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- Written By: Michael Pollick
- Edited By: Niki Foster
- Last Modified Date: 02 November 2011
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Whenever you hear a 30 second spot on the radio or read the words in a magazine print ad, a copywriter is responsible. A copywriter creates the text for advertisements, promotional brochures or other public relations outlets. Advertising agencies routinely refer to a written script as copy, thus the name copywriter applies to those who create the scripts. In earlier times, a copywriter may have been relegated to mundane chores such as rewriting weather reports or newswire stories, but today a copywriter is often just as invaluable as a graphic artist or the on-air talent who read the copywriter's words.
A good copywriter usually has a strong background in English and/or journalism. Many times a copywriter must work under tight space or timing constraints, so a degree of creativity and the ability to think under pressure is also a helpful trait. The idea is to use language to enhance the image of a product or create a desired mood. During a typical commercial production, the copywriter works closely with the client and other creative team members to generate ideas. From those brainstorming sessions comes a working script which will set the tone for the other elements -- video, music, narration, acting and so on.
There is still a lot of routine work performed by a copywriter, such as writing press releases for companies and general interest stories for newspapers. A copywriter may not have the opportunity to write the next Great American Novel every week, but the work is generally steady and pays well. Some see the position of copywriter as a solid introduction to the real business of writing. A working copywriter can also earn income by writing nonfiction pieces for print magazines or bidding on freelance writing contracts.
A copywriter working for a high-end professional advertising agency can actually do quite well financially. Other lucrative venues include ghostwriting for non-professional writers and freelance editing of scripts or novels. Those working for newspapers or television news organizations can advance from copywriting to production or editing work. Some copywriters are also employed as voice over talent for radio spots or actors in television commercials and promos.
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Discuss this Article
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anon226878
Post 30 |
I have a background in journalism and need to find a new job. I would like to know more about this. |
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Wordfruit
Post 27 |
I think it's important to add that copywriting is about Selling. The late John E. Kennedy called it "Salesmanship in print". Of course, copy is on screens and in voiceovers too -- not only in print. Anybody who is learning about copywriting will do well to bear in mind that the number one job a copywriter has to do is to Sell their client's product.-- Richard C., Wordfruit Copywriters |
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anon169905
Post 24 |
What type of degree do you need? What colleges are best? How do you get started in the business? When you hire creative writers/directors, do you have to pay? |
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anon145189
Post 23 |
Great article. It really clarified a lot. I am a creative writing major who is looking for ways to build on my talent. I searched for and found a Copywriting internship with an ad agency. Upon being given a rigorous grammar test, I was accepted. So, my advice to those desiring to enter into a career as a copywriter is: make sure your grammar is tight, and also consider an internship; it could provide good exposure and experience. |
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anon143088
Post 22 |
There are very few really creative copywriters out there. |
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anon120654
Post 21 |
Great article! I am asked this same question a lot, and my response is usually "I'm like a graphic designer... but I use words." I did notice a few problems, however. First of all, you mentioned that some copywriters can "advance" into an editing career. I view this as backwards, because proofreading and editing is only a fraction of our job as a copywriter. (General freelance writing is a little different.) Secondly, I'm not sure what you meant about some copywriters having a job as a voice over talent, or how this is relevant. In any case, copywriting is a great career, if you are really passionate about it. Also, be sure to maintain a unique brand. |
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anon119274
Post 20 |
It's good to find an article addressing the common question of "what is a copywriter?" I stumbled into copywriting and did so 100% within the virtual world. I am a high school dropout and have no formal post-secondary education whatsoever. I did exceptionally well in English and language arts classes throughout my school years. I was advanced from the 7th grade and attended high school a year early, where I received an effortless 4.0 GPA my first semester. I became bored with school and decided to quit. I'm now in my early twenties, and work from home as a copywriter and personal assistant for a company that is based in south america. I do press releases and rewrite content intended for membership sites. My employer is not a native English speaker, which makes me and my services that much more valuable to the company as a whole. I have outstanding english skills, grammar, punctuation, spelling and word choice. These are the only skills I possessed and I used the internet exclusively to post my services on several free websites. My current employer approached me with the job offer and I didn't have to job search at all. Part of my success has been luck, obviously. But I have backed up everything with hard work and strong language skills. Anything is possible. Don't give up and make sure you put yourself out there or nothing will ever happen! |
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anon102534
Post 19 |
In reply to post no9: "Copywriters are undervalued, and somewhat unknown professionals, especially in the minds of small business owners - most don't know (they don't know what they don't know) the value of what they're missing from a copywriter's expertise, so they don't know to ask for one." In my humble opinion, it would greatly benefit copywriters to rename their profession. The term copywriter doesn't actually explain what they do in any way. I didn't know the term until now and would have never guessed! Hence, small business owners do not know they need your services, but they might know they need help with the wording of their marketing/sales material. |
