Writing + THIS = stronger results

Use these five tips to improve what you write [The Writer’ s Life]( March 23, 2023 "Writing is probably one-fifth coming up with the stuff, and four-fifths self-editing again and again and again." – David Mitchell Hi {NAME}, If you've spent any time on social media, or with a sixth-grader 🙂, you've been exposed to math equations like these … [Viral math problem equation without solution] … and PEMDAS, the order of operation. Memes like this make the rounds, causing ongoing debates about the correct solution. The order of how you do the steps matters. Tackle the equation in the right sequence, and you'll get the correct answer. But do things out of order, and your result is not what it could be. Now, it may be hard to believe, but sequence is really important in our writing world too. Copy that is out of order gives a much weaker result. And that can be deadly. If your text is not logical, relevant, or easy to follow, you'll lose your reader. They'll stumble over unclear sections or awkward phrases, and they'll be misled by sources that are not vetted properly. ([A real issue with AI gaining prominence.]() To truly be effective, your copy needs to be properly edited for maximum readability, value, and style. And your client WILL see the results of polished copy in the sales figures, clicks, sign-ups, or conversions … which increases your value to them exponentially. B2B mastermind Steve Slaunwhite is here today with five tips he uses as he edits his own copy, so he can improve the quality of what he submits to his clients. Using copyediting tactics on his own work is one more value-add he provides. You can enhance your copyediting skills for your own projects, or you can make a good living as a Copyediting Specialist without having to write a word of original copy. With our brand-new [Copyediting Mastery & Certification](, you can discover all the insider secrets and formulas a copyediting master has learned, like her proprietary 4 M's Method for editing. She also reveals tools, tactics, and resources she uses to elevate every piece of copy she touches. [>> Check out all the details on this exciting new Certification.]( You'll see that the benefits of mastering this new skillset really add up! Hope you have a great day, [Rebecca Matter’ s signature] Rebecca P.S. What's the answer to the viral math problem? 1? 9? We'll let the internet decide … and stick to what we know best. Writing! 😉 $297 In Writing Training – for $11!!! When you grab a subscription to Barefoot Writer magazine today, for only $11 … You'll get FREE access to our Making the Leap program, which takes you wherever you are today … And shows you exactly how to make a smooth transition to paid writing, so you'll have success right out of the gate. It usually costs $297, but you'll get it completely free today! [Grab It All For $11]( 5 Sales Copyediting Tips That Can Double Conversions By Steve Slaunwhite [Male freelance copyeditor at desk with laptop and calculator] I have a confession to make … When I write sales copy, I give it all I've got, as many copywriters do. I lean in and apply all I know about conversational writing, persuasion psychology, and good old-fashioned selling. So, when I finish a draft, I sometimes give myself a congratulatory pat on the back and think, "This copy is pretty darn good!" How's that for vanity? However, when I go back to edit the draft, something important happens. I almost always find ways to make it better. In fact, during the editing process, I'll often see areas where I can make the copy stronger — and, therefore, more likely to increase conversions, leads, or sales. With that in mind, here are five editing tips that, in my experience, make the biggest impact on the effectiveness of your marketing copy. Tip #1: Check the front burner Prospects will read (or scan) your sales copy because they believe it might offer a solution to a problem or desire. But here's the challenge: Your prospects have many problems and desires. You can't know for sure which of those are on their front burners at the moment. So, when editing your copy, check that you're highlighting the problem or desire in a way that agitates or excites the prospect — and whets their appetite for your offer. Put the problem or desire on the prospect's front burner! Tip #2: Let "Mr. So What" be your co-editor Mr. So What is definitely a nag. As you review your sales copy, he'll constantly be chiming in with, "So what?" "Who cares?" "What's in it for me?" But as annoying as this imaginary co-editor is, he'll help make your copy more persuasive. That's because he'll point to opportunities where you can present more meaningful benefits — the kind of benefits likely to sway prospects. So, don't shoo away Mr. So What. Invite him to scrutinize your copy to ensure you've fleshed out the most enticing benefits and are communicating those with power and impact. Tip #3: Add oomph to your call-to-action If prospects don't click, call, or otherwise respond, your sales copy has failed, no matter how well written you thought it was. So, check that your call-to-action has enough oomph to motivate prospects to take that step. A simple Learn More or Order Now might suffice. But more likely than not, you'll need to do a bit more persuading and reassuring, by: - Adding a "reminder" benefit. - Highlighting the guarantee. - Emphasizing the consequences of not responding. (Example: Why struggle even one more day with this [insert problem] … ) - Making the price seem cheap compared to the value. (Example: For the cost of a Starbucks latte each day, you can be enjoying … ) - Incorporating a testimonial or other form of social proof. When editing, check that your