New resource for copywriters, newbie or veteran

Long time, no hear.

As you may know, I've been completely out of order, out of sorts, and so on for some time.

But here's a resource I just put online that you should jump on now -- it's an online directory of freelance copywriters.

So it's time to throw your name in the hat.

Oh -- and it's free.

Here's your link: Copywriter Directory

I hope you're well!

David

Copywriter: Starting from scratch?

Hi there copywriter,

I feel like I'm starting all over -- and in a way, I am.

After a few banner months last year, I was in an accident. Then depression set in. I lost steam, and my copywriting sort of... dissipated.

I couldn't carry through on those big dreams of mine.

Some of you even wrote to see if I was okay. I wasn't, but I didn't write back. I can't explain it, other than to say depression sucks.

Forgive me?

I'm having to start over. (Well -- not exactly: I still have a couple of clients to build a business on.)

If you're still "in the wings" on this copywriting thing, I invite you to join me. We'll build new (or simply better) copywriting careers together.

I'm working on my new self-promotion copywriting web site here: http://www.morganletters.com.

And in a few weeks or months, I'll start building http://www.freelancewebcopywriter.com to replace this Blogger site. Blogger isn't that great anymore, so I've switched to WordPress.

In other words, I'm not updating this site again after today. But I'm not going to delete it, either.

By the way, if you don't know what copywriting is or you're not sure how to get started, simply read this letter.

And if you're not yet subscribing to Monthly Copywriting Genius, I highly highly recommend it.

One last plug. I love WordPress because it's free. All you need is a domain name somewhere, and they're cheap enough to get. And you might need to know how to FTP it onto your server, depending on who your host is.

There are lots of ready-made themes available for WordPress, but it is only a matter of time before you get into a snag where you'll need to know some HTML or PHP.

The truth is, the most cost-effective way to build your copywriter self-promotion web site is to use SiteBuildIt (SBI) instead. True, it costs money, but it saves you lots of time.

Not only that, but SBI guides you through every step of search-engine optimization. It's perfect for do-it-yourselfers, because you can have a site up in no time -- while learning a massive amount about Internet marketing.

SBI: Highly recommended.

Sorry it's been so long. Please comment!

It's been a long time...

I guess it's my self-confidence that has kept me from writing.

Not just here on the blog -- but for a living, too...

I had an accident in South America last winter that kept me from work for several weeks, and that was the beginning of the snowball effect. Being behind. Being sick. Getting more behind.

Some people kick into high gear when under pressure and working from far behind. Not me. I hide.

At least I have been hiding.

Thanks for the text messages, emails, even Christmas cards. Sorry I haven't been around.

This blog is moving soon -- blogger is kinda going down the toilet since Google bought it.

Take care, and please comment...

International Travel Tips: We've turned cheap travel into an art form

International Travel Tips: We've turned cheap travel into an art form: "

when

"

Savoring downtime

Ahhh...the feeling of finishing the first draft of a letter I thought I'd never see done.

And three more projects on the burner this month.

Yesterday I worked a half-day. I turned off the computer after finishing that letter. I ordered in, read a book and watched a movie.

Today it's back to work. And, after taking a little time off, it's time to get into the next project while I wait for comments on the last one.

It's these times that make freelance copywriting so great. Time off without the anxiety of lack of work in the future. Plus royalties. Not too many writing genres offer perks like that, unless your last name is Salinger.

If you're having trouble finding clients, or if you're confused about the process of setting up shop in general, be sure to check out Freelance Writing Success in a Box (link in the sidebar). It will really help you get on your feet.

I wish I had it back in April when I quit my job to pursue freelance full-time. Freelance Writing Success in a Box has taken the mystery out of the process of finding clients and getting paid.

Have a great week.

Beyond marketing

Many of us fall into the trap of thinking that copywriting is all about making the sale.

That is only partially true. Sometimes our copy generates a lead. Other times a click. But copywriting is much more than that, also.

The best copywriting I've seen involves the reader in an intimate way and offers a solution to some real problem.

As copywriters, we have a responsibility to our clients, but also to our readers. When I first started, my sole allegiance was to my client, often creating for the reader a "need" that didn't exist. And sometimes I went to bed at night feeling as if I was trying to swindle someone's grandmother out of her social security check. I was glad to have writing work, but a voice nagged me that I was causing problems with my writing, not solving them.

Times have changed, and so have I. These days I try to engage the reader in a story and offer a solution to a real problem, not a fictional problem created solely to make money. The best way to do this is to be your customer -- only write for products you use yourself, or you would consider using if your situation were different. (I don't take arthritis supplements, for instance, though if I had arthritis I would certainly consider an alternative approach.)

Have a good day and be sure to wash behind your ears.

How your copywriting can save lives

You might have heard about the earthquake this fall in Pakistan. Over 80,000 people died. Nearly 3 million are homeless, with nowhere to go.

Winters in the high mountains of northern Pakistan are harsh, and I've seen estimates that as many as 1 million people are at risk of dying from exposure this year due to lack of shelter. The International Red Cross/Red Crescent has managed to put up about 40,000 shelters. That's a lot, but not nearly enough.

I traveled in Pakistan 10 years ago. I backpacked around the mountains and hitch-hiked up the Karakoram Highway into western China. I got rides on everything from tractors to jeeps, went trout fishing in the Hindu Kush, and met a wonderful, resilient people.

Despite our sometimes negative impression of Pakistan, politics aside, Pakistanis are among the most hospitable and welcoming people I've ever met. I got sick at one point on the trip, and a family moved a bed out onto their front porch (closer to the "toilet") and let me stay there until I recovered.

Near the end of my stay there, the head of the household asked if I'd like some chicken soup. Next thing I knew, a gang of kids were chasing a chicken around a courtyard until a burqa-clad woman popped out of the house, grabbed the chicken and retreated inside. Best chicken soup I've ever had.

Last night, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was on t.v. begging for aid, saying that relief is not only necessary, but it could turn the sentiment of his populace towards better views of the U.S. That could be our best bet for anti-terrorism ever.

My first reaction was that I should fill a shipping container full of winter gear and head off for the Karakoram range. Not only is that a risky idea, but there is something even more effective I can do from home: Write a fund-raising letter.

I'm compiling a list of fund-raising contacts for organizations operating in Pakistan. I'll share them with you here. Jack Forde will also put them in a coming issue of the Copywriter's Roundtable.

What I want to know is -- are you in?