I don't have a background in journalism but a few of my
coaching students came from that field. One big
advantage you have is that you understand writing
and the mechanics shouldn't be any problem for you.

But you will have to learn the marketing and feel
comfortable in breaking some rules. That is usually
the greatest challenge.

-Ray Edwards

Have a chat to Ben Johnson - he used to be a journalist and is now a very successful copywriter.

-Daniel

Coming from a background that mixes work in both journalism and marketing-oriented copywriting, switching between mindsets is definitely one of the bigger challenges. Journalism can be much more "structured" in what publications and editors will look for and accept. With copywriting, it's just you, the client, and the content...and you have to be able to break free from a lot of the journalistic elements and expectations if you're wanting to produce successful copy in a wider variety of formats and styles.

At the same time, there are certainly some crossovers. In journalism, you can produce a much more engaging journalism piece if it's based on an emotional core (good storytelling, etc.), which is also critical in any effective marketing copy.

Like Marcia says, you already know how to write.

I think the best thing you can do now is to learn how to sell.

Put those two together and you've got it made.

You know what advantage you have over people without a journalism background? The ability to do research. Dig into the gritty details. Most copywriters flounder around trying to create an emotional connection with people or waste too much time talking about the wrong things. You know how to create a hook, a story that captures people's attention and draws them in... and also the cold hard facts to back it up. You can build credibility like none other. USE THAT. I've seen so many examples of copy that could be a thousand times better if people took the time to figure out details about their market and product based on reputable sources. The masters don't make that mistake, and you won't either.

I think you're off to a better start than most aspiring writers, esp those coming out of academia. Journalists have to write stuff that people will read, otherwise they lose their job. People in academia just have to earn a grade which usually means writing the way some professor wants you to write instead of developing an engaging style for the general reader.

However, the important thing to remember is that copywriting is more about selling than it is about writing. LOTS of new writers miss that and assume good writing is enough. It's not. It's pretty damn easy to write stuff that reads very well but doesn't sell a dime of product. Happens all the time.

I suggest becoming an avid student of human behavior, choosing a niche and learning from the copywriters who are getting results in that niche. You'll probably recognize a lot of what they're doing and, more important, understand WHY it's working. Most important, develop some great negotiation and bidding skills to make sure you're paid what you're worth.

-Good luck

Glad to have you with us. I don't have a back ground in Journalism. The closest I ever got to journalism was working for the Daily Breeze newspaper in Torrance Calif. as a paper delivery boy.
One good thing about coming from a journalism background is that you may have great contacts that could give you a decent rate for advertising in the papers.