Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

Copywriting: the good, the bad, and the ugly

January 6th, 2017 by Bob Bly

Is freelance copywriting being oversold as a business
opportunity, with those who write about it looking through
rose-colored glasses?

Well, in some ways yes. But so is just about every business
opportunity and profession under the sun.

One of the problems with business opportunities in general
and freelance copywriting in particular is you always hear the
great success stories … but no one is forthcoming about the
bad stuff that happens.

Nothing in this life is all sunshine and flowers. Every job,
career, business opportunity, or small business has its pros and
cons.

Freelance copywriting is no exception. There are a lot of good
things. But also some bad things.

The good far outnumber the bad; if that were not the case, I
wouldn’t still be a freelance copywriter after nearly 4 decades
in the business.

But almost everyone tells you only about the good stuff. And only
a few willingly tell the total truth — the bad along with the good.

One famous copywriter recently wrote to me and said:

“I’ll tell you a story about the week between Christmas and New
Year’s that shows what life is like for a freelance copywriter
like myself!

“This happened years ago. I just finished a magalog for one of
the big financial publishers a few days before Christmas.

“They got back to me on the day before Christmas and said it
needed a massive rewrite. So I spent that whole week between
Christmas and New Year’s working 12-hour days trying to rewrite
the whole thing from scratch.

“Then on December 31st, they called me–before I’d even submitted
the revised copy–and said, ‘Look, we’ve decided this is so far
off base, we’d rather pay you the fee and kill it.’ The worst
part was knowing I could’ve spent that week relaxing!”

The fact is, almost anything you can do for a living in this
world has both pros and cons.

Freelance copywriting is no exception.

And that’s the way it is.

Share

This entry was posted on Friday, January 6th, 2017 at 2:28 pm and is filed under Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

111 responses about “Copywriting: the good, the bad, and the ugly”

  1. Rod Cloud said:

    Fixing MSVCR110.dll is Misplaced Error message. There are particular reasons behind this particular error message.

    Useful site : http://www.msvcr100dll.com/

  2. Simron said:

    You are doing good job 😉

  3. Simron said:

    This is an amazing type of post.
    Give and Take

  4. fifa world cup said:

    We’re exactly a year away from the start of the 2018 World Cup . That’s enjoyable, isn’t it? In exactly 365 days and nights’ time, hosts Russia will be kicking off the showpiece event with the opening match in Moscow, and although there’s been lots of controversy encircling the event, how about we begin to anticipate it instead? A GLOBAL Cup year is definitely enjoyable, and with 32 teams descending on one vast country, just what can we expect from the competition?
    http://fifaworldcup2018openingceremony.com/
    http://fifaworldcup2018themesong.com/

  5. Font size said:

    You should try http://fontsizewindows10.com for font size increase in a giving tips and tricks.

  6. football world cup 2018 said:

    world cup schedule 2018 release

  7. Eightfifa said:

    Fifa World Cup 2018 Schedule PDF, Fixtures, Chart, Excel, Printable, Calendar Download: It is the world’s most-watched event. This is the 21st World Cup organized by FIFA and 1st world cup hosted by Russia. This is men’s international soccer tournament played by (national teams ) member associations of FIFA countries who qualified for this competition.

  8. Fifa World Cup 2018 TV Channels said:

    The FIFA World Cup draw is today and you can watch all the drama unfold right here as we’ll be live from Moscow to bring you every second. This is the page to watch the draw live.
    FIFA 2018 TV Highlights
    FIFA 2018 Opening ceremony

  9. ritariya said:

    What did they actually revealed in the post? After reading it I could not understand what did they mean to us. I think they have initiated their new startups recently. It was about their recent works and launches. Try to make it in a more informative manner. Thanks for sharing the post. paris tour

  10. Jean said:

    top digital currencies

  11. creativewrit said:

    It is essential to copyright the product so other cannot use your product. If they may use your material without your permission you can sue them in court either it may be some uk essay help or some music album as well. Good piece of knowledge provided here..!!

  12. Evanindsey said:

    Good post technology

  13. downloadbyme said:

    amazing post vyprvpn

  14. Michal Martin said:

    Integrating two softwares can help you to save time and do task on auto pilot like zoho xero integration can help you to manage things without much hassle.

  15. Laila sheikh said:

    students who are facing writing issues in their thesis report writing and they are looking for a reliable and trustworthy thesis writing help so visit online thesis help services which are Pakistan number 1 and top-ranked online thesis writing help provider in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and all the other cities of Pakistan at very reasonable and affordable rates.

