Customer Reviews

Start & Run a Copywriting Business

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Give Steve Slaunwhite credit, while his writing style is not quite as entertaining as that of Peter Bowerman (author of "The Well Fed Writer"), he most definitely writes an informative and comprehensive book on the subject of freelance copywriting.

The book capably outlines the nuts-and-bolts of the business for both aspiring freelancers and established pros. Slaunwhite discusses everything from the equipment one needs (although the prices he lists are probably actually higher than what one will end up paying today) to finding clients and marketing your services.

Slaunwhite ably anticipates and covers many of the questions one who is considering the business might have. He includes a section with interviews of three other copywriters, notably Bob Bly (the inspiration for so-many other freelance copywriters), discussing the business and how they started and succeeded. He also goes one step further than many of the other books on this subject but providing a detailed discussion of the craft of copywriting, a subject frequently glossed over in other books.

My only real complaint with the book? The CD-Rom that is included is not what one would expect with the book. I had thought it would be packed with forms that were directly tied to the book. Instead it is a collection of helpful, but generic, general business forms. I suspect that this is something the publisher attaches to all their "start and run" series of books. I just wish they had been clearer about what the CD-Rom actually was.

I also wish Slaunwhite had collected all of his forms that he does reference in an appendix. Instead, they are scattered throughout the book in the chapters to which they are pertinent. But this is a relatively minor complaint.

All-in-all, Slaunwhite does an excellent job of explaining how to start and run a freelance copywriting business. His book ranks right up there with Bowerman's. I would recommend both to aspirants and pros alike.

This is an excellent book for those just getting started in the field or considering a move into professional copywriting. The author provides plenty of encouragement, including details of his own journey starting a copywriting business. At the same time, he doesn't gloss over the challenges of the profession. What emerges is an effective, realistic portrayal from a true insider.

As important as this information is, the book is at its best when the author dives into the nitty-gritty details of starting and running a copywriting business. He covers everything from getting that all-important first client, to pricing, to dealing with challenging customers, and much more. The book even includes many of the forms the author himself uses to organize and conduct business. This addition alone is worth the price of admission!

If you have any interest at all in this field, make buying this book your very next move!

Slaunwhite has done an excellent job of capturing the basics of starting and running a successful copywriting practice. As with other books in this genre, the writer starts at the beginning talking about the ins and outs of the business and then works through to running a copywriting business of your own. Definitely a must for anyone interested in pursuing this lucrative field and a definite "keeper" for your freelance writing bookshelf.

This book is just fantastic especially for any budding copywriter. This is a very well written book, easy to read understand. How to run and start a Copywriting Business is a must have for anybody wanting to know more about starting and running their own copywriting business. A step-by step guide including how to find clients, how to set up an effective office, how to master basic copywriting techniques, overcoming copywriting challengers, marketing your business and more.

Start and Run a Copywriting Business is a great place to start if you're considering becoming an independent copywriter. Steve's book is tremendously encouraging and filled with vital information gleaned from his many years of experience - no deadwood here. Steve's smooth conversational tone and honest handling of the subject matter make this book a pleasure to read. The tips, quotes, and resources contained in the marginalia are worth the price alone. If you're looking for information on copywriting, this is a great place to start.

I'm ready to start building my own copywriting business because of this book. The author uses great examples and even gives the reader a sample of "a day in the life of a copywriter at home." What I found especially useful was the section about online portfolios. Another great section is the one that covers negotiating fees: hourly rate versus fixed fee. My favorite chapter was the Troubleshooting Guide because it discusses some of the biggest problems that a copywriter may be confronted with and how to deal with these problems. If you are sick of the office (as I was) and enjoy writing--this book can help you move in a new "independent" direction.

In the last month, I have read Bowerman's and Bly's introductions to the copywriting business, as well as Steve Slaunwhite's, START & RUN A COPYWRITING BUSINESS. These books cover much of the very same material, yet from slightly different perspectives. Like the two previous books, I place Slaunwhite's book on the "must have" list for aspiring commercial writers.

No one book is a definitive source, yet all three are indispensable. I do not believe I could assign any specific order in which the books should be studied, but believe with surety that all three should be on your reading list before approaching such an endeavor.

If I were to judge superiority by the amount of notations and highlighting within the three books, Slaunwhite's book is the clear winner, but that may have as much to do with the format as it does with the content. Slaunwhite's book is designed with wide margins and printed on heavy book paper making it more conducive to note taking than either of the other volumes.

There is much to like about this book. It also comes with a CD that contains Checklists, Worksheets, and Resource Links. I have not used the CD yet, but have looked at some of the content and believe it will prove to be most helpful. At the very least, it is a nice edition to an already fine book.

I really appreciate Slaunwhite's writing style. Though I learned a tremendous amount from both Bowerman and Bly, for reasons I cannot explain, I felt I connected more with what Slaunwhite was saying. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that I read the others first and they laid groundwork to give me a better understanding. Whatever the case, if you are interested in learning copywriting from the pros, read all three of these introductory volumes.

This is a excellent book for an entry level copywriter or a copywriter looking to go freelance.

Steve Slaunwhite's Copywriting Business is one of the few copywriting books that makes it to the small shelf on my desk. Of course there are far better books about how to do copywriting, but few that are as helpful or clear on the business side of copywriting. Especially written for those just starting out, even old pros (and not-so-old pros like myself) can find useful tidbits here and there. Highly recommended to any copywriter who is thinking of going out on his or her own.

If you are considering a career in copywriting, this is a great place to start. Steve Slaunwhite gives a step by step manual about how to start and run a copywriting business.

The book is well organized and well written. Included with the book is a CD with lots of reference and resource material. The forms included in the CD will save you way more than the cost of the book.

Steve writes from personal experience, therefore the information is extremely valuable. He is not talking theory, he has been there and done that.

His tips for how to organize your business, from business cards to letterhead, from desk to computer are extremely practical. And his lessons on how to market your services should be taken very seriously.

His advice on dealing with clients is priceless. It seems that is something we all must learn the hard way. But pay close attention to what he says. It will save you lots of grief.

Before you quit your day job and invest a lot of money in starting your copywriting business, take the time to read this book. It will pay dividends many times over.

A very valuable resource for those wanting to know about the nuts and bolts of the copywriting business.