3 ways to move forward with your writing career

[The Writer’ s Life]( October 22, 2018 Hi {NAME}, "Don't hesitate. Go. Commit." That was actor Will Smith's message about his recent choice to conquer his fear of heights by bungee jumping over the Grand Canyon to celebrate his 50th birthday. While he was facing one of his biggest fears, he wanted to do it anyway. He summed it up by saying, 'In life, you have to go after what you want — take risks. Yes, you might get your heart broken, or you might fail, but you might also succeed — and be happier than you ever imagined.' Couldn't agree more! I 100% believe in going after what you want … And fortunately, when it comes to your writing and the freedom it can bring, we're here to help you! So it's less risky than you may imagine. We've been with members like Mindy McHorse along the journey to success. She still remembers what it was like when she started out — long before she became Managing Editor of [Barefoot Writer](. After some slow starts on her own, she joined [Circle of Success]( and challenged herself in a big way as she started her third year of freelance copywriting … She committed to reaching $100,000 by December 31st. And agreed to publicly chronicle her entire journey through [Wealthy Web Writer's]( Reality Blog. (Spoiler alert: she hit her goal on December 29th!) Today, she looks back on the things that moved her forward … And gives you the three things you can do to get the start — and momentum — you need to live a great life as a writer. Before I turn it over to Mindy though, you should know we just opened up access to Circle of Success, our highest level of learning … We have a lot planned for this group of new members … Including a new personalized training program that's like nothing we've ever done before! Plus, customized career planning … personal mentoring … feedback on your writing … live, instructor-led training … free Bootcamp admissions … specific Learning Tracks for B2C and B2B … Mastermind meetings … Copy Hot Seats … Those are just a few of the benefits you'll get when you join. [Go here now to get all the details](. Join today and you'll have our lifelong support and commitment to help you achieve the success you're looking for. Now, here's Mindy … To your success, Rebecca Matter President, AWAI --------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Proven Ways to Move Forward in Your Copywriting Career By Mindy McHorse [Success steps text written on blackboard with numbers 1, 2, 3] If you want to move forward as a paid writer, consider taking a tip from a "Dear Abby" column like I did. Abby had received a letter from a woman who works independently as a designer. The woman was having trouble getting motivated to do her projects, even after setting deadlines. Abby was ruthless in her reply. No hand-holding or coddling or encouragement from her at all. Instead, she said, "Cut the self-indulgence and move forward." Bang. When I read that line as a new freelancer, it was like cold water in the face. I realized I spent a lot of time thinking about the possibilities writing holds, but rarely took action. I changed that — fast. If you're in the same boat, you should know about these three proven ways to accelerate your writing career: #1: Decide What You Want — and Dig Deep If you're not sure where you're going, how can you even get started? It's like setting out on a road trip without any particular destination in mind. You'll cover some ground … and maybe you'll have a few adventures along the way … but at the end of the day, where will you be? Without a destination in sight, there's little incentive to push forward as a writer. So think about what you really want. Not just from your writing career, but out of life. Start by thinking about details, like the number of hours you want to work each day or your income goal for the year. Then dig a little deeper. Picture the life you ultimately want. Do you see yourself traveling three months of the year? Or working a permanent part-time schedule? Spending more time with family? Or pursuing a hobby? When you clearly articulate your end-goal — beyond the basics of making money as a paid writer — you'll lay the foundation you need to move forward in your career. And once you've decided, make sure you put your goal on paper. Post it on a wall where you'll see it every day. Tell people you know. Write about it on Facebook. Tweet it. Do whatever you have to do to spread the word so you can't tuck your goal back inside when the going gets tough. Remember, you won't get anywhere until you know where you're going. But with a clear goal in mind, things will start to fall into place. Everywhere you look, you'll see potential new ways to move forward and turn your burning desire into a real live writing career. #2: Recognize Writing as a Genuine Asset It's no secret. Life as a writer can mean a lot of money. It can also give you the freelance, no boss, flexible-schedule lifestyle you want. Given that, do you ever find yourself thinking it's too good to be true? Or have you ever thought, "I