How to Train Your Dragon: Copywriting with Dyslexia
By Andrea Barnes

Did you know that plenty of successful writers, entrepreneurs, and creatives live with dyslexia? Richard Branson, Agatha Christie, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tom Cruise, and Steven Spielberg are just a few examples.

Their accomplishments prove that:

Dyslexia doesn’t mean you’re broken, less-than, or incapable of stringing together words that sell.

Which is good news for writers like me, and maybe you too.

Because if you’ve got dyslexia — or the newer term I prefer: neurodiversity — chances are you’ve got a fire-breathing dragon sitting on your shoulder. Not the cool, ride-into-battle kind — more like the sneaky, trip-you-up-when-you-least-expect-it kind.

Well, my dragon now helps me fly through copywriting challenges with more clarity and edge. It’s become my copywriter’s blessing in disguise.

So, let’s talk about how you can train your dragon …

Accept That the Dragon Lives with You

The plain truth is that dyslexia isn’t going anywhere. You can’t cure it. You also don’t need to.

The sooner you stop fighting against it and start working with it, the faster you’ll connect the dots for creative copywriting.

Actually, many dyslexic writers say their creative and unorthodox methods of thinking come directly from the way their brains process information differently. That’s your dragon’s hidden power.

After doing some research to find inspirational support for writing with dyslexia, I ran across an article by Sarah Ryan in the Digital NSW newsletter. She currently works as a content designer/UX writer for the Australian government in New South Wales. She explains:

“To me, dyslexia isn't a cognitive malfunction, it's a cognitive plus. All our brains are different, and it's just a normal, healthy, and intriguing part of neurodiversity. One that has given me the power of unconventional thinking and the ability to create content that's more inclusive and accessible for our users. Win-win!”

Build a Toolkit of Weapons (aka Apps and Tech)

Every good dragon trainer has weapons and tools. You don’t have to face dyslexia with a wooden spoon when there are laser swords out there.

Here are a few lifesavers for copywriters:

• Grammarly or ProWritingAid — These tools catch grammar and spelling slip-ups before they embarrass you.
• Text-to-Speech apps — Hearing your words out loud helps you catch mistakes your eyes miss. Also, eye fatigue goes hand-in-hand with dyslexia.
• Dictation software — Sometimes your ideas flow better when you speak them. Tools like Otter.ai, Google Docs voice typing, or Dragon NaturallySpeaking can help you get words down without overthinking.
• Hemmingway App — For organizing messy thoughts into structured projects.
• Puzzles — Yes, puzzles like Word Search, Cryptograms, even Where’s Waldo are all good practice tools for keeping neuro-brain connectivity active.

Make Peace with Editing (It’s Where Magic Happens)

If writing feels like wrestling with your dragon, editing is where you learn to ride it.

Many great copywriters will tell you their first drafts are messy. That’s true for everyone, not just dyslexic writers. However, give yourself some grace and extra time for editing. Plan for it!

A few tricks:

• Write first, edit later. Don’t try to make it perfect on the first go. First drafts are just dragon sketches.
• Read your work aloud. Your ears are smarter than your eyes when it comes to spotting weird phrasing or confusing sequences.
• Use a buddy system. Find a trusted editor, copy buddy, colleague, or friend who can give your copy a once-over. Many professional writers — dyslexic or not — do this.

Reframe Your Personal Doubts

This one’s big. Dyslexia can feed you some unproductive lies about your intelligence, accuracy, speed, and comprehension. Don’t listen!

I had to learn outside-the-box from the time I was taught how to read and write. Or at least from the time my teachers knew something wasn’t right …

My classmates thought I was weird but were amazed that I could actually write upside down and backwards. Even in cursive!

When you embrace neurodiversity instead of battling it, you’ll discover just how strong and capable you really are.

Create Systems That Support You

Dragons thrive in chaos. If your workspace, schedule, or workflow is messy, dyslexia will have a field day. The antidote? Systems.

Here are a few you can try:

• Checklists. Break projects into small, bite-sized chunks. Helps keep you focused and organized.
• Templates. Don’t reinvent the wheel for every project. Have go-to structures for emails, ads, landing pages, etc.
• Routines. Writing at the same time each day builds consistency and reduces decision fatigue. It also cuts down on confusion and twisting things together.
• Project management tools. Sticky notes and workbooks very simply can help you visualize progress and stay on track.

Embrace Your Blessing

Your dragon isn’t a liability — it’s a blessing in disguise.

Dyslexic brains are often:

• Great at seeing the big picture.
• Brilliant problem solvers.
• Naturally creative storytellers.
• Skilled at thinking in visuals.

Celebrate Every Victory (Even the Small Ones)

Finally, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back! Wrote a killer headline? Nailed an email sequence? Landed a client? That’s your dragon training in action.

Every time you put words on the page, you’re proving to yourself — and to the world — that dyslexia doesn’t get the final say.

Your Dragon Is Part of Your Story

At the end of the day, dyslexia is part of your lifetime journey. It’s the dragon you’ve been given to train.

Tools alone won’t train it. Only when you breathe that air of confidence will the dragon truly be yours. And your dragon, believe it or not, is part of what makes you unique and unforgettable.

That’s what clients pay top dollar for! So saddle up, fellow copywriter. And soar.