I found this in today’s lastest issue of Denny Hatch’s Common Business Sense. He was writing more broadly for those who work as consultants or freelancers, but these are also useful ideas for copywriters:

1. You have to be good at what you do (which includes promoting yourself and
schmoozing clients and prospects)

2. You have to be able to cope with a
terrible cash flow (client work can come in floods or dry up quick)

3. You
have to be comfortable operating outside the big office environment— no people
to bounce ideas off of, no internal tech support, no perks, no expense accounts, no company-provided health insurance, and no real vacations

If you can deal with the above three caveats, you’ll
work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life. But you’ll make more money and
have more fun than you’ve ever dreamed possible.

The only point I’d make to the above is that as a copywriter, you really, really want a second, objective eye to review your first draft before it goes to the client, especially if it’s an important, large or complex project.

You can ask a friend to review your work, but the better bet is to get another copywriter to take a look.

I suggest you get a copy coach or mentor as a second eye to review
your copy. I have a colleague who is not only an excellent copywriter,
she has a fine editorial eye. I pay her to review my big projects and she’s worth every penny. She doesn’t rewrite my stuff, but does check for typos, awkward phrasing, and anything that stops the flow of the copy.

I’m available for this kind of work for you, too. How cool is that! Email me and let me know if you’d like The Copywriting Maven to do back-up review for your next big project.

Maven’s Maxim
Freelancing is not for the faint-hearted. But with the right mix of persistance, talent, and overall good humor it could be the right move for you.

Get your own subscription to Denny Hatch’s Common Business Sense — good stuff here that will challenge you and make you think.

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