2009 FastTrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp and Job Fair
Your 3½ Days of Success Adventure!
“Over 90% of the jobs that I have each year can be traced back to a Bootcamp.”
We love hearing stories like that one from AWAI Member Mike Klassen. He’s one of many AWAI copywriters who attribute their copywriting success to the Bootcamp experience …
Steve Roller – “Just Do It!”
Three years ago, AWAI Member Steve Roller was very busy in his sales career … working 60 hours a week. He had purchased the copywriting program four years ago, but kept putting it off.
He registered for Bootcamp in 2005 but cancelled. Last year, Steve decided to take action and signed up for Bootcamp again … and this time he came.
“It was the defining moment in my copywriting career up to this point. After Bootcamp, I went from telling people that ‘I’m taking this copywriting program’ and ‘I’m trying to be a copywriter’ to finally telling people, ‘I am a copywriter.’ Just that mental switch in my mind, and physically telling people, made things start happening all of a sudden.”
Steve says Bootcamp was the launching pad to his career, and he’s so glad he didn’t make the mistake of putting if off for another year. Jobs started coming in as soon as he got home. Today, he’s cut his sales job down to part-time … is just about ready to replace his old salary with what he’s earning from copywriting … and has set a goal for himself to transition to full-time copywriter this year.
Steve says anyone wanting to launch their own copywriting career should just do it … find any way possible to go to Bootcamp.
Pam Foster – Bootcamp Is Where You Meet People Who Can Literally Change Your Life
Pam Foster says you can’t help but gain confidence when you attend Bootcamp. You get to meet legendary copywriters like Michael Masterson, Paul Hollingshead, and Herschell Gordon Lewis. These are the pros – people who have lifetimes of experience who are generous and willing to share their information with you … not only during the sessions, but during breaks and social gatherings.
It’s also where you can meet other AWAI members – fellow copywriters who will want to continue a relationship after Bootcamp. Networking with fellow copywriters offers a way to keep a steady flow of work. Some of the people in Pam’s buddy group get so busy they can’t take on all the assignments that come their way. So if they meet some newer people at Bootcamp who show talent and eagerness, they stay connected afterwards, and recommend or farm out some work to them.
Joshua Boswell –
There’s Real Money at Bootcamp
Joshua Boswell likes to look at things from a financial perspective. With nine kids to feed, he had to know his investment in Bootcamp was going to pay off. Happily, he says he can’t imagine a single event he’s ever attended that’s had a higher return on investment than Bootcamp …
“The first year I showed up at Bootcamp, I walked away with a number of clients. Within the first seven days, that turned into $10,000 … by the end of the first 60 days that had jumped to over $30,000. Last year’s Bootcamp was the same story … it’s like I go to Bootcamp and come away with $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 in new clients, new assignments, new projects. It’s just been a consistent pattern for me. So yeah, there’s real money at Bootcamp.”
Joshua tells us he has walked away from Bootcamp’s Job Fair with paying assignments every time. Joshua is returning this year to act as our Guest Emcee – and to share his expertise with you.
Mike Klassen – It Can All Be Traced Back to Bootcamp
Mike Klassen, whose first Bootcamp was in 2004, says his career actually started on a single spec assignment he landed at Job Fair. Now 90% of all the income he gets to this day can be traced back to one of the Bootcamps he’s attended …
“Whether it’s somebody I made a connection with directly, or someone that referred me to somebody else, and then that person referred me to somebody else. Over 90% of the jobs that I have each year I can trace back to a Bootcamp. So obviously, it’s important to me.”
Now It’s Your Turn …
Turn Your Copywriting Dream
Into Reality at AWAI’s
2009 FastTrack to Copywriting
Success Bootcamp and Job Fair
November 4-7, 2009
Delray Beach, Florida
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by:
- Mingle with the MASTERS (both onstage and off.)
- Discover the SECRETS TO SUCCESS in the hottest direct-response areas today (offline and online.)
- Learn how to deliver WINNING PACKAGES every time.
- Create an EASY SECOND INCOME STREAM from your copywriting skills.
- Connect with actual representatives from dozens of the industry’s biggest direct-response companies and meet with REAL CLIENTS to find out exactly what they want.
