I’m a direct response copywriter with a decade of experience in digital marketing and direct mail. I started my financial publishing career at Agora and Stansberry Research and today work at MarketWise.
I get a lot of inquiries so it made sense to put up this page as a resource for frequently asked questions…
“Are you taking clients?” Thank you for your interest (seriously), but I’m not taking on clients at this time due to a full workload.
“I’m trying to break into copywriting. Can you review my writing samples?” No, sorry, I get a million of these requests and just don’t have the time.
“Will you hire me?” Sorry, I don’t make hiring decisions and can only vouch for people whose work I know.
“Okay, but I’ve written some copy for MarketWise’s latest promo. Will you run it? Free of charge? So you can see how awesome I am?” I get a million of these requests too and honestly, the answer is still no. I really, really don’t make these decisions. If you want to get in the door as a junior, your best bet is keeping your eyes peeled for open positions and applying that way – or networking through people who already know you. Great advice for new writers across all niches, not just finpub.
“I want to be a copywriter. Do you have any tips for getting started?” In general, I’d say don’t spend too much time studying copywriting when you could be working.
Get a job anywhere you can. Assuming you want to work at a direct response publisher: Keep your eyes peeled for junior copy, marketing, or editorial positions, but be open to other roles. Publishers often hire proofreaders and customer service reps and then promote them elsewhere in the company, so apply for those roles, too.
Publishers run small so regardless of where you start, you’ll rub elbows with a lot of people and see how the business works and how copy ties into all of it. You’ll get paid to learn and develop skills you can parlay into your next role. Once you’ve established yourself, put yourself forward for a copywriter position.
Also, follow copy chiefs and senior writers online. Don’t bug them, but if they announce they’re running a copy bootcamp, apply. (Have experienced people you trust review your application before you submit it.) Chiefs often hire from those bootcamps but at the very least, you’ll learn a lot.
“What are direct response publishers looking for when hiring a junior?” Can you write? Can you take feedback? Can you solve problems when your boss is out of the room? Can you take the ball and run with it? You would be shocked how far a good attitude and being dependable will get you. A track record is ideal, even if it’s just proven ability to write ads at a previous job, or managing and revising email campaigns on the marketing side. That’s stuff you can learn on the job with little to no experience.
There’s a million newbies out there claiming freelance experience, but that could mean anything. Even a year or two of full-time work at an employer shows you’ve got experience in the trenches, and that’ll make you stand out from everybody whose only experience consists of “freelancing” or hand copying old ads.
“Do you have an email list I can join?” I have a woefully ignored email list I haven’t written to in a while. If you’re looking for a great read on how to grow a business, check out Overdeliver by Brian Kurtz. One day when I have the time (haha), I’ll post a full reading list for all things sales and marketing.
“Haven’t I heard you talk somewhere…?” You might’ve! I’ve been interviewed a few times at Copy Chief Radio and Permission to Kick Ass. I also pop up from time to time for guest lectures with friends like Margo Aaron, with whom I’ve taught persuasion and consumer psychology by making students watch the opening scene of The Godfather.
“What’s the best way to contact you?” Best way to reach me is LinkedIn.
I think that covers everything for now. Thanks again for your interest.
-Carolynn