I woke up this morning, grabbed a
cup of coffee, and started my day
writing a 2-page letter for a client.

3 hours later I was done.

My fee? $1,500.

I’m ambitious, so I’ll probably work on another
client project. But I could just as easily
take the rest of the day off.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been writing copy for a market where it’s relatively easy to be successful … provided you do the right things.

In fact, with a little effort and the right guidance, there’s no reason why you can’t be enjoying the same kind of lifestyle I do … day in and day out.

Imagine waking up and grabbing a cup of coffee. You walk into your home office and work for the next 3 hours. Once you’re done, you can choose to keep working or give yourself the rest of the day off, knowing you’ll soon be invoicing your client anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the project.

Break Into This Lucrative
$6.5-Trillion-Dollar-a-Year Market

My name is Steve Slaunwhite, and I write copy for the business-to-business (B2B) market. As I mentioned earlier, I’m no control-beating superstar. Yet, for over a decade I’ve been earning a great six-figure income, working no more than 40 hours a week.

That’s because the opportunities in writing for the B2B market are tremendous …

For starters, there are over 8 million potential clients, in what is a $6.5-trillion-dollar-a-year industry.

And while most copywriters are clamoring to get in the doors of major mailers like Boardroom, Agora, Phillips, etc. … those of us writing for the B2B market are smiling, because there isn’t really that much competition.

Many copywriters tend to shun the B2B market … and for the life of me, I have no idea why.

Maybe it’s because there’s the misconception that B2B is dry, technical, and boring.

It’s not …

There’s a wide variety of projects across thousands of industries to keep things interesting … from white papers to articles … brochures to website home pages.

Maybe it’s because people think you need to be an expert in some very hard-to-grasp field like chemical engineering, computer science, or supply-chain management.

This isn’t true either …

Very specialized and technical industries make up only a tiny fraction of what’s available in the B2B market. Easy-to-understand industries and products abound in B2B … from training services for real estate agents … to cell phones … to books, magazines, even food!

Or maybe it’s because people think B2B is more demanding than other niches, due to the “corporate” environment of large companies (think Microsoft, Sony, FedEX, etc.) and lesser-known, mid-sized companies (the bread and butter of many B2B writers).

But in fact, I’ve found working with all companies in the B2B market – large, medium, and small – is usually easier than writing for a traditional direct-mail marketer.

Why?

Well, for starters, while there are some projects where response rates are measured (i.e., B2B direct mail, email marketing, online advertising), there is no “control” to beat.

Plus, there’s also a wide range of projects that are not direct-response in nature – such as sales brochures, web pages, email newsletters, white papers, trade-publication articles, and case studies.

Some copywriters love the challenge and thrill of beating a control. But for me, I enjoy not having to write under that kind of pressure all of the time.

What’s more, because of the wide-variety of non-direct-response projects available, B2B writing tends to be very low-hype. Sure, the writing has to be persuasive … but there is a greater emphasis on explaining the features and benefits and educating your prospect.

Finally, it might be that most copywriters stay away from B2B because they’re under the impression the money’s simply not as good as its consumer counterpart.

After working in this industry for 15 years, I can confidently say this simply isn’t true.

While there may not be any “million-dollar” B2B copywriters (there are a handful in consumer direct mail), you can realistically make $100-$200K per year in this market.

And, you can do it without having to be a control-beating “superstar.”

If you’re a decent writer, you master the B2B copywriting basics, and you promote your services … you will do well in this market. What’s more, you can earn this kind of income without having to sacrifice the things you love (like time for yourself and your friends and family).

And for these reasons – in my opinion – B2B copywriting is …

 … the surest route to earning six figures as a freelance copywriter.

Business-to-Business: A Fresh Alternative to
Consumer Copywriting

While B2B is a very lucrative, wide-open market, there are some key differences between B2B copywriting and writing for traditional direct-mail niches …

Here are a few that I’ve found:

A lot of the copy in B2B tends to be short, quick copy (1-4 pages). While there are longer projects available – like white papers, which can run up to 10 or so pages – most of them are in this shorter 1- to 4-page range.

Not only that, but the overwhelming majority of B2B copy is low-hype. That means that if you feel a little uneasy writing “enthusiastic” long-copy sales letters (think health and finance), B2B is a nice alternative.

Plus, as I mentioned earlier, there’s surprisingly little competition. That means this market is wide open for you to profit from. Just think, with over 8 million potential clients, there’s no need to worry about other writers nipping at your heels.

What makes B2B a great niche for copywriters, too, is that steady work is the norm.

Most of the clients you’ll encounter are loyal, provided you do good work. And because of the nature of B2B, most clients have what seems like a never-ending list of projects to be completed. Just two or three clients could potentially keep you busy on a full-time basis!

