not force me to read when
      I was a kid, my English will probably have
      sucked to high heavens by now.

      Too bad, in this age where distractions like
      TV and Internet rule, many kids are reading
      much lesser than before.

      Jag
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  • Profile picture of the author SharonaB
    I have two points to raise:

    On the positive side; we have all seen adverts for a hundred articles for $50 or whatever. People offering these jobs almost assume a good edit is necessary when the work comes back. I am not saying you are only fit for this type of work but certainly if you stick to the cheaper end of the market you may stand out as having a higher quality and start to pick up work. All that work will also improve your copywriting skills.

    On the negative side: Good copywriters often employ rich expressions and have a real depth of vocabulary to spice up their text. As a second language speaker you are less able to compete on this score and therefore I would avoid jobs that need this injection of creativity. Perhaps picking your sphere well would help - maybe technical sectors which tend to use more straight forward English.
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  • Profile picture of the author ImportEyedea
    Like anything else, the English language can be studied and mastered. I work with a wide variety of people both online and at a PT job. In the latter, I'd say I work with about 7 different distinct nationalities: Albanian, Italian, Polish, Mexican, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, and American. It makes for an interesting time and for some interesting observations.

    1) People in foreign countries are far more accustomed to learning other languages than their native tongue. Americans without travel don't have the need or the exposure.

    Example: 7 adults on our staff are from Europe. Each adult speaks a minimum of 3 languages, 2 of them are fluent in 5.

    The people of Hispanic descent all understand and fluently speak Spanish English and Italian.

    The Americans speak English, and a couple of us can speak limited Spanish.

    2) Your propensity to learn any language including English should be anchored by the fact that it won't be an overnight process.

    Can you become a copywriter? Yes. You have the groundwork, you need to research English Linguistics. Try reading poetry and lyrical verse, as it will help develop rhythm. Study the differences between speech delivery by environment: how people talk for business, the slang they use when relaxing, trends in language usage.

    Treat it as a learning process. Every business person and writer here knows that English means continually learning and understanding new things. Language evolves with society, the same as anything else. Try, test and try again.

    Don't give up but be realistic. Set goals that are achievable. I wish you the best in your endeavor- and I admire your passion.
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