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ajaymenghani
Post 18 |
Thanks for this nice piece of information. it helps me a lot. |
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anon80953
Post 17 |
This article gives me some concept of being a copywriter. I'm now being a copywriter. I hope some professional copywriters can share your experience here. |
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anon77459
Post 16 |
Copywriting is a great profession. I have been in sales (consumer, in-home)and I have owned my own handyman business. By far the best move I ever made was becoming a copywriter. It requires only a self taught education and a driving curiosity about the subject you are writing for at the moment. And yes, the pay can be very good indeed. |
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bluepencil
Post 15 |
This is an excellent article, thanks. Online copywriting is really taking off, so there are lots of opportunities around. I only became a full-time copywriter recently after eight years working in law. So don't worry - there are always spaces for enthusiastic new copywriters! |
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anon66466
Post 14 |
At ACME Writing, we have transitioned from freelance projects to working for larger companies, ad agencies and marketing companies. The reason is that the freelance writing market in the U.S. has been hijacked to a large degree by low-ball bidders. Too many who seek out content writing are satisfied with mediocre writing and the fees have dropped substantially. New writers should seek out work with ad agencies, as the article mentions, to make a reasonable living. |
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anon65856
Post 13 |
This is an answer for post no. 5: they said, "I have done my IATA and currently have a confirmed job in an MNC -Travel Agency but i seem keen in joining a advertising industry i don't hold a strong english speaking back ground but have a good command in english, have a hobby in creativity as well as don't mind hard work as long as i enjoy the work please guide me if this could be the right move. - anon18835" - I see at least 13 errors in this single paragraph that you wrote? Spelling, punctuation and grammar are very, very important for a writing type job! (Don't you agree?) You may want to look at a different profession! |
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anon57202
Post 12 |
I profoundly desire the profession of copywriting. My education is the dept. of English Literature from Dhaka College, Bangladesh. How can I change my profession? now i'm working in marketing (Circulation dept.) of a national daily independent. How could I change my profession and become a good copywriter? please give some way and tips. |
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anon48767
Post 11 |
I'm a copywriter and I don't find much of the work to be "routine." When you're passionate abut your job, it's all exciting! Tim Bete. |
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anon48379
Post 10 |
I have over 10 years' experience as a copywriter in Indonesia. Are there any who are interested in hiring me? |
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anon43960
Post 9 |
As ideal as it is, the first sentence of the definition at the top of this page is inaccurate. "Whenever you hear a 30 second spot on the radio or read the words in a magazine print ad, a copywriter is responsible."
The sad thing is, most of the time a non-copywriter is actually the one who creates the copy/content for filling that advertising space/time. It is generally the business owner, a few collaborative minds from the company, or the sales person that sold the advertising space/time. It's evident all around. Copywriters are undervalued, and somewhat unknown professionals, especially in the minds of small business owners - most don't know (they don't know what they don't know) the value of what they're missing from a copywriter's expertise, so they don't know to ask for one. It goes without saying - If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me "what's a copywriter?", I'd probably be on vacation more. |
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anon42381
Post 8 |
I want to know what steps to take to become a copywriter. i have endless ideas, i am super creative, i come up with slogans and random ideas off the top of my head. i know i would be successful. |
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anon40020
Post 7 |
This is a very helpful article.
I am a copywriter who specialises in content that draws in large numbers of traffic (articles and blog posts) and often I am told by direct response copywriters that I'm not a copywriter unless I am writing sales copy (which I also do). I shall point them here in future ;)
Thanks
Leah Gray |
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tinkerbelle
Post 6 |
Is there a position for a freelance copywriter without a degree? I can write very well and I have had some writing experience. |
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anon18835
Post 5 |
I have done my IATA and currently have a confirmed job in an MNC -Travel Agency but i seem keen in joining a advertising industry i dont hold a strong english speaking back ground but have a good command in english,have a hobby in creativity as well as dont mind hard work as long as i enjoy the work please guide me if this could be the right move. |
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anon18595
Post 4 |
Funny you should ask! I recently applied for a copywriting position in a local agency and was accepted-- despite not having completed my degree, and the fact that I am a psychology and fine arts major. I saw the job and wanted it. I went after the position with the ferocity of a wildcat and sought out CREATIVE ways to capture their attention. Don't give up! Be persistent and be creative. If you don't have the experience, but know you can do the job-- show them! |
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anon18277
Post 3 |
I am pursuing a BA in communications and am interested in copywriting for the experience and believe it will be something that I enjoy. Is it possible that employers will want to hire me despite my not having a degree just yet? |
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anon15520
Post 2 |
Hi, I am a science graduate and a have degree in Fashion management. I am quite interested in the art of copywriting. I have done some assignments as a freelancer. Is there any scope in copywriting for me? My communication skills are not pretty good but i have a good knowledge of English and can write well. |
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alexnkc
Post 1 |
im just curious to know that if someone has a ba in English and they considered a job in advertising, could they easily get into that field? |