And as I mentioned earlier, the work is varied and can be very fun and interesting. It’s a great market to write for if you like constant learning. I’ve personally had a blast learning from and writing for companies like Sprint, Forbes, UPS, and Symantec, to name a few.

What’s more, you can still work from anywhere in the world. Personally, I haven’t met most of my clients in person. I usually communicate with them via email and sometimes over the phone. In fact, a few of my clients are overseas.

So, you see? B2B isn’t the stodgy market a lot of copywriters think it is. In fact, it’s fun, lucrative and can be very exciting work …

No wonder Bob Bly – “America’s Top Copywriter” – still considers B2B his bread and butter. It’s like an untapped goldmine.

Get Great Paying Clients
in Just a Few Short Weeks

As I said before, the great thing about B2B is that any up-and-coming copywriter with some degree of writing ability could start getting great-paying clients in the B2B niche within a few short weeks.

It’s just a matter of doing the right things, in the right order. That’s why I consider B2B to be one of the surest ways to a six-figure income.

In fact, it’s not unrealistic to say that when you do the right things, you could easily earn $50,000 (or more) your first year as a freelance B2B copywriter.

From there, your income only builds. It’s just a matter of how much effort you’re willing to put in.

No question, success in B2B is very doable. You don’t need to have incredible writing talent, or the ability to blow a control out of the water. All you need is mastery of a few B2B copywriting principles. Plus, it’s far easier to break into than most other traditional copywriting niches.

That’s why I’d like to invite you to join me and two other top-notch B2B copywriters in what promises to be a career-transforming event. One that will show you exactly the “right” things you need to do, to successfully break into writing for the B2B market.

One of the Surest Paths to Copywriting Success

Earlier I mentioned that success as a freelance B2B copywriter is just a matter of doing the right things.

And you’ll know precisely what these things are when you join me on April 20th – 23rd, 2009, for AWAI’s brand-new “virtual” workshop: Breaking Into the B2B Copywriting Market. (Because it’s “virtual,” you get the same benefits of attending a live seminar, but from the comfort of your own home. More on that in just a bit.)

During this live workshop, you’re going to discover everything you need to know to get started on the path of becoming an in-demand, highly paid B2B copywriter in the shortest possible time.

I’ll be sharing the proven secrets I’ve accumulated over my 15 years in the business. And so will two of my well-respected colleagues – both top-notch, six-figure, B2B copywriters …

Before I introduce you to my two colleagues, you might be wondering what makes me qualified to be coaching you on how to break into the B2B market …

In my 15 years of being in the B2B market, I’ve written for more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized businesses, and publishers. I’ve written everything from case studies, white papers, to direct-mail letters, email letters, ads, and web pages.

Some of my work and insights have been featured in publications like DM News, The Wall Street Journal, Target Marketing, and Inside Direct Mail.

I’ve also authored a number of books and programs, some of which include Start & Run a Copywriting Business, The EVERYTHING Guide to Writing Copy, and AWAI’s own Secrets of Writing for the Business-to-Business Market.

Now to introduce you to my two colleagues …

Meet Ed Gandia …

In only 27 months – while holding his demanding full-time sales job – Ed took his part-time freelance business from zero to a six-figure income. He grossed $163,181 in his first year as a full-time copywriter … without sacrificing his paycheck or putting his family’s financial future at risk.

Throughout this “virtual” B2B workshop, you’ll learn Ed’s proven secrets to launching your freelance career and landing a steady stream of paying B2B clients. The same secrets he used to launch his own profitable career.

You’ll also be soaking up proven tips and insights from superstar B2B copywriter Pete Savage …

Pete’s a six-figure B2B copywriter who’s worked with major companies like Motorola, 3M, NCR, and Siemens. Like Ed, Pete also started his freelance business from the ground up … and knows what it takes to launch a profitable B2B writing career.

Pete will be sharing many of his personal insights into the typical B2B prospect and what it takes to succeed in this market.

Together, Ed, Pete, and myself will show you how to break into the lucrative and exciting world of B2B copywriting … and give you the guidance you’ll need to start landing great paying clients in just a few short weeks …

Finally … Live the Writer’s Life
As a Freelance B2B Copywriter

With Breaking Into the B2B Copywriting Market, you’re going to get a solid, soup-to-nuts understanding of what it takes to successfully break into B2B.

What’s more, for these four days in April, you’ll be under the guiding hands of three top B2B copywriters … ready to share their knowledge with you … and show you the quickest path to finally living the writer’s life as a freelance B2B copywriter.

