Hello, me and the wife are both military, I'm getting out soon. We currently have an online business that does very well. The site is on auto pilot and doesn't require much attention.

I've spent a couple of grand of professional copywriters for my site and have since gained a serious interest in this and would like to start my own business.

My question is, where should I start? I'm thinking of starting with these 2 courses and reading some of the books mentioned here on the forums. Can anybody else recommend some things? Thanks!

http://www.awaionline.com/copywriting/index.php
http://www.selling-yourself.com/success/

Over and over again, I hear about this or that course. Read such and such book.

I realize that study is necessary, but if you want to be a great writer (no matter what kind) then there's one thing you need to do. PRACTICE! It's just like basketball. You won't get any better without constant practice.

Write something. Tweak it a little. Maybe two or three drafts. Then leave it alone. It's time for the next project. And always have something lined up to start on (even if it's a made up product ad).

Reading and studying is fine...but you got to put the books down and pick up a pen.

That's true... although, I think one should know the "model" for writing sales copy.

Along the lines of what "TheAngel" said, read:
http://www.copywritersboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=1473

Also, I would read EVERY newsletter at:
http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/

and Michel's great articles at:
http://www.michelfortin.com/

There's plenty of GREAT information to get you started -- without spending a fortune on "courses."

Also, I would suggest Michel's
http://www.thecopydoctor.com/

(Michel... you can pay me later )

Seriously, I have not subscribed to that service, but it looks like a great way to "learn the ropes" from someone who actually does this for a living.

Well...

While it's true that there are far too many who do nothing BUT study, I have to take exception to the "practice makes perfect" approach.

Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

You need to first master the fundamentals. Then and only then will you know WHAT to practice.

One of the best ways to "Practice perfect copywriting" is to rewrite top producing copy by hand. Actually take a world class sales letter and using a pen and paper, rewrite it in your own hand, word for word.

I have yet to find an exercise that is better at ingraining the process of crafting mouthwatering (and wallet emptying) copy.

Almost all of the world class copywriters recommend (and still use) this technique.

The next best way to discover what works is testing.

To be honest, if you are a world class tester... You don't have to be that good of a writer.

It is only through fanatical, methodical testing that you will truly discover, what words, hooks and phrases best boost response for your target markets.

To answer your question about which course to take... In the end, you should take ALL of them.

My philosophy is that if I spend $5,000 (plus travel) going to a workshop or seminar, and I only get ONE NEW idea... just ONE... I can use that idea to earn my money back ten fold.

To be honest, if I don't even learn a single new bit of information, it is often still worth my while if the workshop/course/book reinforces or reminds me of something that "I already know" but am not actively doing.

But, as a former NCO in the US Air Force, I understand that "buying all of 'em" may not be an option for you at this posit.

So, to answer your initial question... I think the AWAI course would be a great place for you to start.

Eric

PS - Don't discount the resources JP recommended just because they are free (or inexpensive.) If you devour the information you find in those locations, you will have a better understanding of persuasion in print, than 99% of the other "hacks" slinging words for a living.

Hello Ricky,

I have just about everything you can imagine on copywriting.
I did not want to miss a thing and the truth is that I got at least one great thing from each piece I've studied.

Knowing what I know now, if it were me, here would be my plan:

1) Get the Michael Masterson program from AWAI.

It is superb in terms of getting the foundation down.
The best part is the exercises that engrain each principle into your writing.

As part of that yes, rewrite the "Hall of Fame" letters.

2) Once you've studied it or at least began to then I would join Michel's
thecopydoctor.com

3) Once your beginning to see what Michel does then I would get John Carltons "Sweatshop" DVD's

They are way better than his standard Marketing Rebel package info.

4) At the same time I would get Dan Kennedy's copywriting 2005

5) There are three books I would quickly get as well. There is nothing better for the investment.

They are:

"Words That Sell" by Richard Bayan

"How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success In Selling" by Frank Bettger

"Web Copy That Sells" by Maria Veloso

If you feel like you want to go fast let me know as I am looking for a couple great apprentices.

Hope that helps,
Shaune

Great suggestions.

I have two others that are MUST HAVES...

"Robert Collier Letter Book"

"Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini
(this one is not a book about writing copy, but it is essential reading to understand advance persuasion principles.)

Eric

I'm currently taking the AWAI course. I't been only one month but I'm happy.

There are a lot of books out there - it's really confusing for a beginner. But I decided to go with AWAI not because the info is good (which it is) but because they give you feedback on assignments.

It's not easy to find someone who has a service where they correct your work. Does that give anyone ideas? If so, give me a couple more months to finish the AWAI course and then I'll be interested.

Lisa

I'd also add a few more great books:

1) Scientific Advertising, by Claude Hopkins (in the public domain, you can Google it)

2) Breakthrough Advertising, by Gene Swartz

3) The Ultimate Sales Letter, by Dan Kennedy

I started out with the "too much studying route" as well before I had to kick myself in the butt to start writing! But the foundation definitely helped me.

All the best,

John