  16. chrisgail said:

    Copywriting is not good for the students it will be harmful to their future that is why I do not like it and I am providing the students online custom writing help by joining https://www.affordable-dissertation.co.uk/dissertation-writing-services-uk/ and most of the students in the UK are fully satisfied with our writing company due to our quality work.

  17. mr seo said:

    Thanks

  18. Juvanta Luiz said:

    Copywriting issues common these days and primary precautions can be taken against. This issue can be seen in writing service providers at times by the certain service provided. Some contents are copied from somewhere else which is really not a good practice as it will be affected the scores of the students health and nutrition

  19. Ryan B Abraham said:

    It is an informative post, and it gave some information about the copywriting. Copywriting is the act or occupation of writing the text for advertising or other forms of marketing. emergency earthquake preparedness I think this post will be helpful for everyone to know more about the copywriting technique.

  20. Tracy Wyvern said:

    https://yardofdeals.com/
    https://yardofdeals.com/collections/kurta-pajama
    https://yardofdeals.com/products/men-pink-solid-kurta-with-pyjamas-by-treemoda-4
    https://getmetoy.com/

  21. Ashely Marsh said:

    Copywriting is a big issue especially online can impact any site rank in search engines where unique content is compulsory. Companies may even don’t know their content have been used somewhere else!
    Shein discount Code

  22. Ashely Marsh said:

    Well Explained! Copy write claim is a must to protect yourself from any mishap!
    AliExpress Promo Code

  23. Liza Adam said:

    Floryday is the best clothing brand in the EU, the USA, France, and Germany. Nowadays as there are a lot of restrictions because of COVID you can select your design from home, order, and can be shipped freely!
    Floryday Coupon

  24. Eva Wells said:

    There are pros and cons in the case related to copywriting. In marketing, it is a very effective way for commercial advertisements. Thus, it might not have a positive effect on writing assignments. If to use a rewriting service you should be careful and choose the most professional one. The best way would be to use the professional assistance of https://specialessays.com/write-my-memo-paper/ They help with assignments of any complexity and urgency.

  25. Alexa Jhon said:

    The Super Bowl has been something far more than just one of the year’s most watched sporting events. The Whole United States waits for the Super Bowls Games to start and so does the world. But the reasons may be different.
    super bowl selfie meme

  26. w88ok said:

    nice blog thanks for sharing it content is easy to understand i am so lucky i get this blog i will definitely visit this blog daily thanks again.

  27. ashia khan said:

    Thank you very much Tom, glad you like it. dang ky w88

  28. sadia malik said:

    In Pakistan, master’s students who are doing part-time jobs with their studies it’s very difficult to complete their writing task on time. Assignment Writing Services in Lahore help them by providing quality writing on any topic at very reasonable rates.

  29. Couponswa said:

    Well Explained! Copy write claim is a must to protect yourself from any mishap!
    See more: https://couponswa.com/blog/

  30. castle gymnotts said:

    Floryday is the best clothing brand in the EU, the USA, France, and Germany. Nowadays as there are a lot of restrictions because of COVID you can select your design from home, order, and can be shipped freely!

  31. tawoksds said:

    Polarising YouTube sensation Jake Paul will make his third appearance Logan Paul fight live as a professional boxer this weekend when he takes on former UFC fighter Ben Askren in the first Triller Fight Club event of 2021.

  32. court marriage said:

    asdsa d sa
    divorce lawyer in lahore
    corporate lawyer in pakistan
    property lawyer in pakistan
    nikah procedure in pakistan

  33. court marriage said:

    as da sd as d sad as
    divorce lawyer in pakistan
    online nikah service

    divorce procedure for overseas pakistani

    court marriage in pakistan

  34. court marriage said:

    asd sad sa d court marriage in faisalabad
    court marriage in faisalabad
    divorce lawyer in faisalabad
    criminal lawyer in pakistan

  35. divorce lawyer said:

    asd sa d as dsa d sa
    civil lawyer in pakistan
    court marriage in lahore
    court marriage in lahore
    online nikah service

  36. corporate lawyer said:

    asd as da sd
    property lawyer in pakistan
    court marriage in pakistan
    nikah procedure in pakistan
    online nikah registration

  37. nikah procedure said:

    sad as d as
    online nikah registration
    property lawyer
    divorce and khula lawyer in pakistan
    children custody lawyer

  38. Anna said:

    Thanks for this article, very interesting to read it. I believe I need to change
    my copywriting strategy!