call-to-action is going to do the job. If it isn't, add more oomph. Tip #4: Take the 5% challenge Nothing will kill your sales copy faster than wordiness. Even one long-winded passage can cause prospects to bail and, therefore, not respond to your offer. So, you need to make your copy tight, tight, tight! A simple way to do that is to take the 5% challenge. As you edit your copy, challenge yourself to cut 5% of the word count, without sacrificing key messages or the conversational flow. This may require you to think of a shorter way to say something, which often ends up being a better way to say it. Whenever I do this 5% thing, the copy almost always ends up being more crisp and persuasive. Tip #5: Imagine you're the prospect and ask, "Would this sell me?" This is probably the most effective editing technique of all. Imagine you're the prospect and read the copy as they would. As you do … - Notice if the headline grabs you. - Notice if the opener pulls you into the message. - Notice if the features and benefits persuade you. - Notice how motivated you feel when you get to the call-to-action. Ask yourself, as the prospect, "Does this message build my interest in the offer and motivate me to take the next step? If not, what would need to change about this copy for me to feel that way?" Just like Mr. So What, your imaginary prospect is also a great co-editor! A famous writer once said, "You can write your way to good, but you can only rewrite your way to great." Editing is rewriting. So, try these tips the next time you write sales copy you think is good. Take another pass to make it great! If you want to significantly improve your editing skills, AWAI has launched a Certification to meet the industry demand for trained copyeditors. [More on that here!]( If you're not familiar with the copyediting opportunity, you'll be shocked at just how big it is … how much money you can make … and how valued this role is within an organization. It's also an easy start on your path to a well-paid writing career, without having to put your own writing out there right away. [Check it out for yourself!]( What's Hot at AWAI … 😎 [Get CERTIFIED with our brand-new Editing Certification here!]( 🤔 Do you know what your "why" is? [If not, read this.]( 😍 [From stress to peace: schoolteacher-turned-copywriter finds happiness in third career.]( 👀 Did you watch Monday's Jumpstart about overcoming fear? The "Guardians at the Gate" info is genius. [You should check it out!]( 💰 Last Chance: Submissions for our Writing Contest are due tonight. Don't miss your chance to earn $200. [All the details are here.]( The power of community … [Social media post about landing a retainer deal as first copywriting client] Great job, Nicholas! Finding a way to create a retainer project for your first client is a huge win. We love our AWAI community and the endless support and encouragement our members offer one another. Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! TODAY! Get all this for $1 … [PWA Product Spread] The Professional Writers' Alliance (PWA) takes the stress out of running your writing business. With ready-to-use business forms, templates, and checklists … VIP job board access … networking opportunities … and a mountain of tips, tactics, and "been there, done that" advice from working freelance writers … You'll minimize the "unbillable" hours you spend working on your business and maximize your time writing — and getting paid. [Claim Your $1 Access Here]( Land Your First Paying Client in 21 Days [IBC Gif] This proven system is easy, effective, and takes less than 30 minutes a day … [Check it out for yourself here!]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter — New American Funding Full-time, Remote The Copywriter writes, proofreads, and edits creative copy for digital, print, and broadcast media. This includes developing and executing conceptual, emotional, and brand-relevant copy for B2C and B2B content marketing initiatives across a wide range of channels and mediums, including copywriting for websites, social posts, digital advertising, videos, emails, brochures, and events. --------------------------------------------------------------- UX Copywriter II — The Judge Group Full-time, Philadelphia, PA Work with copy team to support production of UX copy, internal communications, and other pieces as needed in support of design, development, SEO, and marketing and communications teams. --------------------------------------------------------------- UX Copywriter — String and Key Full-time, Hybrid, NY String and Key is looking for a talented mid-level UX Copywriter with strong UX writing chops to join our Product Team on a hybrid basis in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is a great role for someone who can not only write product copy well but also wants to help shape and influence the way we tell our stories and the types of experiences our customers have within our app and websites. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2023 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? Simply direct them [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- American Writers & Artists Institute 220 George Bush Blvd, Suite D Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 278-5557 or (866) 879-2924 Ensure your subscription delivery. AWAI Whitelisting info available [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- You are subscribed to this newsletter as {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe from any future issues of The Writer's Life, please click here: [Unsubscribe from The Writer's Life](. To unsubscribe from all AWAI broadcasts click here. [I want to permanently unsubscribe from all AWAI emails](.