And even though this is a virtual workshop (meaning you’re going to need a telephone and an Internet connection), you’re going to get the same opportunities to interact with Pete, Ed, and me – just as you would during a live seminar.

Here’s how it works:

You’re going to “learn the ropes” of the B2B market over the course of 8 sessions.

Each day, you’ll attend two sessions. Every session is an hour long.

Once you register for the workshop, you’ll be given clear instructions on how to log into the virtual “seminar room” with your web browser, along with phone-in instructions. (Again, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a “techie” to be a part of the workshop. The “virtual” format is easy to access and simple to use.)

Best of all, you won’t have to spend any money on travel, hotel rooms, renting a car, or eating out. Just log in from the comfort of your home.

And, if for any reason you can’t make it to any one of the live sessions, don’t worry. We’re going to record the entire workshop for you and give you access to the recordings once they’re ready.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll be learning …

Session 1:
The Road to Six-Figure B2B Copywriting
Monday, April 20th, 7:00 pm (EST)

This session promises to put you on the road to a successful and lucrative career in B2B copywriting! We’ll start by “pulling back the curtain” on this overlooked niche to reveal …

• What, exactly, is B2B copywriting?
• Why B2B just may be the “easiest” niche to write for
• Popular myths about B2B debunked
• Inside secrets on how three B2B pros each reached the six-figure level
• And much more!

Then, we’ll take a quick break, and you’ll come back for …

Session 2:
The Truth About B2B Copywriting Clients:
Who They Are, What They Need, How They Work
Monday, April 20th, 8:30 pm (EST)

Unlike their counterparts in the consumer side, B2B marketers have different requirements and expectations from their copywriters. Knowing who these marketing professionals are, how they think, what they need, how they work, and what they expect from you is critical to your success as a B2B copywriter.

In this session, Ed Gandia will show you:

• The 3 basic types of B2B copywriting clients … and what you must know about each of them to succeed
• How to find the decision maker in every B2B company
• The one type of client almost every new B2B copywriter goes after … and why you should do the opposite
• 16 popular and lucrative copywriting projects you should pursue
• 2 different models of working with B2B companies … the pros and cons of each and which one is best to start with
• The top 3 things B2B clients look for in a freelance copywriter … ignore just one and you’ll lose the client
• And so much more!

By the time you’re done with this session, you’ll have a good idea of what it takes to succeed in B2B. But get ready, because Pete Savage will show you who your prospect is and what it takes to get him to take action …

Session 3:
Split Personality: Inside the Mind of the B2B Buyer
Tuesday, April 21st, 7:00 pm (EST)

Did you know? Writing B2B copy is very similar to writing for consumers. But when you’re writing copy that’s intended to reach a person at work, there are some “hot buttons” you must know about …

In this session, Pete Savage takes you inside the mind of B2B buyers so you can understand what makes them tick. You’ll know what’s really going on in their heads when they make purchase decisions. (And when you know this, you’ll be miles ahead of most freelance and in-house writers who simply don’t.)

Once you know your prospect, it’s time to get an understanding of what separates good B2B copy from the bad … and I’ll be showing you just that in …

Session 4:
The 8 Ingredients of Effective B2B Marketing Copy
Tuesday, April 21st, 8:30 pm (EST)

Imagine you’re asked to write a brochure that promotes a line of air conditioners to HVAC contractors. Would you write the copy the same way you would if the audience were homeowners? If you did, your copy would fail miserably. (And your client would never hire you again!)

So how do you write effective B2B marketing copy?

In this fast-paced session, I’ll give you the 8 key ingredients you MUST know and use to cook up highly effective B2B copy.

You’ll also get an easy-to-follow writing formula (my “secret weapon”) that will help you craft B2B direct-mail letters, emails, ads, brochures, and web pages quickly and easily.

Once we’re done, get some rest and get ready for tomorrow. It’s going to be an exciting day with …

Session 5:
How to Complete a B2B Writing Project Like a Pro
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7:00 pm (EST)

In the B2B niche, what’s the one thing that separates the novices from the pros? It’s knowing exactly how to start and finish every assignment. You can stumble on without a roadmap (a surefire way to embarrass yourself and burn your chances for future work), or you can do what the pros do …

In this session, Pete Savage shows you how to handle any B2B copywriting job with the grace of a seasoned pro – so you can make every assignment easier on yourself and build a reputation that brings clients back for more!

By now, you’ll have a very clear understanding of the B2B market, whom your prospective clients are, what makes your prospects tick, and what it takes to write good copy. Next, you’re going to learn how to turn this knowledge into profit with …

Session 6:
How to Get B2B Clients – Part 1
Wednesday, April 22nd, 8:30 pm (EST)

In this session, Ed Gandia gives you a flexible roadmap to finding great B2B clients.

