How To Get A Job As A Copywriter
Copywriters are creative individuals who write copy that helps sell products or services, raises funds for charitable organizations, and non-profit organizations, and disseminates the view of political parties, religious organizations, and individuals. The copy may take the form of brochures, sales letters, fliers, campaign slogans, press releases, label instructions, Internet blogs, catalogues, and newspaper, television, or magazine ads.
Although some Copywriters, choose to specialize, working exclusively for advertising agencies, the electronic media, or various publications, most are self employed. Two advantages of working as a copywriter are that you can work from home, choosing your own hours, and that you can work part-time, while you become established, or while working full time at another job.
Successful Copywriters are self-motivated, self-confident, determined, and persuasive. They are quick learners, hard-working, creative, independent, and comfortable working in relative isolation. Copywriters must have good communication skills, excellent knowledge of English (or the language in which they write), and excellent writing skills.
Copywriters meet with clients, whether in person, by phone, or over the internet. They discuss what the client wants, gather any specific instructions, and then set to work. They may need to meet with bloggers or other copywriters, and artists, to plan layouts. They will then research the product or service, learn any technical information or vocabulary they may need, and then begin to write. When they have proofread their work and feel it is complete, it will be submitted to the client for approval. Copywriters who are self-employed must do their own advertising, bookkeeping, accounting, and general office work.
Education
If you want to get a job as a Copywriter, you must first get a good education. Becoming a successful Copywriter takes skill, but above all, knowledge. In high school, take a variety of courses, including English, a science, history, computers, and a second language. Work on your school newspaper. Get some experience in sales. Start a blog, network, and take every available opportunity to practice your writing skills.
After you obtain your high school diploma, go to college. Yes, there are successful Copywriters that do not have any college education, but an education is never wasted. You will find that prospective clients, more and more, are looking to hire educated writers. The most useful degrees to have would be those in English, journalism, or communications. Include come courses in creative writing and psychology.
Take some training specifically for copywriters. There are many of these available. Do some research to find the course best suited to your needs. Find an established Copywriter that you respect, and get some advice from him/her.
For more information, you may be interested in contacting the Association of Professional Freelance Copywriters at the site below.
http://www.copyright.gov/
