Good question. How does one get into freelance copywriting? The business environment comprises a highly competitive market place where service offerings and products are very similar. Only the companies that apply continuous re-invention to differentiate themselves effectively and in a manner that truly appeals to their target market, remain that step ahead of their competitors. Refreshing, different, lateral thinking, "think outside of the box" are terms that are therefore commonly used in this industry.
Considering that, one has to wonder why companies who require a fresh, dynamic approach, end up searching for writers who have all followed the conventional route, studied journalism, have a language degree and learnt the same concepts from the same teachers....??
It is commonly known that the fact that someone studied a particular subject, does not necessarily result in creative genius or a natural ability to succeed. In my opinion a copywriter who had a different career and exposure in a variety of businesses, is so much capable of writing for these very businesses...
Common sense, business acumen, the ability to sell, understanding human behaviour, are all concepts that, in my opinion, would add insight and depth into a writer's work, that would otherwise lack...
So here's my advise to you:- offer to do some pro bono work for the sake of gaining experience and build up a portfolio of samples that you could use to illustrate your magic. The proof is supposed to be in the pudding, right....??
You are welcome to talk to me, a freelance copywriter as well:- marion.banks@webmail.co.za

I am a Media Analyst and would like to be A Copywriter.I have studied a Language course with an aim of being a Copy writer but it has not being easy for me.I know i can make it.

In my experience, a successful freelance copywriting career is all about word of mouth. I have tried phoning people, showing my porti around, etc, but what has worked best for me are people's recommendations. I am assuming that you have already got some experience as a fulltime copywriter. If so, you should know a few people that you can tell about your desire to work freelance. People are always talking and asking others if they know of freelancers, tell enough people about yourself and your name will get around. But here is the important bit, tell the right people - these are other freelancers, traffic in agencies and maybe a few creatives. In an agency, 9 times out of 10, it is the traffic people that find and call freelancers. It is more important to reach them than the CD so find out who they are and tell them about yourself. Other freelancers too pass on a lot of work so try and get to know them as well. If you have no experience as a copywriter, however, it is a little trickier. If you can get probono work to build up a porti, good for you, but I doubt very much that you will. People don't have the time to babysit someone as they try something new, even if they are getting it for free, they want the job done quickly and efficiently. My recommendation is join a freelance placement agency, try to get as much copy experience on anything that you can, hunt through websites for freelance jobs and even beg friends for favours if you have to. It won't be easy but with perseverence nothing is impossible.

Thanx Sambo, please do not correct my thanx. There are chat websites for bored individuals like you.

The inability to source work on a regular basis is one of the biggest problems with freelancing. The Freelance Copywriting Collective (www.copywriters.co.za), and www.blackimedia.co.za are two good points of departure for any aspiring part-time and full-time freelancer. Blackimedia offers freelancers several support services, including invoicing, cost estimate origination and project scheduling.

Both outfits outsource work to seasoned freelancers, and are regularly approached with new briefs.

Send your CVs and reasonably sized portfolios to conscription@copywriters.co.za and info@blackimedia.co.za and, be prepared to graft hard and well.

Thank you taking the time to read this.

I am looking to get into copywriting and conceptualizing specifically with regards to advertizing. I am very creative, reliable and can work well under pressure. I would like the opportunity to get into this line of work.
Thanking you, Lauren Jacques

This is a serious tip..
Given the current climate in the advertising industry.. with racism, seperatism, nepotism.. and all teh other ISMs a name like Mandlendoda won't get you very far..

The cat at FCB that coined the "Yebo Yes" phrase had to use his nickname "Wing Wing" to get the publicity he got. A colleague of his at the time - Peter Mooka - was equally hot but he never got much exposure.. and his surname was only Mooka...

imagine how far you will get..

my thoughts...

When I started out I had a passion but no knowledge and I joined http://www.awaionline.com/

They are great but expensive.

Regards


Johan Horak
http://helpmetoblog.com