From The Golden Thread Mailbag …
Copywriters’ Group
By Scott Rempe

Before I get to your letters, here’s something that will be of interest to those of you who live in the Atlanta area. Two AWAI copywriters – Krista Jones and Eric Lynch – are launching a local copywriters’ group.

Being part of a copywriters’ group is a tremendous way to improve your writing by having other copywriters evaluate your copy and offer constructive criticism. It’s also a great way to help you come up with ideas and angles you might never have thought of.

So if you’re a copywriter in the Atlanta area (novice or experienced), email Eric at ericjlynch@gmail.com or call him at 404-643-5379 (mobile).

Now, here’s our first question, from Elisha O.…

"I have an idea for a self-mailer to the holistic market. I don’t have any idea how to actually turn it into a sales letter like those I get in the mail (almost daily!). I want to sell an in-depth report, which will include lots of material on natural approaches to Depression. (My background is holistic health.)

"How do I get my info onto the self-mailer sales letter? Are there companies that specialize in printing these types of info-letters? I’m probably not using the right term for these "letters," but I don’t know what to call them. Can you advise me at all?

"Thanks so much! Loving the 6-Figure program!"

Elisha, you’re asking a much bigger question than you’re aware of.

If you have a product to sell (the in-depth report) and a promotion to sell it with, you are on the verge of starting your own direct-mail company … in which case there is much more work to do than just getting your sales letter printed.

You could figure it all out by trial and error – hiring a graphic designer, finding a printer, renting a mailing list, setting up all the fulfillment logistics … but there is a much easier way. Michael Masterson’s Early to Rise publishes a program called "Direct Marketing Masters Edition." Its specific purpose is to teach entrepreneurs how to start and run a high-income direct-marketing business. Check it out at the link below – and best of luck to you.

http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/700SCBMO/W700F8C5

One more question today, this one from Kent …

"I’m taking AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. How will I learn the business side of being a copywriter, such as contracts and how much to charge?"

This is a good question, Kent. By now, you’ve undoubtedly learned that writing compelling copy is only one aspect of being a successful direct-mail copywriter. You have to develop your marketing skills and, as you suggest in your question, learn how to run a business.

The copywriting program prepares you for dealing with clients – and you can get an initial idea of what to charge by checking out the websites of other copywriters. But, if you want to "cut to the chase," I would recommend our "Freelance Writing Success in a Box" program. To put it together, we researched all the questions new copywriters have about starting a business and organized the answers into four very complete manuals.

[Find out more at: https://www.awai.com/bib/tgte/]

Thanks to one and all. Keep those emails coming!

Scott