You nailed this one. Good job.

I had the good fortune of starting my copywriting career as a mail order business owner. I couldn't afford to hire a copywriter so I had to learn how to become one.

That was a great experience. When my own money was on the line for an ad or direct mailing I HAD to learn how to write good copy or risk going broke.

After many years of only writing copy for my own businesses I thought freelancing sounded really sexy. I only had to focus on writing copy for other people and they take care of all the business details. That was fun for a while, too.

Then I got burned out on client work and went back to exclusively running my own direct response/online business.

Then I got burned out on only writing copy for the market I'm in. So just this year I started taking some client work again so I could research and write for other markets to have a little variety. I've found that has been a big help in avoiding that “Oh crap, I gotta write another sales letter” thing. Variety.

Even if you're not interested in running a business, I suggest all copywriters create a report or info product, write the copy for it and start selling it in direct mail, space ads and online.

You'll learn a lot about direct response marketing which will make you a better copywriter… and GREATLY increase your value (and fees!) to your clients.

And you'll also have another income stream.

And frankly, if you can't create your own product, write the copy for it and sell it… you're not much of a copywriter and have no business taking a client's money.

Just my humble (but accurate) opinion. :)

Best,
Dan

Coming back to this post (the 3rd time…) has me bouncing between stage 2 and 3 and back…

I love the industry of copywriting, but love internet marketing even more…and although they are tied together…it’s interesting.

Ryan

It was a good read (again).

Joe

Yes I have a couple of clients that could become more of a profit-sharing deal. And I think it’s great that you are only working 35 to 40 hours a week. That’s my goal over the next year.

I’ve bookmarked your blog so will drop by regularly.

Thanks for dropping in.

I’ve approached Stage 3 on a few separate occasions.

I’ve never actually become totally burnt out because I only work 35-40 hours a week, max.

Plus, I really love writing.

And I take frequent “mini-vacations.” In fact, I just got back from a three-day bicycling trip in the mountains of southern Colorado.

One idea for you:

Transform one or more of your fee-only relationships into a percentage share of the profits.

It’s always more exciting to do client work when you know you can increase your income.

Hope to see you around more often.

Ryan

I am making a six-figure income by working about 70 hours a week. Every time I get another inquiry I groan inwardly.

I started out freelancing in April 2004. The first year was fantastic, I loved every job and put my heart and soul into it. It really wasn’t until about a year ago that things got really busy. I’ve barely had a day off since then.

I can certainly identify with your 3 Stages :-)

Chris

Andrew – I agree with you: copywriting is a great profession. I’m grateful for the flexibility it affords me.

Shel – Thank you!

Michael – It’s a great question, and it probably deserves more than a short reply.

My answer: yes, I’d still focus on the client side. I wanted to learn copywriting inside and out, and I figured working with clients was the best way to do it. Plus, my circumstances at the time didn’t allow me to gradually ease into information marketing.

Joseph – Perhaps, perhaps… ;-)

This 3-stage process is right on.

But examining how that three stage process could be taking the next wave of hot copywriters off the market?

Hmmm…could be another post :)