And so much more …
Advanced Track for Returning Attendees
If you’ve been to Bootcamp before you know we like to mix things up. This year, you’ll be able to pick and choose topics that are of most interest to you including:
- How to Use Your Copy Copywriting Skills to Expand Your Business And Increase Your Income
- Web Copy. Just How Lucrative Is It and What to Charge?
- Today’s HOT Niche - Writing for the Business-to-Business (B2B) Market
- Michael Masterson’s Six Lead Types - And How They Work.
- Other sessions announced as speakers are confirmed …
Before You Arrive
Make your reservations soon – hotels tend to sell out at this time of year. This is a busy time in Delray Beach, and there are a limited number of rooms at nearby hotels. Reserve early and get the AWAI group rate!
If you have any questions about hotel or transportation, call the Member Services team and they will be glad to assist you, 866-879-2924.
Your Presenters
Stay Tuned for
New Additions!
Michael Masterson
Michael is the originator of many of the secrets taught in AWAI’s copywriting programs. Throughout his 25-year career, he’s been directly involved in the generation of over ONE BILLION DOLLARS of sales through the mail and online. Join Michale and Herschell for a discussion about their latest film project: Grim Fairy Tales.
Herschell Gordon Lewis
Herschell is one of the highest-paid, most respected, best-known direct response copywriters in the world and the author of over 20 books on how to write copy that sells more product. His articles appear regularly in Direct Selling and Catalog Age.
Don Hauptman
Don is an award-winning independent direct-response copywriter and creative consultant, who specializes in the marketing of information. Don may be best-known for his headline "Speak Spanish [French, German, etc.] Like a Diplomat!", a series of ads that generated revenues in the tens of millions of dollars.
Chris Marlow
Chris Marlow is the original copywriters coach, helping copywriters gain the high-quality, high-value clients since 2003. An expert at niche development, Chris helps copywriters find or create niches that fulfill financial goals, feed passions, and that align with personal values. Chris also helps her copywriters develop secondary income streams through information publishing and coaching. Chris’ program seeks to create copywriters who are “gurus” in their niche.
Don Mahoney,
Co-Founder, AWAI
Through the help of his boyhood friend, Michael Masterson, Don was able to successfully change careers from running a woodworking shop in upstate New York to living “the writers life” on Miami Beach and earning $300,000+ a year.
Paul Hollingshead
Co-Founder, AWAI
Astoundingly successful, Michael Masterson trained copywriter (former grocery store clerk). Paul has written many controls, and early in his career, wrote a letter that generated over $2 million in sales.
Will Newman
Will is a successful copywriting coach and mentor who has been associated with AWAI since 1999. He is a professional copywriter who apprenticed with Lee Troxler, one of the top copywriters in the world.
Jennifer Stevens
Jennifer is a copywriter who specializes in travel and investment copy. She's also a travel writer, and author of AWAI's The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program. For many years she acted as the lead editor at International Living, where she still contributes articles.
Gary Hennerberg
Gary is an in-demand analytic consultant and creative director/copywriter with a record of beating controls by more than 60%. Gary’s copy reaches over 50 million people every year, and is the author of the recently released book Direct Marketing Quantified: The Knowledge is in the Numbers.
Mike Palmer
Mike Palmer heads up a group of 10 copywriters at one of the largest and most profitable financial newsletter businesses in the world. Mike has been in the direct-response business for a decade, has sold tens of millions of dollars worth of product, and most recently used his copywriting skills to write and sell a book about a month-long golf trip in Ireland.
Joshua Boswell has been the secret weapon behind the marketing efforts of technology companies like Corel, Sony, Toshiba, Microsoft. These companies have drawn on Joshua's writing expertise to break into new markets and orchestrate the simultaneous worldwide launch of product upgrades new product launches. In addition Joshua has direct mail controls in the non-profit world with clients like St. Jude Children's Hospital and Christian Children's Fund. Joshua loves copywriting because says it gives him the freedom and flexibility to do what he really loves... family time.
Preliminary Agenda …
(Subject to change)
Wednesday, November 4th
(Late afternoon – evening)
Registration takes place from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Delray Beach Marriott hotel lobby.
