Four Strategies for Becoming a Six-Figure, A-Level Writer
By Will Newman

It’s great to see you back here!

Over the past three days, I’ve really enjoyed sharing with you three of the exclusive blog posts I write for Circle of Success members.

So far, you’ve discovered a core secret for giving your persuasive writing far more impact … the secret of the Golden Thread … and crucial secrets for combatting writer’s block.

Today I’m going to shift gears a bit.

Over six years ago, Circle of Success member Sean McCool asked me to write about the “mindset of an A-level copywriter.”

I realize many of The Writer’s Life readers aren’t copywriters. Maybe you’re a web writer, resume writer, info-publisher, or just considering any type of writing for your breakthrough career. (That’s where I was when I first decided to switch careers and “become a writer.”)

But the answer I gave COS members covers all types of writing. So I know it’ll help you become an A-level writer … a highly paid, much-sought-after writer in your field.

Your long-term goal will not get you there

Writing success does not come from wanting to become an A-level writer. That’s an artificial goal.

Wanting to become a six-figure writer is also an artificial goal.

Success at a writing career – at any career, for that matter – doesn’t come from focusing your efforts on a long-term goal like becoming a six-figure writer.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The long-term goal is crucial. It guides you and keeps you working day to day.

The truth is … to become an A-level writer, write A-level copy.

So, here are my four strategies for becoming a six-figure, A-level writer …

1. No job is too small to get your best work.

When you’re starting out – or even later in your career – you might work for small clients who can’t pay you what you feel you’re worth. Avoid the temptation to “dash something off.”

Give these clients your absolute best work. You’re building your portfolio. You’re building your reputation.

But more important, you’re establishing your own mindset that everything you write is important. It’s your work. It’s your source of pride … and success.

2. All strong writing begins with research.

You may feel you know the topic better than anyone else. And, maybe you do. But A-level writing begins with finding things about your subject – and your reader – other copywriters have missed.

Never shortchange your research.

3. Give yourself time to revise.

“Great literature is not written. It’s rewritten.” When you’re negotiating money with a client, negotiate time as well. Build in a day to a week extra for time to revise.

If your client is really pressed for time, then build this review time into your own, internal work schedule.

4. Never accept “good enough.”

If you’ve been writing on a piece for awhile and get to that point where you’re ready to settle for less than your best, put your writing away. Take a break. Give yourself and your writing a rest.

“Good enough” never results in A-level copy. And it never leads to becoming an A-level writing success.

Adopt these four strategies and you will become an A-level, highly successful writer. I can almost guarantee it. Not overnight. But surely. Steadily.

There’s just one make-or-break strategy you must adopt. And we’ll look at that tomorrow.

(I’m pleased to say Sean became an A-level writer himself … and fairly quickly, at that!)

I’d love to hear from you. Let me know if you’re learning something from these articles. Leave your comments in the appropriate place below. And, thank you so much for taking the time.