can't believe I actually get paid to do this stuff!" There are two things wrong with that attitude. First, it contradicts the inherent value of quality copywriting. Second, it overlooks the reality of the Internet as today's vast marketing medium of choice. The truth is, good writing makes things happen. You can launch businesses with what you write. The right kind of copy can help your client churn out steady revenue or get a higher ROI. Essentially, your copy can mean the difference between a company going under or making solid profits. Just look at six-figure copywriter Joshua Boswell. He often shares the story of how he wrote copy that kept his children's private school from folding. Despite the mega-profitable projects he's had since, it remains his proudest moment. Quality writing is a tangible, significant, powerful service. It positions you to be the hero for your client — the motivating force behind their success. And the demand for quality writing, especially on the Web, is growing exponentially. Fast growth means lots of opportunity. Which means little resistance when you put yourself out there. And it's always easier to find work in an industry that's expanding fast. As such, targeted copy is worth every penny you charge. If you're serious about moving forward as a writer, embrace this fact. #3: Connect with People Who Share Your Goals There's a reason athletes benefit from team-training, even when they compete in individual sports trials. It's the same reason mentors can make such a difference in your life. It's why support groups are effective. Having someone who understands your journey and shares your passion is worth everything when you're forging your own path. In the case of paid writing, having a network of peers can mean the difference between floundering along with little progress or watching your career take off. Part of it is the simple law of faith. If someone else can do it, so can you. For a lot of us, seeing is believing. Knowing someone else who enjoys life as a well-paid writer is a great motivator. It's also proof that your goals are in reach. So seek out other copywriters who share your passion or relate to your goals. Choose carefully. Look for positive attitudes and natural motivators. Keep in mind — there's nothing wrong with getting support — especially if it's something that keeps you inspired through tough times. In contrast, you don't want advice from unproductive people who can't contribute encouragement. Unless you know they'll stand behind you, don't rely on your usual network of friends or contacts. Instead, put yourself out there and reach out to like-minded people. Attend networking events and conferences. Visit forums where other professionals hang out. Join a group like Circle of Success. Connect with colleagues through social networking sites. Follow These Steps and Move Forward as a Successful Copywriter If you're serious about moving forward, these three steps will make all the difference. 1. Decide what you want and clarify your end-goal. 2. Recognize you're in a field that can get you everything you want. 3. Surround yourself with like-minded people who will help, support, and encourage you. Do these things and not only will you move forward, you'll blow your writing career out of the water this coming year. Are you ready to dig deep on what you want to do? Do you need help clarifying your end-goals? In the comments [here](, please let us know what would help you move forward. Editorial Note: If you'd like to join a group of people who share your goals and ambitions, check out Circle of Success. Like-minded writers, talented instructors, and a personal mentor will help you achieve your goals. COS offers advanced targeted learning programs, a customized career plan, and a vast library of resources to help you build your skills and make huge forward progress in your career. [Check out all the benefits here.]( Work with the AWAI Team on a Real Writing Project! "Simulated Training" is AWAI's newest interactive learning where you get to work directly with AWAI's copy chief on a real writing project. Not only will you experience what it's like to write for a real client — you'll learn what to do at every stage of the writing process … plus you'll get live personal feedback on your writing. And right now, we're offering a limited number of spots FREE to members of our highest level of learning. [Go here now for full details …]( Start earning $2,000 … $5,000 … even $10,000 per project, plus royalties. These are industry-standard rates. People hiring for this type of writing project expect to pay them. Our Smart Start LIVE: Copywriting Crash Course is your opportunity to learn the basics of writing great copy … practice with hands-on exercises … even learn how to get your first paid clients! [Get all the details now on this unique, one-of-a-kind training.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2018 American Writers & Artists Inc. Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? 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