How to Start Being a Copywriter

When writers ask me how to start making money as a writer, I give them these options in order of fastest income earner to slowest income earner. When someone asks me about money before they launch into what they love about writing, I see a copywriter.

Copywriters love making ideas take action. They enjoy writing, but they measure their success by sales, income and clients. And they usually make more money, on the average, than all the other writers out there.

But how does one get started?

First, read how others have gotten their start as copywriters. Peter Bowerman's The Well-Fed Writer is an absolute must. Study blogs like Copyblogger. Find out who the local copywriters are and study what they do, identify who they write for, analyze their work.

Second, send a sales letter to people you know. You never know who knows who and who knows someone who needs something written.

Third, write anything anyone wants. Don't be picky. Whether it's a consumer complaint letter, advertising copy or bookmarks, accept the offer.

Fourth, ask what you are worth, but you aren't at the pinnacle of your career, either. Be reasonable, but don't appear to be starving for work.

Fifth, walk the walk and talk the talk. Be a copywriter. Don't play it as a hobby or state that you're just getting started.

Sixth, send postcards to businesses in the area.

That's the start. Once you get started, consider your information kit, buying mailing lists, creating complicated desktop projects. But start simple. Become comfortable with the quantity of work you can handle. For information on what copywriters earn, start here - http://www.freelancewriting.com/articles/how-much-does-a-copywriter-make.php

If you love to write but don't see a novel in your future, consider copywriting. It's a job you can do at home, in your hometown, with quick startup power. It's the fun of writing without the stress of the magazine and publishing industry.