  39. One Dasty said:

    Home Pug puppies ting a new pug puppy or French Bulldog is a daunting task. You want one that is healthy but also comes with a pleasant personality and is adaptable to your lifestyle.
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  40. McOrlando said:

    All of Pitbull AKC registration guarantee a 3 year genetic health guarantee. They have been raised in our home around small children, kittens and dogs of every size to help them develop well round personalities accustomed to daily home activates. We encourage families to ask question and to stay in contact with us.
    All puppies sold as pets will go home spayed-neutered! We also sell puppies along with breeding right. Note this will an additional fee.
    https://pitbullbreeder.company.com

  41. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  42. Coupons Experts said:

    you can select your design from home, order, and can be shipped freely!
    Coupons Experts

  43. Charlie Jackson said:

    best design from home

  44. James Leo said:

    Best design from office

  45. Charlie Jackson said:

    Hey I am Charlie Jackson Meat Shop Drop marketer. We provide online halal meat shop Chicken Meat Beef Meat Mutton Meat

  46. Tony Stark said:

    Hey I am Tony Stark Ride On Voltz marketer. We provide Electric Scooter also deal in Xiaomi Scooter and Aovo Scooter

  47. Denver Hunter said:

    How to Place Your Order
    ?If necessary, select the size, color, or quantity
    ? Click the View Package button to view the selected item and make some modifications if necessary
    ? If you already have an account on the SHEIN website
    ? Fill in the delivery address;
    ?Fill in the payment information, and then click the “Continue” button to complete the purchase.
    We provide you with all valid SHEIN Coupon Codes so that our users can easily shop

  48. Johnny Nicokles said:

    Hey I am Johnny Nicokles Nadra Card Centre marketer. We provide Nadra Card services we also provide Nicop Nadra Pakistan Passports Renewal

  49. think box said:

    it is helpful for me. It is informative. I think you are the best blogger. so thanks for sharing informative article. production houses in Pakistan

  50. happy life said:

    WONDERFULL

    https://hleducation.net/

  51. jazeel said:

    NICE

    https://jazeeldigit.com/

  52. happy life said:

    https://hl-tourism.com/

  53. alaidaroos said:

    https://alaidaroos.com.sa/

  54. theconceptwriters said:

    your desired topic we compose your writing task in a professional way.
    assignment services in pakistan

  55. TYSON VS PAUL LIVE said:

    https://tysonvspaul.com/

  56. Nadra Card Center said:

    Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it. Nadra Card Center

  57. letsavebig said:

    Whatever store or brand you are interested in, there’s a good chance we’ve got a great Offer for it.visit us at:
    letsavebig.com

  58. Matka API said:

    informative article.
    Satta Matka API
    Matka API auto result
    Matka API
    https://matka-api.gowebs.in

  59. TechRepublish said:

    Thank you for your guidance and support email. Michaiah Hanks

  60. Mia Sophia said:

    Hey, I am Mia Sophia from Edin Notes. We are here to provide Latest News, sports news, entertainment, Health headlines and the latest top stories in the world click and view always best news from Edin Notes

  61. Zoe Carter said:

    Hi everyone my name is zoe carter. I ‘am profession digital marketing, freelance etx.
    Contact us – Magazinium

  62. Real Estate Agent In Long Island said:

    Real estate Agent In Long Island offers the best services in house selling or buying. Both house selling and buying can be time taking. We strive to save your time and provide the best rates in town. We help you discover beautiful places at the most prime locations. Explore and see to find what we are offering. Here’s how we are working to make our services reliable for everyone.

  63. Windows Nexus said:

    Copywriting as a freelancer is def one of the best and easiest ways to make money online when you are just getting started. This guide will definitely help those who want to get into it.
    We are also looking for content/copywriters and aspiring applicants can contact us here: https://www.windowsnexus.com/contact-us/

  64. Get .Edu mail for Free said:

    There are other reasons to go through creating an .edu mail address. Some universities do not offer you an address, even when you actively enroll in them. Or you might have finished your degree and the university might have disallowed your address.
    https://logintotech.com/free-edu-mail/

  65. kbc official web said:

    You have a real talent for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you express your views in this article. I am impressed by your writing style a lot. Thanks for making my experience more beautiful.

  66. ashia khan said:

    Check refreshed ICO list, Live Cryptocurrency cost diagrams, data Cryptocurrencies and constant market information. https://24btcmining.com/

  67. ShopECS said:

    ShopECS is offering ladies fancy shoes online in Pakistan. Visit ShopECS to buy ladies shoes online.

