“I’m one of the ‘lucky ones’ who gets to talk to a master copywriter
at least once a week, and even I wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity.
The impact it can have on anyone’s career—mine included—is tremendous.”
—Guillermo Rubio, AWAI Staff Copywriter

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From the desk of Katie Yeakle…

Dear Reader,

For three days in May, four of America’s top copywriters are going to be at one of the nation’s premier resorts located high atop Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

They have one reason for being there and one reason only:  to help you write the best sales copy you’ve ever written in your entire life.

This is the first time we’ve organized a “Writer’s Retreat” like this one.  It’s unlike any event we’ve offered before – including Bootcamp.  That’s because the emphasis of this retreat is on getting direct feedback from master copywriters on a promotion you’re currently working on… and turning it into “A”-level copy.

In fact, you’re going to have the chance to…

Write a Breakthrough Promotion for One Or More of Your Clients

Imagine “wowing” your clients with a promotion so good, it beats their current control and shatters any previous sales records.

What would that do for your copywriting career?

Satisfied clients. Bigger paychecks. And more work than you can handle, keeping you as busy – and earning as much – as you want.

And attending AWAI’s Writer’s Retreat will give you the best chance of doing just that. Because you’ll focus on turning “so-so” copy into a true masterpiece.

How will this happen?

You’ll bring a promotion you’re currently working on for a client.

Then, you’ll work on that promotion, writing for a minimum of four hours each day.

During your writing time (and this is the most important part!), you’ll get the chance to receive direct, personal feedback on your copy from four of America’s top copywriters. After all, that’s why they’re going to be there. To help you, guide you, and give you invaluable advice you can implement immediately to improve the quality, persuasiveness, and selling power of your copy.

Finally, you’ll participate in Peer Review sessions and get copy specific suggestions you can use to polish your copy into a masterpiece.

And, because this event is all about creating great copy, I wanted to make sure we found the perfect spot for it. A place where you can relax… focus… find inspiration… and have a little fun.

I think we found the perfect place...

The Ideal “Creative Oasis”

You’ll be able to get away from it all – the distractions, the frustrating commutes, and the pressures of everyday life – and relax in this tranquil mountain atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to energize and inspire you.

The place I’m talking about is Wintergreen Resort, an 11,000-acre slice of heaven located 3,800 feet high in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each day, you’ll have plenty of time to write copy on your own, and have the chance to get personal feedback from four of America’s top copywriters.

Your copy will improve by leaps and bounds through peer review sessions.

And, you’ll find your creative flow of ideas and ability to translate them into words that sell will increase with each passing hour.

You can write wherever you choose. There will be plenty of private and comfortable spots within the resort, of course…

But maybe you’d like to venture outdoors and write sitting on a bench atop a hill offering breathtaking views – gorgeous, lush green mountains as far as the eye can see.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend part of your day by the serene, 20-acre lake… where you can canoe, swim, or fish for inspiration.

You’ll find wide open spaces everywhere, making it easy to find your ideal “spot.” And as you write, you’ll be energized by the clean, crisp mountain air.

If you’d like… there are hiking trails inviting you to take a leisurely walk – to open your mind to the many “big ideas” that will come to you.

You’ll come away recharged and confident, knowing what it’s like to write top-notch copy. In fact, you’ll…

Feel What It’s Like to Write “A”-Level Copy –
With Help From Master Copywriters

Sometimes the best way to learn something is to experience it yourself.

For example, you could read everything there is to know about driving a car. But until you get behind the wheel and experience driving one yourself, you won’t have a true understanding of what it’s really like and what it takes.

Writing sales copy is no different.

That’s why I’ve picked out this peaceful, quiet setting far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A place where anything is possible, allowing you to experience writing top-notch copy for yourself.

Imagine… it’s a cool, beautiful spring morning. The sun is just over the horizon, and you go out for a walk… to get some inspiration and get your mind in the writing “zone.”

You start writing your copy, and about two hours into it you begin second guessing the lead you wrote. You wonder if it’s the right approach…

Fortunately, four of America’s top copywriters are there to help you, and you’ve been told not to be shy about tracking any one of them down and asking for some direction. That’s the only reason they’re there, after all. To help you.

