How Does One Slip a Crowbar Into the Copywriting Door?

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Everton1

I'm a fiction writer, published a few times, and started writing content articles. I was told I have copywriting promise and got directed here. In this forum I have not seen a "1, 2, 3" sort of guide for someone like me. I think I just need a crack and I'll be okay. How does a novice create a crack he can try to force his way through?

Thanks,

Ken

Ken, you'll need more than a crack.

Copywriting is a different kind of writing. Instead of writing to entertain, you'll be writing to persuade. The two are considerably different.

It's good that you're a proficient writer. At least you won't have to jump over that hurdle.

Depending on how much money you want to spend, there are three good ways to learn:

1) books
2) course
3) mentoring

Alex

Thanks
1 reply

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Everton1

13 years ago

Thanks. Yes, by reading the posts I know I'm in a strange world, and I imagine it will be like learning songwriting, fiction, or creative nonfiction. A hit song is taking too long, agents are a thing of whimsy, and writing features and fiction that pay (well) is not paying bills at the moment. Content writing helps, but it is stifling.

My brush with copywriting was exciting and made my mind feel like it was thriving, and made me feel appreciated. I don't need recognition or riches, I just need to get paid more than a panhandler while having fun. I think I am looking for a detailed first step. Just a direction to go.

Thanks
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Alex Cohen

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Everton1

Thanks. Yes, by reading the posts I know I'm in a strange world, and I imagine it will be like learning songwriting, fiction, or creative nonfiction. A hit song is taking too long, agents are a thing of whimsy, and writing features and fiction that pay (well) is not paying bills at the moment. Content writing helps, but it is stifling.

My brush with copywriting was exciting and made my mind feel like it was thriving, and made me feel appreciated. I don't need recognition or riches, I just need to get paid more than a panhandler while having fun. I think I am looking for a detailed first step. Just a direction to go.

Ken,

If you want to go the book route, these two make a great 1-2 punch for someone just starting out:

1. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman
2. Web Copy that Sells by Maria Veloso

Both can be purchased inexpensively at amazon.com

Alex

Thanks
1 reply

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Daniel Scott

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

Ken,

If you want to go the book route, these two make a great 1-2 punch for someone just starting out:

1. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman
2. Web Copy that Sells by Maria Veloso

Both can be purchased inexpensively at amazon.com

Alex

I hated the Veloso book... but Sugarman is freaking unreal.

I'd also recommend the Schwab book, and "The Ultimate Sales Letter" by Kennedy (because it's so straight-forward).

Once you have an idea of how to structure a sales letter then you just have to practise your ass off.

Once you can write a half-decent sales letter, then you can start looking for clients.

This is a long journey, and it's something you need to eat, sleep, and breathe. It's not something that will get you rich quick. You need to fall in love with it to be successful.

But as far as I'm concerned... it's the greatest career in the world.

-Daniel

Thanks

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Always looking for badass direct-response copywriters. PM me if we don't know each other and you're looking for work.

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MoneyMagnetMagnate

13 years ago

I think they may be suggesting you use a credit card to jimmy the door, rather than use the crowbar. :rolleyes:

There are several free article links at the top of this thread to check out, that may give you a start in the right direction.

Good luck in your new adventure.

Thanks
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Everton1 13 years ago

Thanks, I'll look for them. I didn't notice anything pertaining to my quest question before I posted, or I wouldn't have posted. I'll look again.
- Thanks
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MoneyMagnetMagnate

13 years ago

Sorry Everton1, it looks like the ones at the top I was thinking of are not there now...maybe I was thinking of another forum.

There are some good links to articles on copywriting in the threads, however...

Thanks
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Everton1 13 years ago

Cheers, mate! Will check it out.
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- Everton1 13 years ago
  
  I think what I am trying to ask for is how to find a client I can audition for, and if he likes the results, then we can talk about pay. Someone, who if he likes the work, will recommend me to others. Is there a list of clients looking for grunts who are willing to do that? Or do I have to do bidding sites and bid for free? Sorry to be so thick, here.
  
  Thanks
  
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  DrLegend 13 years ago
  
  I really like John Carlton's "Simple Writing System" it covers the basics of copy writing and you'll here stuff you might not here from other places. It's a bit pricy though!
  
  Thanks
  
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EricMN

13 years ago

Hey Everton,

I'm glad to see another fiction writer on the forum. I came from a similar background before starting my journey in copywriting.

Breaking into copy was a bit more tedious than just learning copy. The way I went about it was talking to friends or family of mine that I knew owned their own business and offered to work for them for free.

I hammered away copy and split test to get the best conversions so I could flaunt the numbers in my book (portfolio). That way if prospective clients asked me if I was the real deal, I would just toss that at them.

Another recommendation that has been tossed around on the forum is creating your own product. If you create your own e-book, let's say (shouldn't be hard since you're a writer), you can load it up and write a sales letter for it and tweak it as you please to get the best results. Throw that in your book.

arfasaira is a member on the forums that has a phenomenally useful WSO on the forum for someone in your position. I suggest finding one of her posts as I think it's in her sig.

How to write copy is a different story. The stickied thread is filled with good books.

Hope that helps! Good luck =)

Thanks
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Everton1 13 years ago

It all helps. My inability to grasp the most basic of what all of you have told me, however, shows me how far there is to go just to start.
- Thanks
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wvcopywriter

13 years ago

I personally like and recommend AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting Make Money Writing Copy course sets a great foundation for writing copy and teaches you everything you need to start...

They are many great courses out their but I more familar with AWAI.

Thanks

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Don't have the time to write emails that will get opened, read and your reader to take action then leave me a message. I will get back to you within 48 hrs.

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BartsTreasures

13 years ago

There are lots of good book recommendations on thid forum....here's something else you can do...read long copy ads in magazines (and online)..watch infomercials...try to analyse what pursuasion techniques they are using...great source of adaptable ideas...just pick products you aren't interested in to analyse as you might end up buying the stuff instead of analysing the commercial!

Thanks

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How Does One Slip a Crowbar Into the Copywriting Door?

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