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3 myths about copywriting that hold you back from writing for a living [The Writer’ s Life]( June 22, 2023 "The hardest thing about getting started, is getting started." – Guy Kawasaki Hi {NAME}, Getting started is often the hardest part of any new venture or project … That's why we've worked so hard over the past 26 years to help writers get their all-important kick-start. Because there's no "one way" to do it … Michael Katz accidentally stumbled into his specialty of writing email newsletters. His intent was to be a website builder, but his clients decided otherwise! He's since spent the last 22 years [writing newsletters every month for professional service firms](, and helping them attract and retain ongoing clients. Carline Anglade-Coke was working for a publishing firm when she saw the huge royalty checks going out to copywriters. She decided to change direction and became the 'Queen of Controls' with eight out of 10 of her copy packages making monster royalties in the health industry. Steve Slaunwhite got his start by writing a sales letter for his dad's business. More than 25 successful years later, he's a renowned expert in the B2B industry. Pat McCord published countless books in the Young Adult fiction market before finding out that copywriting could give her a stable income … as well as finance her writing dreams so she could spend even more time on it. I could go on all day … So many success stories with such a wide variety of origins. Which makes sense, with the wide variety of ways you can make a living as a writer today! The key is to start somewhere. We're always looking for new ways to help aspiring writers like you take that first step. That's why we recently created the [4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge …]( Even if you've NEVER written a word of copy … you haven't done ANY training yet … you have ZERO samples and no portfolio to show prospective clients … [>> This NEW training will change everything for you.]( It's an online training program where you will master the simplest, most in-demand writing skill … and you'll also learn how to land clients who will pay you well … And part of the program is the opportunity to have a shot at being published with a byline … plus earn a $400 cash payout! Today, I'm excited to announce the winner of our first 4 Days to $400 Challenge — Deann Rasch! As promised, Deann's winning submission is featured below. She's discovering what several AWAI members like Pat McCord did … that you can be a fiction writer and make good money as a copy or content writer as well! Congratulations on your winning essay, Deann! We had so much fun with the 4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge, we're doing it again! This is YOUR chance to get started on your origin story — and have a chance to win $400 and a byline. But hurry, because enrollment for this opportunity closes tonight. So if want to be a paid writer … Let's help you get started — now! [Go here for all the details — before midnight.]( To your success, Rebecca Matter President AWAI LAST CHANCE: $400 Writing Challenge (NEW writers ONLY!) If You Dream of Being a Well-Paid, Work-From-Anywhere Writer, BUT … - You've NEVER written a word of copy … - You've not done ANY training … - You have ZERO samples, no portfolio … THEN WE'VE CREATED SOMETHING EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU! A BRAND-NEW training program with ONE SOLITARY GOAL … to get you paid! Today's your last chance to get in … [Go here now!]( "But I'm a Fiction Writer" … 3 Myths about Copywriting that Hold You Back from Writing for a Living By Deann Rasch [female writer working on computer] Viva La Resistance! I was part of this resistance — the "I can't be a creative AND a commercial writer" club. All my very good reasons made sense. To me and my creative circle of friends who supported each and every rationalization I came up with after a later-in-life dream-come-true of graduating with an MFA in Creative Writing. Even as we rationalized ourselves into minimum wage day jobs to support our creative writing habits. Adjunct professor positions that didn't pay the rent. Service positions leaving us wrung out. Too exhausted to write at the end of the day. "Resistance" is the perfect word. We love finding perfect words to describe an experience. Don't we? 😃 The problem with inner resistance is that it's often founded on immovable beliefs. Sometimes ones based more in myth than reality. In true copywriting fashion, here's a listicle debunking three myths about 'commercial' writing that may be closing your mind to getting well-paid to do what you love — writing, of course. Without having to choose between supporting yourself and doing your art. 1) Myth 1: Copywriting Is All "Salesy" Manipulation ( … and that feels yucky!) Some copy and content directly sells a product or service. Places a bow on the decision-making process. Other copy educates, informs, and shares others' experiences of those same products and services. Ask yourself, are there products and services you can get behind? Share with friend and relatives? *Cough* … books and media you talk about and recommend? That's copy, too. Think about the last story or creative nonfiction piece you wrote or enjoyed … Did the author intentionally take the reader on an emotional journey? Depend on showing the experiences of characters to invite the reader into a similar experience? Occasionally, outright tell the reader, through dialogue, what they wanted them to feel or know? That's copy, too. It's only sales-y if you write it that way. I can (but won't) name a few fiction authors whose work I've felt that way about, too. 2) Myth #2: Copywriting Is Somehow "Selling Out" This myth probably should have been placed #1. I certainly hear it most often in literary circles. It's what makes me hesitate sharing what I do as part of my freelance career in the company of those who hold this myth as a religion. I may even count myself a former member, if I'm honest. Before I got over myself, that is. And this myth. I'm glad I didn't make it #1. That gives it too much importance. Truth is, there is nothing wrong with getting paid for your ability to tell stories. To engage a reader. Share your belief in someone's business using your skill with the written word. I mean, what writer of fiction — literary and/or genre — do you know who doesn't chase the elusive bestseller? Or worry about boosting their online sales to get paid for doing their art? What writer pursuing their passion doesn't rail to anyone who will listen about the plight of the "starving artist?" Holding themselves up as an example of this virtue, as well. The answer is … more than you'd think. They're copywriters who make a great living, enjoy success in fiction careers — and have health insurance! It is possible to do both, do them well, and get paid! Ask authors like Pat Conroy and Kameron Hurley. They continue copywriting activities even as their fiction careers have reached successful