So you ask one of the master copywriters what he thinks about your lead, and he replies, “You’ve got a good start, but there are a few things you can do to make it stronger and more persuasive….” He then tells you exactly what to do to make it better.

Excitedly, you go back to your writing “spot” – inspired to take your copy to the next highest level.

That’s when you have that “aha” moment. You’ve just experienced what it feels like – and what it takes – to write a masterful piece of copy!

But you’re not done just yet. Your copy is going to get even better.

Later that same day you’re going to take part in what is one of the quickest – and most effective – ways to take “B” or “C” level copy to “A” level copy…

Polish Your Copy Through AWAI’s Proven Peer Review Process

Once you’ve had the time to write and get some feedback from a master copywriter, it’s time to polish what you’ve got.

You’ll do this through AWAI’s proven peer review process. If you’re not familiar with what this is, don’t worry. You’ll get all the details at the retreat. Just know that it will improve your copy by leaps and bounds.

And best of all, when you leave the retreat, you’ll know exactly how to conduct your own peer review sessions… ensuring your copy is the best it can be, every single time.

And at the end of the three days, you’ll have either finished, or come close to finishing, at least one promotion that is truly “A”-level copy.

That’s the sole purpose of this event.

Meet Your Copy “Guides”

So who are these “masters of persuasion” who are going to help you transform your copy and elevate your skills? And what kind of experience do they bring to the table?

Allow me to introduce them to you…

Paul Hollingshead – One of today’s most sought-after copywriters, Paul leads a truly transformed life. Before studying the art of writing copy with Michael Masterson, Paul worked as a stocker in a supermarket. He quickly achieved success as a copywriter. One of Paul’s earliest letters pulled in over $1 million in sales, and another letter earned him more than $400,000 in royalties. An AWAI co-founder, Paul lives with his family in Vermont, where he continues to produce control after control for his select clients.

John Forde is a copywriter, author, publisher and popular speaker. He began his copywriting career working with Bill Bonner and Michael Masterson. Over the past 15 years, John has written dozens of controls that have brought in more than $30 million. He’s worked as a financial journalist and written books on wealth building and health. John has been a featured speaker at seminars and conferences in a half-dozen countries on three continents. He currently lives and works in Paris, France, where he publishes his popular newsletter, “The Copywriter’s Roundtable.”

Jennifer Stevens – Editor, author and copywriter Jennifer Stevens specializes in writing copy for the travel and investment industries. Before going freelance, she served as an editor for Trade & Culture magazine and as the editor of International Living, Agora Publishing’s magazine on living, working and investing overseas. Her background as an editor – where she worked with both editorial and marketing copy – gives her a unique perspective as a freelance copywriter. Jennifer is also a travel writer, and the author of AWAI’s “Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program.”

Will Newman has been writing direct-response copy for more than a decade. The founder of Wordsmiths Marketing, Will specializes in writing copy for the health, computer and real estate industries. He is also a popular trainer, mentor and copy coach. Most recently, Will developed the course material for Accelerated Training Services’ “Headlines & Leads” targeted learning program. He also serves as the editor of AWAI’s weekly newsletter, “The Golden Thread.”

Rest assured. You’ll be in good hands.

Not only are they all accomplished master copywriters, but they’re excellent teachers as well. They’ll be able to explain what they do – and the secrets of how they do it – in a way you’ll easily understand.

Here’s the Deal…

This retreat is going to take place from May 28-31, 2008.

You’ll check in at the picturesque Wintergreen Resort on Wednesday.

You won’t find “hotel” rooms here. Instead, you’ll find elegant villa-style accommodations, ranging from studios and one-bedroom villas to full-blown nine-bedroom houses. All units are fully furnished featuring equipped kitchens and living areas.

Once you get settled in your villa, you’ll register with Denise Ford (our Conference Director) for the retreat, followed by a welcome reception in the early evening.

Then, get ready for a life-changing experience, because for the next three days you’re going to do nothing but learn powerful secrets, write great copy, and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Every day you’ll have about four hours of writing time… maybe more. This is when you are free to explore the resort. Sit and write by a creek along one of the hiking trails. Or go down by the lake and find your ideal spot there.

