Laura,

First, Jane has it DEAD-ON. Period.

But here are my suggestions ...

- I'm in Ottawa. And I can tell you that the market in Canada sucks for direct response copywriting. Always a few steps behind the Americans, and too conservative for my taste. I decided to fish where the fish swim, and the American market is filled with them.

- Now, what David mentioned is excellent. Steve Slaunwhite's book is perfect. It's from Self-Counsel press, and available in most Chapters, Grand & Toy, and some Staples/Business Depot stores. (I also recommend Bob Bly's "Selling Yourself as a Six-Figure Copywriter at http://www.selling-yourself.com/success .)

- Find and focus on a niche. Be copywriter that specializes in something you have an interest in, experience with or passion for. When I started out, I only did copy for cosmetic surgeons. Trust me on this. Why? Because a client in, say, computers, would rather hire a copywriter who specializes in computer with little experience than a general one with lots of experience but little knowledge of computers, of their needs, of their market, etc.

- Do free jobs or jobs at a huge discount in exchange for portfolio additions. Build your portfolio that way. Your portfolio is your key to getting real busy and commanding higher fees. Even write copy for mock companies -- state that they are fictitious companies, of course, when asked. But here's the thing: if you give them something to chew on.