status. Each credits copywriting with supporting their livelihoods and with developing their fiction writing. Which leads us to our next myth … 3) Myth 3: Copywriting Will Ruin My Fiction Writing As my friends (I wish!) Pat and Kameron have attested, this one is just pure bunk. If you've read Kameron's books, she would, of course, have chosen a different perfect word here. Copywriting teaches you the art of: - writing [regularly]( (deadlines) - writing clearly and [persuasively]( (communication) - writing [concisely]( (word count) - [editing]( your work (for effectiveness, not with criticism) - and always keeping your [audience]( in mind. Critical [skills]( many fiction writers I know would pay good money to have. Why not get paid to develop and fine-tune those skills, instead? You learn to choose words (and space) as carefully as a poet. Craft client stories using metaphor and image. Break the habit of assuming the reader knows what's going on in your head … and of always writing in complete sentences. The blank page begins to lose its mythical power over you as a writer. You get to celebrate finishing something … every day! The carrot starts to replace the stick. The critical voice in your head gets invited to the bench. A habit of confidence subs in, as tangible results become your cheerleaders. This has been my experience, as well. As a writer, book coach, and instructor. I've seen nothing but improvement. The ideas my clients, students, and I have had about writing develop into the practice of writing. Thanks, in large part, to my training in copywriting. Time to Wrap It Up … I could go on — as fiction writers can and do. But I have a word count to honor here. I hope, Dear Reader (and Writer), you've started to notice versions of these three myths — and others — that may be running around your head. Keeping you stuck in a "starving artist" identity. Instead of the Successful Writer you're working so hard to become. One last note about resistance … It has this tendency to keep us right where we are. Striving, instead of arriving, when it comes to dreams and goals. What if you considered questioning even one of these myths? Dropping the resistance enough to give the experience a try? You may just surprise yourself into making a living doing what you love. Becoming even more creative during your fiction writing time. Having health insurance. 😃 Join me, and so many other like-minded artists, by dipping your toes in with AWAI's 4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge. It's training created specifically for brand-new writers like us. [You can read all about here]( — but hurry because enrollment closes at midnight tonight! What's Hot at AWAI … 🤩 [Stop dreaming of being a well-paid writer and make it real.]( 👉 LAST CHANCE: Grab our new How to Earn Top-Level Fees Writing for the $5.4 Trillion Professional Services Market … today. [Don't miss the groundbreaking launch price!]( 👀 [5 steps to FOCUS (Follow One Commitment Until Successful).]( 😍 $400 prize [winner]( announced — here's her reaction. 💰 [How one new skill can lead you to predictable writing income.]( 🙌 Check out the all-star lineup of powerhouse speakers set for AWAI's 2023 Copywriting Success & Getting Clients Bootcamp [here](! These new writers want to thank … When we decided we wanted to create a program for newbie writers — people who are aspiring to make money writing but haven't started on this path AT ALL … we knew the one person to lead the way. Pam Foster has been helping us change lives for years now … as these AWAI members experienced firsthand! "Pam was so knowledgeable. She was open, friendly, and supportive throughout. We were encouraged to participate, ask questions, provide input, and you came away knowing that she was genuine in caring that participants 'got it' and would succeed." — Judith Blaeske "Pam has some of the best organized, paced, and applicable tips in her presentations. She provides very practical, real examples for us to learn better copywriting skills." — Pat Casello-Maddox "Oh my goodness, Pam! Thank you so much for going into so much detail! You will never know how much I appreciate the help. Your confidence in me is astounding. I can do this and change my life!" — Kimberly Grow We could go on like this all day. 😉 But the important thing is that now it's your turn. If you've NEVER written a word of copy … you haven't done ANY training yet … you have ZERO samples and no portfolio to show prospective clients … [This NEW 4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge training with Pam Foster will change everything for you.]( Have a success story to share? We want to hear it! Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! Attend the Copywriting Event of the Year! Your Bootcamp registration includes THREE FULL DAYS of learning what's working today from the most in-demand experts in the industry … Getting firsthand insights that will give you clarity and direction on how to build your business … Making connections with people who can help you grow and succeed … And having a ton of fun!! PLUS, you'll get FREE admission to our post-Bootcamp event: FastTrack to Copywriting Clients! [Get The Details Here]( Get $419 Toward AWAI Programs and Events This special "loophole" lets you start building free Alliance Dollars you can spend on any AWAI program or event you like. Best of all, the longer you participate, the more free money you'll earn to put toward advancing your career! [Check this out …]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Junior Copywriter — 14 West-Money Map Press Full-time, Hybrid, Baltimore, MD Money Map Press is seeking a Short Form Copywriter to assist with online marketing campaigns, with a focus on growing and sharing new ideas with our members. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer who is creative, detail-oriented, and possesses a burning desire to excel. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Content Writer — Amazon Full-time, Seattle, WA Amazon is seeking a senior content/communication writer to produce content for owned and earned channels, including websites, email, and other external communications. As the editorial owner of external-facing content, you will be a hands-on contributor leading the content strategy, editorial roadmap, content creation, and content management efforts for some of Amazon's highest visibility and most impactful content across the globe. --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter — Atomic Full-time, Remote We're currently seeking a Copywriter to join our Marketing team, who will be responsible for developing long-form and short-form content, developing engaging copy and effectively implementing brand, style, and editorial guidelines across a wide range of marketing materials and internal and external communications. This is a remote position, based in locations within the Pacific (PST) and Mountain (MST) time zones. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. 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