Specifically, you’ll learn:

• How to assemble a highly targeted and responsive list of potential clients (without breaking the bank!).
• Should you specialize? The pros and cons of picking a niche – and how to decide what approach is best for you.
• The biggest mistake new B2B copywriters make when promoting their services. You’ll learn how to avoid it and what to do instead.
• What promotional methods should you use? What’s best? How often should you market? Here’s the criteria you’ll want to make better self-promotion decisions.
• How to use Ed Gandia’s proprietary “marketing effectiveness matrix” to attract more and better clients faster.
• And much more!

Whew! At this point, you’ll take a quick break. Then we’re going to get right back to work. I’ll show you how to turn all those leads you’ve generated using Ed’s proven strategies and convert them into new clients and great-paying projects in …

Session 7:
How to Get B2B Clients – Part 2
Thursday, April 23rd, 7:00 pm (EST)

In this revealing session, I’ll share with you my “personal” client-converting secrets, including:

• A follow-up system that quickly positions you with clients as their “go-to” copywriter.
• The amazing “ETO technique,” and how to use it to get clients to hire you right away – even when they say they don’t currently need a copywriter!
• How to create a quotation or project proposal that doubles your chances of getting the job. (You’ll get my ready-made templates.)
• Three simple strategies that ensure you’re paid the top rates for your work.
• The one thing you can say that overcomes almost every objection the client may have to hiring you.

Using the secrets from this session, you’ll know how to turn more prospects into clients, more quickly, and grow your business that much faster.

Finally, we’ll wrap things up with …

Session 8:
Next Steps to Success
Thursday, April 23rd, 8:30 pm (EST)

During this session, you’ll join Ed, Pete, and me in a roundtable discussion, hosted by our “surprise” B2B expert.

You’ll get answers to all your questions and will have everything you need to point you in the right direction as you take your next step in this exciting copywriting market.

How to Earn $50,000
Your First Year Writing B2B Copy

AWAI’s “virtual workshop,” Breaking Into the B2B Copywriting Market, is a great opportunity for you to break into what I consider to be the best copywriting market out there.

Remember, there’s:

• Surprisingly little competition …
• Over 8 million potential clients (both local and around the country) …
• “No-hype” copy …
• Loyal clients willing to give you a steady stream of paid assignments …
• Terrific pay …
• Short, quick assignments …
• The potential to earn up to $2,000 in a single day …
• A lot less pressure to produce a control or hit a home run for your client …

After the workshop, you’re going to have everything you need to take the next step in living life on your terms as an in-demand B2B copywriter.

And as I mentioned at the beginning of this letter, if you follow our advice and put in a little effort, it’s very realistic that an up-and-coming copywriter could earn $50,000 (or more) his first year.

That’s how achievable success is in this market. From there, it’s up to you how much effort you want to put in, as you watch your income grow steadily every year.

Best of all, you can get started on the path to B2B copywriting success for just $499.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll get live access to all eight sessions of the workshop … that’s four days of guidance from three top-notch, six-figure B2B copywriters.

And don’t forget, the entire workshop is being recorded. So if for any reason you miss a session or want to go through the workshop a second or third time, no problem. Simply access the recordings.

Without question, you could earn back the investment in this workshop many times over … especially when you consider that earning $50,000 in the next 12 months as a B2B copywriter is a sensible goal.

Transform Your Career, Transform Your Life

No doubt, business-to-business is an excellent market for any copywriter (up-and-coming or experienced) looking for an alternative to writing for the traditional direct-mail niches. It’s also one of the surest paths to a six-figure income without having to sacrifice the quality of your life.

I’ve been a B2B copywriter for 15 years now, and I enjoy every minute of it. And I’d love to help you succeed and count you among my colleagues in this business.

So please, join me, Ed, and Pete on April 20th, and discover how B2B can radically transform your copywriting career – and your life – for the better.

Register today …

Here’s to your future B2B copywriting success,

Steve Slaunwhite
Award-Winning B2B Copywriter
and Freelancer’s Coach

P.S. As soon as you register, you’ll get a FREE copy of my handbook, “Cracking the Case Study Market” (a $39 value). Case studies can be an excellent source of revenue for B2B copywriters. But to get paid top dollar, you’ve got to know a few tricks I’ve learned along the way. Currently, the only way to get a copy of this report is to buy it from my website for $39. But as a B2B Virtual Workshop attendee, you get it absolutely free.

P.P.S. Plus, Introducing … AWAI’s “B2B Rising Star!” Competition:
By participating in this B2B Virtual Workshop, you’re going to get the chance to win one of 13 prizes (in all, worth over $17,000).