Wall of Fame
AWAI Member Since: 2004
Age: 56
What’s your current occupation?
Freelance Copywriter and Marketing Consultant
What’s your former occupation?
Retail Merchandiser and Entrepreneur
What was the first project you landed?
Actually, my first paying job was ghostwriting a sales letter for a well-known online marketer and copywriter. After working behind the scenes, I decided it was time to pull back the curtain and strike out on my own. I haven’t looked back since.
What are your current projects?
Presently I’m working with a company in Ireland. I’m helping them create and implement a direct-marketing program for their business. I write all their ad copy, newsletter articles, flyers and special promos. I’m also working to create a two-tiered membership program for this client to help the owner achieve “guru status” in his niche.
It’s all very exciting. I’ve even been invited as a keynote speaker at his first business seminar, to be held later next year.
What has been your proudest copywriting moment?
I would have to say my proudest copywriting moment was having my client call to tell me his sales had increased by 100% as a result of my copy. It was pretty exciting to prove to myself I could really write compelling copy.
What’s your favorite niche to write for?
Info products, health, membership sites, niche marketing, web copy and any direct mail.
What’s your income goal for this year?
I’m looking at a healthy five figures and aiming for six figures next year.
What’s your writing routine?
I’m usually up by 6am every morning. After exercising and meditating, I get right into reading any research material.
Once I’ve absorbed the material, I’ll take a little break to let it sink in.
Then I’ll pull out my yellow pad and start making notes. Call me old-fashioned, but I can write quicker than I type. So when my thoughts start to flow, I need to get them down ASAP. Sometimes I’ll dictate my ideas into a small voice recorder and write them out later.
Sometimes I’ll go for a walk or a short drive so I don’t get info overload. When I return, I’m refreshed and raring to go.
Since I work with a couple of overseas clients, I adjust my schedule to allow for the time zone differences.
Some of my best work is produced mid-afternoon between 2pm and 7pm. By then all the information I’ve studied has had time to gel, and the words just flow smoothly.
Please give us an example of how your life has changed since becoming a copywriter.
Once I realized I could make my living “turning words into profit,” it was like a huge load was lifted off my shoulders.
Instead of watching a clock or wasting time in useless meetings, I can dictate how my time will flow.
The freedom to work when I want from any location I choose seems like a dream. But I can tell you it doesn’t get any more real than this.
I get to spend more time with my family and friends. And I can spend more time with my martial arts and watercolor painting.
What success tip would you like to share with your fellow writers?
Follow your dreams. Sure, there will be times when you feel it’s just a pipe dream … but I’m here to tell you “Go for it!” Decide right now you’re gonna make it. You can start by calling yourself a copywriter. Believe it and achieve it.
When did you realize you were living the copywriter’s life?
I think after my early struggles and before achieving success, I wasn’t 100 percent sure I could do this. But I just kept plugging away, honing my skills and knowing if I stuck with it, one day I’d make it.
It seems like all of a sudden the pieces just started falling into place for me.
I woke up one day, and the reality sank in … I don’t have to go out to work today or ever again. What a great feeling to win back your freedom.
I’m finally starting to live the life I’ve always dreamed of. Thanks, AWAI!
