12-point checklist separates good copy from bad

Use it to improve any piece of copy September 5, 2024 [The Writer’ s Life]( "The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work." — Michael Jackson Hi {NAME}, If you had told me when I started at AWAI that I would love learning about copywriting so much I would STILL be fully engaged two decades later, I wouldn't have believed it. But to this day, I enjoy learning something new I can use when I'm writing … just as much as I did in those early days. And I've had the privilege of learning directly from some of the most successful copywriters of our time … The copywriters who DEFINED the principles and methods newer copywriters of today write and talk about. Like the late copywriting legend Clayton Makepeace … Clayton could make anything about the art and science of copywriting clear for the newest of copywriters … And at the same time, give copywriters of all skill levels new takeaways they could apply to their copy to elevate its effectiveness. You'll see what I mean in today's article, which features his 12-point checklist for creating GOOD copy. You can also use it to verify the strength of any piece of copy … and to improve the quality of everything you write (or something someone else wrote!). 😉 Clayton is one of the many master copywriters who've helped teach AWAI members through the years. You'll meet a lot more of them when you [join our popular club for writers …]( Along with helping you get the skills you need to start getting paid, they'll introduce you to the variety of projects you can take on and connect you with other professional writers who can help you navigate the world of well-paid writing. [Get all the details here before the exclusive invitation expires at midnight tonight!]( To your success, Rebecca Rebecca Matter President AWAI Inside this issue: - [How to Tell the Difference Between Good Sales Copy and Bad Sales Copy]( - [The Art of the Irresistible Offer]( - [Determined Mom Takes Control of Her Days With Grit and Focus]( How to Tell the Difference Between Good Sales Copy and Bad Sales Copy By Clayton Makepeace The definition of great copy is "copy that produces great results." The quality of your copy isn't defined by the techniques you use. Nor is it determined by how many family members, friends, clients, or focus group participants tell you it's great. Only one kind of person in the world gets to decide whether you rule or suck: prospects who cast their votes by responding to your copy in the only way that matters — by spending their own hard-earned money. So the answer is … [Continue reading here.]( CLOSING: Only Accepting New Writers Until Midnight Tonight! Get accepted into the Barefoot Writer Club by MIDNIGHT tonight to claim your "Getting Started" writing gifts, worth $363 – FREE! You're a good fit for the Barefoot Writer Club if … - You enjoy writing. - You want to make great money doing it. - You want control over what you write about and who you write for. But hurry … You only have until midnight tonight! [Get Accepted Here]( The Art of the Irresistible Offer By Clayton Makepeace I want to take a look at one of the most often-overlooked and underappreciated parts of every direct-response promotion: the offer. The way I see it, "The Offer" is much, much more than the price you're charging for your product or service. In fact, I count EIGHT major components that great offers share — and we're going to take a detailed look at ALL of them in this article. This is crucial stuff: While most marketers and copywriters spend most of their time developing major themes, headlines, and opening copy, we often sleepwalk through the copy that showcases the offer. We're all guilty of it — and that's a big, BIG boo-boo: A compelling offer can easily boost response and average sale amount by 20%, 30%, or even more! In contrast, an ill-conceived offer can depress or even kill response — and it can also drive your fulfillment costs into the stratosphere, leaving your ROI in the dirt. So grab a cup-o-joe and get comfortable. Unless I miss my guess, just thinking about the offers you make on the internet, in direct mail, in print, and in your TV and radio promotions is about to add big bucks to your bottom line. [Continue reading here.]( TODAY! Get all this for $1 … The Professional Writers' Alliance (PWA) takes the stress out of running your writing business. With ready-to-use business forms, templates, and checklists … VIP job board access … networking opportunities … and a mountain of tips, tactics, and "been there, done that" advice from working freelance writers … You'll minimize the "unbillable" hours you spend working on your business and maximize your time writing — and getting paid. [Claim Your $1 Access Here]( Living the Writer's Life: Determined Mom Takes Control of Her Days With Grit and Focus Shameka Volkers is a rising star in the world of writing with nowhere to go but up. Ever since deciding she needed a new path, she's taken on the task of launching her copywriting career with the kind of grace and speed that wins clients and grows income. [Discover what led to her writing for a living and find out how she's excelling every step of the way.]( Free Training: Inside the Ever-Growing Demand for B2B Writers Friday, September 6, at 12 p.m. ET 👇 [Access Instructions Here]( Featured Writing Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: Senior Copywriter – Moore Full-time, Remote (Lantham, MD) As the Senior Copywriter, you will use your amazing storytelling skills to craft offer development, case-for-giving and call-to-action copy for direct mail and multi-channel fundraising campaigns for our non-profit clients. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Content Writer - Nerdio Full-time, Remote (US) Are you a seasoned storyteller with a flair for turning technical information into compelling narratives? As a pivotal member of our content team, you will craft high-quality content that aligns with our brand voice, tone, and messaging. From promotional emails and social media ads to blog posts and videos, your words will tell the Nerdio story across channels in a way that resonates with our audience and drives action. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Copywriter – PSI Services LLC Full-time, Remote International Personal Care Brand seeking a Social Media Copywriter! 3-5 years of professional writing experience with a portfolio showcasing concise communication and inspiring storytelling. Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2024 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? 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