Getting Started. Professional Copywriter Email Archive April 2019.

April 2019

A Simple Choice You Have to Make

Right now I want to write about getting started and moving your career forward. I’ll give you some personal experience.

In 2000, I ghostwrote a book for a Golf Digest Top 100 golf teacher. I was writing copy and I was also publishing magazines and providing some ghostwriting services.

After finishing the project, I sent a package to other golf teachers around the country. I sent about 150 letters and emails. The message: "I just ghostwrote a book. I should write a book with you."

One of most famous golf teachers called me back and I ended up writing a book with him. I also wrote the copy to sell the book, which we turned in a manual that sold for $127. It generated several thousand in sales.

In 2012, the teacher was backing a start up in the golf business. The person running the business needed a direct response copywriter and he hired me based on my experience with that golf instructor.

I’m still working for that golf client which is now part of NBC. Many of my promotions have generated “two comma” results. That business has been super-successful.

Many people in direct marketing know all about that golf client. And they hire me for non-golf work because they know I can write copy that motivates people to try a product or service.

So … it all started with 150 letters.

On Facebook groups for copywriters, I regularly read posts by people who are griping about not having enough work. They sit back waiting for work to come their way, as if by magic.

Or they fight for scraps on sites like Upwork.

So you have a choice. You can be just like the people on those vomituous Facebook groups. Or you can be proactive and get going with your copywriting practice.

The latter worked for me … and continues to work.

All the best,

Scott Martin Direct Response Copywriter

P.S. Next email, I'll write about Gene Schwartz.