I’ve been a copywriter for 20+ years, so I tend to take the craft for granted.
In truth, I focused this blog on the craft beyond the words – the places where the modern copywriter can add a lot of value to his working relationships, particularly with medium and small businesses.
Still, at the core of copywriting lies the words, and there are a couple of interesting blogs that should be on the “must-visit” list for any copywriter – especially those new to the craft.
The Stephen King of the Copywriting World
Angela Booth not only maintains a whole stable of writing blogs, but she also seems to find time to do the work people pay her to do. Like Stephen King, she’s a writing machine, and her posts are often aimed at the writer’s muse as much as the writing paycheck.
Definitely in my bloglines feed.
The Content Done Better blog
This blogger/copywriter has set himself an ambitious $125,000 revenue goal, and has invited his readers along for the ride. Aggressive and very profit-oriented, I read this blog daily, if only to remind me that I’m supposed to be making a living at this.
The CopyBlogger
The reigning king of the online “how-to” writers, Brian Clark (aka – The Copyblogger) writes at the roots of copywriting as well as anyone I’ve read.
Over the years I’ve read most of the literature surrounding the craft of copywriting, and while he breaks little new ground, he covers the basics so well that I read almost every post. A killer read.
More blogs later
Soon, I return to our regular programming: how the craft of copywriting has changed the last few years, and the opportunities it presents for those willing to look a little beyond the words. Enjoy the ride, Tom Chandler.
[tags]copyblogger, angela booth, content done better, copy, copywriter[/tags]
Thanks for the mention. My blog might be “aggressive” and “profit-oriented,” but I have never advocated that people determine the maximum survivable dose of caffeine in order to get more work done!
FYI, you have a regular reader here.
Carson
Thanks for the nice words.
And hell, if you don’t know exactly how much caffeine will kill you, how do you know how much to drink??
I have a question for you sir as you have been copy writer for 20+ year, what are the pre-requisites and essential qualities one needs to posses to become a copy writer ?
I’ve meet good copywriters who were meticulous, and others who were borderline crazy.
There is no one model.
I will say that curiosity is critical. If you had a love for words, that’s not bad either. And if you’re going to freelance, a thick skin and a good set of perseverance genes are also valuable.
Beyond that, perhaps my readership can offer some thoughts.