You’re welcome to go anywhere you feel comfortable and inspired.

During this time, John, Will, Paul, and Jen will be available to give you personal feedback on your copy. They’ll probably be outside, too. Maybe sitting on a bench by the lake… under a big shade tree… or on one of the resort’s decks, overlooking the lush green mountains.

The weather will be perfect for being outdoors. In May, the average temperature is a comfortable 70F-75F during the day and a cool 48F-55F at night (you might want to bring a sweater or jacket).

There will also be one master class a day, where our panel of master copywriters will share some of their personal secrets for writing breakthrough promotions. They won’t hold anything back, giving you insights into writing masterful copy you won’t find anywhere else.

In addition to your own writing, getting personal feedback, and the master classes, you’ll also participate in peer review sessions.

As I said earlier, if you’re not sure what this is, don’t worry. It’s a proven way to significantly improve your copy. It’s the exact process we use here at AWAI… and that Agora uses for all their copy. As word is starting to get out about it, more and more marketers are adopting it, too.

You’ll be amazed at how effective it is. With each passing day, your copy will get better and better.

At night, you’ll be free to take part in recreational activities. There’s plenty to do in and around the resort.

Or if you prefer, you can go back to your villa and cozy up next to the fireplace (all one-bedroom villas and up have one). Sit in a comfy chair, pour your favorite drink and write a little more.

An Experience You Don’t Want to Miss

You’re going to come away energized and confident after this retreat.

Confident in your copywriting abilities, because you’ll have experienced first hand what it’s like to write master-level copy. You’re going to walk away with a promotion that’s the most powerful, compelling, and persuasive piece of copy you’ve written to date.

This is an event unlike anything we’ve offered before. Not even Bootcamp. You’ll be immersed in a mountaintop paradise. You’re going to write copy for four or more hours each day. And with the help of our panel of masters and peer review sessions, it’s going to be the best copy you’ve ever written.

So how much is it?

Frankly, I think we could charge any amount. After all, what’s it worth to learn first-hand, one-on-one from some of the best copywriters in the business – and leave with at least one complete promotion that has a good chance of becoming a control?

How much is it worth to take a so-so letter and transform it into some of the best copy mailing today?

“Priceless,” as they say…

Because this learning experience will not just stick with you for this one letter – it will stick with you the rest of your career.

Still, we want you to come. So we’ve kept the price as affordable as we could for an event of this caliber.

The cost of the retreat is $1,995. (Travel, room fees, and meals are your responsibility.)

Transform Your Career

This “Writer’s Retreat” promises to be very exciting.

One where you can literally transform your career in three very exciting days – in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. The better your writing gets, the better it will perform when mailed by your clients. And you know what that leads to… more assignments, more clients, and bigger paychecks.

That’s how the masters did it. They spent years refining their skills. But now you have a chance to shortcut the learning curve and discover what it feels like and what it takes to write top-notch copy.

You’re going to spend three days perfecting your copy.

You’ll learn a ton of top-level copywriting techniques directly from Paul, John, Jen and Will.

You’ll participate in valuable peer review sessions.

And you’ll have a chance to relax and have some fun!

So, please, register today if you want to participate. Reserve your place right now. Simply click here to register:

[Please Register Me: I want to receive personal feedback from
master copywriters and create a breakthrough promotion.]

Look forward to seeing you there.

Best Regards,

Katie Yeakle
Executive Director,
American Writers & Artists Inc.

P.S. Register today and you’ll receive your “Copywriter Profile” to fill in and send back to us. This will give us a good idea of where you’re skill level is at. And it will give our panel of master copywriters attending the retreat a good idea of how to best help you while you’re there.

P.P.S. Space at this event is limited, simply due to logistics. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, if for any reason this event gets “over sold,” we will have to issue a refund to those who registered too late.

P.P.P.S. Consider bringing your spouse and turn this into a “mini-vacation.” There’s plenty to do… including golf, a full spa, indoor pool, gym, horseback riding, wine tastings and more. Your spouse can have fun while you transform your copywriting career. And one more thing… this trip may be tax-deductible. (Check with your accountant.)

American Writers & Artists Inc.