Who wants a little peek into my industry? You? Maybe not, but here it is anyway…a few common questions about copywriting, answered by me.

What does a copywriter do?
A copywriter writes words that sell things. Sometimes this aim to sell is evident (catalog descriptions, print or online advertisements, spam, junk mail) and sometimes it’s more understated (company newsletters, press releases, “marketorial” product reviews). Basically, a copywriter is a word whore. Pay a copywriter enough money, and they will write anything. Another important aspect of copywriting is that the client’s name (not the writer’s) is associated with the words. This protects the careers of writers who moonlight as copywriters, and who don’t want to be associated with things like Easy digital photo editing is as close as one click, and one smile. (I actually wrote those words once.)

How does a copywriter know what to say?
A good client will provide the copywriter with plenty of background material. A good copywriter can write without background material, crafting compelling copy out of thin air.

How does one become a copywriter?
I have no idea. In my case, I think the University of Washington taught me my most valuable copywriter job skill — the ability to bullshit. If you can write an essay about a book you’ve never read, you might be well-poised for a career in copywriting.

Is a copywriter like a copyeditor?
No. Copywriters write marketing or advertising material. Copyeditors proofread newspapers, magazines, books, and other documents for errors. The jobs use very different skills. Sadly most copywriters don’t have the luxury of working with copyeditors, which is why you so often see typos in marketing writing.

Is a copywriter like a technical writer?
No. Copywriters write marketing or advertising material. Technical writers write technical documentation like help files, manuals, and other “how to”-type stuff. Technical writers work with programmers and other technical types to translate technical information into laymen speak. Copywriters work with marketing managers, product managers, and advertising directors to achieve sales and marketing goals. Technical writers get paid much more than copywriters, because what they do is really really difficult.

Are copywriters sell-outs?
In a word, yes. For me at least, after four years in the magazine industry I realized that most magazine content is a form of veiled copywriting, as the relationships between advertiser and editor are very interconnected. I figured that if I was going to be at the whim of advertisers, I might as well drop the facade (and the miserable wages) of magazine “journalism” and just be a copywriter. I’m all for whoredom if you’re up front about it. As a magazine editor, I felt like I was fighting a constant uphill battle to uphold ethics. As a copywriter, I still fight some ethical battles (there are some companies I won’t write for, like herbalife and x10.com), but they’re battles about just who I will and won’t sell out to, instead of editorial battles over whether it’s right to sell out at all. Plus, as I mentioned before: my name doesn’t appear by much of my copywriting. I’m a quiet sell-out.

Do copywriters make a lot of money?
In a word, yes. Wages are competitive, starting at $20/hr and going up to $50/hr or more if you’re a swindler skilled. If you’re like me, you use this as an excuse not to work all the time, so there’s time to focus on unpaid projects like books and articles and Warmies and stuff.

…So is that why you’re a copywriter?
Not really. I’m a copywriter because it’s easy for me to write for other people, and I enjoy being paid to keep my writing muscles in shape.