Ten reasons to consider copywriting
Looking to chuck that full-time job for a life of full-time writing? Or maybe you've already dumped the day job but aren't quite as busy as you'd like to be. Why not take a closer look at copywriting?
Copywriting, also known as business or promotional writing, can do more than put a few extra bucks in your wallet — it can also help you develop as a writer. Here are ten reasons why:
1. Copywriting pays well. Actually it can pay very well. I know copywriters who easily make six figures in a year. That's because copywriters charge by the hour rather than the by the word or page. Beginning copywriters usually start at $25 or $30 an hour, but if they're good (or good at asking for what they're worth — a rare trait in writers but one definitely worth developing) they can quickly move to $45 to $75 an hour. Senior copywriters charge well over $100 an hour.
Now you probably won't start at $100 an hour, but even a few small jobs at $30 an hour can really boost your bottom line.
2. Copywriting pays you before begin working. Yes, you heard right. You can actually ask for a deposit before you start writing. (What other kind of writing allows you to do that?) Moreover, your clients will EXPECT this.
Deposits range from one-third to one-half of your estimated fee. You can also arrange it where you get paid throughout the process — i.e. one-third in the beginning, one-third with the first draft and one-third when you deliver the final product
3. Copywriting fits into your schedule. Don't want to do it full-time? Just take on jobs when your other writing work is slow or you need the extra cash. Now to land those jobs you'll have to do some networking, but believe me, that's a good thing. As a full-time freelance writer, finding ways to connect with the rest of the human race is a constant challenge. Going out and networking can be the answer to the secluded, sometimes-cut-off life of a writer.
4. Copywriting helps your other writing. Writing good copy means writing clean, crisp and powerfully. It means explaining products and services clearly. It means organizing ideas to make the biggest impact. It means knowing how to edit your own work — including being able to recognize your writing flaws and fix them.
Sound familiar?
As you can see, the same rules to good copywriting also apply to other kinds of writing. But with copywriting, those rules are even more exaggerated. Your writing has to be lean and mean — there's absolutely no room for extra words. You need to get in, make your point, and get out. No matter what kind of writing you do, learning to write this tight will help you.
Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting, marketing communications and creativity agency. She helps people become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.writingusa.com. Copyright 2006 Michele Pariza Wacek.”
I also write fiction. Learn more here.
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