If you’re a first-timer at an AWAI Bootcamp, join us for the brief orientation meeting just for you from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Meet AWAI staff members and other newcomers; your Bootcamp Buddy will also be there. This session is full of tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your Bootcamp experience.
“The first time I heard Herschell Gordon Lewis speak was at my first
AWAI boot camp. I was riveted by his charismatic style and
informed by how much he taught me... I learned so much from this
gracious professional.”
Anu Roots, Mooresville, NC
We’ll officially kick-off the event with Opening Remarks by Herschell Gordon Lewis from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. If you’ve never seen Herschell in action before, here’s your chance!. Herschell’s comments are always precise, timely and entertaining. He’ll talk about copywriting in today’s market – including what to do about “shortened attention spans" – and how that effects the copy. You definitely don’t want to miss this session.
Later that evening, you’re cordially invited to join us for our annual “Wall of Fame” Networking Dinner. While enjoying a delicious meal, you can engage in conversation with AWAI’s “Wall of Fame” copywriters; Circle of Success members, get to know the AWAI staff, even dine with the pros!
Be sure to make your reservation for this networking dinner now – call Member Services at 866-879-2924 – so they can reserve a spot for you. This is one of the social highlights of your Bootcamp adventure!
After dinner, you’re invited to join Michael Masterson and Herschell Gordon Lewis for an informal conversation about their recent collaboration – and what you can learn about copywriting from horror films.
And if you’ve still got energy, the rest of the evening is yours to:
- Take a stroll down Atlantic Avenue …
- Explore the local restaurants, bars, and live music …
- Network with new friends … You name it!
But don’t stay out too late! We start Bootcamp bright and early — and go all day — so you’ll want to get a good first night’s sleep.
Thursday, November 5th
(All day, all night)
We’ll start off Thursday with a complimentary networking breakfast, starting at 7:00 a.m.
And then, at 8:00 a.m. sharp, we’ll get right to work.
We’ll all meet in the Main Ballroom for a very special welcome and overview from Denise Ford, AWAI’s Conference Director, and Joshua Boswell, your Bootcamp Emcee.
Morning - We’ll kick-off this information-packed day with special “Master Class” with copywriting superstars John Forde and Michael Masterson. Followed by a yet-to-be announced Guest Speaker who promises to deliver 10 specific, actionable tips on getting your copywriting business off the ground this year.
Plus, you’ll get an overview from Michael Masterson of not only what the Peer Review Process is – but how to use it effectively. And how all the Copy Reviews are designed to fit together: Mini Review, Peer Review, and CUBA. And, you’ll learn ways to help you get good ideas quicker and turn out copy more efficiently and effectively.
Afternoon - With our dual-track sessions for Refresher and Advanced levels, you’ll have the opportunity to brush-up on your copywriting skills or dig deeper with a particular technique.
If you are new to copywriting, coach Will Newman and master copywriter Don Mahoney will take you through a special session on headlines. If you are familiar with this process, you’ll want to attend the Master Class with Jen Stevens and John Forde on lead structure.
After a quick break, we’ll come back to our dual-track sessions. You’ll hear from the experts on the best techniques for:
- Creating Desire in Your Prospect …
- Maximizing Your Research - and Income - as a Copywriter …
Evening - After a dinner break, we’ll meet back at 7:30 p.m. for a special session about Getting Clients. Chris Marlow will show you how to find the niche market which will be most profitable for you – and how to find clients in that niche...
This is bound to be one of the highlights of this year’s Bootcamp – one you don’t want to miss!
Friday, November 6th
(All day, all night – we don’t call it Bootcamp for nothing!)
“Why did we go to AWAI's Job Fair? Our bottom line demanded it.”
Ric Thompson
Founder, Transperience Network LLC
“In periods of great financial and emotional turmoil it becomes even MORE important to have good copy that speaks to people where they are right now. The ability to write good copy is a skill and an art, and in order for us as a company to keep growing in tough economic times it's even more important than usual that we keep engaging top notch talent that can really relate to our target market. AWAI is the best place we've found to discover that talent.”
