Riddle Me This, Maven: What Does Being a (Copy) Writer Mean to You?
By Roberta Rosenberg on Apr 20, 2008 in Occasional Rantings, Running Your Biz
As the Maven fans know, I teach an online copywriting course for Accelerated Training Services. The course focuses primarily on novice copywriters - folks looking to make a career change or perhaps strengthen a marketing skill set or two.
One of the first assignments I have students students prepare is a short, 50-word essay on what being (or becoming) a copywriter means to them. Generally speaking what I get back are desires for good income, flexibility, more free time (not sure about this one 
), etc.
When I first became a junior copywriter, copywriting meant excitement, challenge and a paycheck.
I loved crafting a message, sending it to a mailing list, and counting the responses a few weeks later. (I still love “counting the cards” as my treat for completing a marketing project.)
20 years ago when I went solo, copywriting was my ticket to putting myself and my talents out there to see who would “bite.”
I enjoy playing “52 card pick-up” with my work and personal life every once in a while to keep from going stale and sliding along on a gentle wave of mindless contentment. So ego, delusional arrogance, and the chance at more than a paycheck, were the prizes I lusted after.
Today, copywriting has given me the skills to move into brand new directions and media that didn’t even exist 20, 15, 5 - or even one year ago.
In fact, I’ve found those precise DM fundamentals - write conversationally, write beyond the product to the promise, write to the reader’s self-interest, be a solution to their problem, etc. - are even more relevant now than when I was still banging away on my Selectric for a 99% direct mail-centric promotion mix.
From websites to blogs to Twitter (which I’m still mulling over), copywriting remains my most important skill as a business owner looking to maintain/grow her business.
(And yes, I still like the idea that I have eliminated at least layer of bureacracy in my work life and still make more than a paycheck with the flexibility to do the wife/mom thing. )
How about you?
What does/has being a copywriter or other marcomm-type writer person meant for you? If you could do it over, would you still be a copywriter or want to pursue the field today … and why?
- Enjoyed this post? Get free updates by email or RSS
- Need a copy critique or a consult? Contact the Maven
- The ultimate guide to writing and designing effective landing pages - Marketing Sherpa’s Landing Page Handbook, 2008 (aff)
Tom Chandler/Copywriter Underground | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
It’s certainly meant something to me. If I hadn’t chosen to freelance after my first ad agency stint, I’d still be stuck in the city instead of living on the flank of a 14,162′ mountain, surrounded by forests and trout streams.
That switch happened in 1999, when I finally realized that every client had an email address, and that many of my in-person meetings were being canceled in favor of conference calls.
Some people suggest I’m “lucky” to live where I do, and nothing could be further from the truth; it’s the result of a conscious choice — the kind of choice that’s far more possible when you’re a self-employed copywriter instead of a cubicle rat.
Tom Chandler/Copywriter Underground’s last blog post..I Decry Deceptive Mailing Practices in BrandWeek: Are Copywriters Really Responsible For Ethics?
Roberta Rosenberg | Apr 22, 2008 | Reply
@Tom - I’ve heard that “You’re so lucky” remark, too. Ad nausem, in fact, especially when coupled with flavors of “at home” and “children.” Nothing lucky about it. Like you, it’s been a lot of conscious thought and a little sacrifice. The luck part is being to see opportunity and have the “keches” (Yiddish for guts) to take a chance.
Kristy McNillan | Apr 22, 2008 | Reply
I am a newbie in terms or copywriting. i love to write things even though i think my copy wasn’t good enough but then they say practice makes perfect and so i did. I want to make a killer content copywriting someday just like other professional writers can do. Right now i am having a good time writing and learning from blogs of writers like you.
Kristy McNillan’s last blog post..Tips to improve a Content Writer’s skills in Copywriting
Mike | May 15, 2008 | Reply
I am very new to copywriting. Currently, I am learning from blogs like this. I hope someday I can say that I don’t regret getting into this field, but only time will tell.
Mike’s last blog post..Niche Store Writer
Roberta Rosenberg | May 16, 2008 | Reply
@Mike - The thing about copywriting is that it’s a skill you can use in any number of ways. But working specifically as a copywriter is another kettle of fish. Give it a try and see how it goes. You just might get surprised!