I think it can be win win. We don't lower our prices but they get a better deal on the dollar. I'd like to get some overseas clients.

Sure. I've been getting a lot of international clients in the past year because of the exchange rate.

For example, 2 American dollars is about equal to one British pound. So a UK client can spend 5000 pounds and get a $10K U.S. copywriter.

There's plenty of other countries where the U.S. dollar trades weakly these days... and many business people in those countries are buying American as a result.

You can give all of the credit or blame (depending on your political view) on the Bush Adminstration and the Federal Reserve.

Mike---interesting. I've got to get me some foreign clients. Globalization ain't all bad.

"A few years ago over on Bill Myers board, Bill said that freelance copywriting will not be a panacea of riches once copywriters from overseas start figuring out our use of the English language. Some said that Bill was full of it with his prognosis. As of May 2008, I think Bill Myers is more right than he is wrong."

Rule Number 1:
Never underestimate anyone.

I've seen people laugh at the mexicans, now these same people are laid off.

Some foreigners have good work ethics.

Kyle,

To me this goes to prove two things...

1) the copy is NEVER the most important element in marketing

and...

2) as far as Belcher getting arrested, the moral of that story is...
stay away from selling supplements. Sell info about "cures" instead.

I agree with Bill Myers. About two years ago I read an article in
Writer's Digest where the author was complaining how the internet
was bad for writers because so many people were selling their writing
for such low cost. Then I thought that copywriting would soon meet
the same 'demise'.

And as "someone from overseas" myself, I wouldn't bet on the ESL
argument. I find that the greatest challenge for 'overseas' clients
is not the language but the cultural differences. I have copywriting
students from 'overseas' and I see this challenge all the time--but
American TV is changing that landscape.

It won't be long before the competition will force copywriters fees
to the same humble position like other writers--magazine articles.

Do I want this to happen? No! But will it still happen? Yes!

Enjoy the dance while you still can.

-Ray L.,

"It won't be long before the competition will force copywriters fees
to the same humble position like other writers--magazine articles."


I think this is unlikely.

The fees paid for magazine articles have ALWAYS been low with the
exception of a few of the larger magazines (who are, incidentally,
still paying high fees).

And the fees paid by larger direct response companies for sales copy
have always been high.

It is very hard to find a copywriter good enough to beat a control
or produce copy that breaks even in the direct mail world.

If you write crappy copy and you're charging $200 to $1,000 for a sales
letter know I think you can reasonably expect the competition to be
fierce and your fees to drop.

But for copywriters who create exceptional response rates the market is
getting bigger and the fees you can charge are getting bigger too.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

Just another reason to do what ever it takes, to get into the top 10% in your field.

Every person reading this is in the top 10%. Just properly define the field.

Case in point....One of the great sandwich makers in town has been written up in the paper as the best. He does no advertising that I know of. When looking for a replacement cook for himself, he put up help wanted signs in the kitchen area.

The market is WIDE open for ANYBODY to write copy and make a difference. Likely less than 1 in 1000 businesses currently use a copywriter. Likely much less. And every one of them needs help.

I've got a lot of great tips and ideas from you and others on this forum. Thanks.

----

I was just commenting on the comment Andrew made.

And what I meant was... if your writing about birds, why not strive to be the best bird writer, so you can charge top fees and avoid the low paying jobs and cheap skates.

I remember something Gary Bencivenga wrote: Why not the best, why not be the best in your field.

In general, the top 20% make 80% of the money. And the bottom 80% fight for what's left over