Liz Thompson
Founder, Healthy Wealthy nWise Magazine
Friday is a big day, so make sure you’re well rested. A complimentary networking breakfast will begin at 7:00 a.m.
Morning – First thing, we’ll open with a panel discussion on other ways to make money with your copywriting skills. Learn from AWAI alumni who are making additional income with these unique writing opportunities.
After a break you’re in for a treat – special guest Dan Kennedy will present a master class on copywriting – unlike any you have seen so far.
Afternoon - This afternoon is all about JOB FAIR, where you’ll have the chance to …
Meet with representatives of major direct-mail companies … ask questions … learn about current job opportunities for copywriters … network with fellow attendees … and much, much more!
Marketers are being added to our present list of participants every day. Check the Job Fair website on a regular basis for updates – http://www.awaionline.com/jobfair/
If you’re a newcomer to Job Fair, be sure to take advantage of the special session with Katie Yeakle, AWAI Executive Director, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. You’ll find out what to expect from Job Fair, what the marketers expect from you, and how to make the most of your experience. It is inside information that will increase your success at Job Fair!
Circle of Success and Founders Circle members should gather promptly near the main entrance of the Ballroom at 2:30 p.m. for early admission to the Job Fair. The doors open for General Admission to the Job Fair at 3:30 p.m.
Immediately following the Job Fair, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., you’ll join the AWAI staff and all the Job Fair marketers for a cocktail reception, where you can ask questions and network in a less formal atmosphere.
Evening - back by popular demand, Gary Hennerberg will guide you through his professional tips for successfully turning those spec challenges into paying assignments. This entertaining yet action-packed plan will help you land that client!
Saturday, November 7th
(We’ll wind up mid-afternoon)
Saturday’s complimentary networking breakfast will be served from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.
Morning - You’ll get an overview from Michael Masterson and Mike Palmer of not only what the Peer Review Process is – but how to use it effectively. And how all the Copy Reviews are designed to fit together: Mini Review, Peer Review, and CUBA. And, you’ll learn ways to help you get good ideas quicker and turn out copy more efficiently and effectively.
And later this morning master copywriter Clayton Makepeace will present one of his trademark copy workshops – you don’t want to miss this morning’s line up!
Afternoon - From approximately 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., we’ll all get together for AWAI’s 2009 Awards Luncheon, where we’ll award the “Copywriter of the Year,” the winners of this year’s Copywriting Spec Challenge, and more! A complimentary lunch will be served!
This will be followed by closing remarks (from your hosts Joshua Boswell and Denise Ford) and then you’re invited to join us for a farewell reception, where we’ll send you off celebrating your success!
Earn Back Your Bootcamp Registration Fee!
Yes, you heard right. It’s the AWAI Bootcamp Copywriting Challenge. When you sign up for Bootcamp, you’re automatically eligible. Here’s how it works …
On your Bootcamp member’s page, you’ll find a link to the AWAI Bootcamp Copywriting Challenge – with details about the spec opportunities, guidelines, and deadlines. (http://www.awaionline.com/members/bootcamp/2009/)
Katie Yeakle will review all submissions personally with her marketing team. If your copy is chosen the winner, she'll write you a check for $500 on the spot at Bootcamp (in front of the entire crowd!), and hire you to write the full package!
And then it will get even better … you’ll be invited to participate in one of AWAI’s regularly-scheduled Peer Reviews. If, after the Peer Review, we decide to test your copy, we’ll pay you an additional $500 — or more — to complete the letter. You'll get the rare opportunity to work on your letter with an AWAI Board Member, and if you land the control, you'll get royalties, too!
In a nutshell … you could make back your Bootcamp registration … plus get on our list of "go-to" writers. You can submit as many specs as you like by the Monday, October 5, 2009, deadline.
Joshua Boswell, Katie Yeakle and Michael Masterson
during the 2008 Bootcamp Awards Ceremony.
Questions?
All you have to do is call Debbie, Jackie, or Pat at the AWAI offices today … toll-free at 866-879-2924.
“I landed my first paid copywriting assignment two months after I attended AWAI’s FastTrack to Success. Six months later, I had all the work I could handle.” 