  68. Discounts Code said:

    Discounts Code is an online marketplace to get online coupons and discount offers of numerous stores and brands with one click.

  69. Chinyere said:

    Chinyere is providing best formal dress in Pakistan Online. Chinyere offers premium quality and design in formal dresses for ladies in Pakistan Visit Chinyere for Pakistani formal dresses for grabbing formal dresses for women in Cost-effective price.

  70. Chinyere said:

    Buy women apparels from chinyere, which is best women clothing brands in pakistan providing wide variety of women apparels in Pakistan.

  71. Metro Shoes said:

    Metro has the best pret wear for women and girls, available from their online store.

  72. Enem Mall said:

    Enem is offering ladies pant coat in Lahore which are formal suits for official dressing.

  73. Nadra Card Centre said:

    Apply online at nadra card centre for the renewal, modifications, lost and new nadra cards. We provide the best premium services for Nadra card renewal, POC, FRC, and MRP.

  74. Borjan Shoes said:

    Borjan offer best quality men shoes. Check borjan shoes for men online.

  75. Nadra Card Centre said:

    Now you can apply online for Nadra Card NICOP, POC & FRC and get it at your home at your convenience. You don’t need to book appointment, just apply with Nadra Cards Centre UK and wait to deliver your card at your home.

  76. Rios Cosmetics said:

    Stunning best perfumes for men and perfume brands for men are offered by Rios, a great multi brand store. The shop satisfies customers with the best perfumes for men in Pakistan. Their best perfumes for men are perfect for your needs, fulfilling your demands With their perfumes for men, Rios meets all your requirements.

  77. Chloee Decker said:

    If you are applying for Nadra Card Renewal Online then you need to know about the Documents. Here is Nadra Card Uk provides you required Documents for Nicop Online also process your application without any hassle

  78. Murphy Family Mover said:

    Living in St Charles and want Moving Services? Murphy Family Movers is a trusted brand offering hassle-free services of packing and moving in St Charles Illinois. Visit us now.

  79. Alma Vincent said:

    Nadra UK are fast premium tracking service provider and We are not affiliate We are external agent of Nadra that is providing services for Pakistani Overseas which is lived in UK and want to apply online Renew or New Nicop Card
    Nadra Card Renewal

  80. Emily Averry said:

    Getting Halal Meat Online is so tricky. But Now Meat Shop Drop provides you with Halal meat online all our UK without any hassle
    Halal Meat Online

  81. Hardin said:

    Nicop Services Uk are providing Premium services in all our UK for Pakistani Overseas. Our Trained Agent available for you 24/7 they will process your application without any hassle. you can process your Nicop Application and take any services of Nadra
    Nicop Services UK

  82. Rivaj UK said:

    Rivaj has amazing cosmetics and related products on offer such as their Lipsticks and lipstick shades. So, grab their lipstick shades today and enjoy. Their Lipsticks are truly unbeatable and offer a high degree of satisfaction. Rivaj offers the best lipstick colours to their customers every day.

  83. Servis Shoes said:

    Are you in search of the best women sneakers in pakistan? Servis provides wide range of the latest women’s sneakers in all over Pakistan. Grab your favorite women’s sneakers online at reasonable prices with fast delivery.

  84. gil12 said:

    best Shisha in Dublin offers you a wide range of shisha with flavourful drinks to go with it. Bring in your friends and family and enjoy the secluded atmosphere we offer you. We are offering amazing deals on drinks and shisha combos throughout the week.

  85. carls12 said:

    Python Web Developers who want to explore the world of innovative software product development within a next-generation enterprise platform. The project involves both transformation and building new services to be offered to customers. We are looking for team players who want to be part of this challenging project working in a high-performance Agile Engineering team.

  86. James said:

    thelightwire are an essential component of lighting systems that are used in a wide range of applications, from residential and commercial buildings to industrial facilities and outdoor areas. They are specifically designed to carry electrical current to power lighting fixtures, and they are available in a variety of materials and sizes to suit different needs.

    When it comes to choosing the right light wire, several factors should be taken into account, including the level of insulation provided, the wire’s durability and conductivity, and its ability to withstand high temperatures. It’s also essential to consider the wire’s compatibility with other components in the lighting system, such as switches, dimmers, and control modules.

    Choosing the right light wire is crucial for ensuring that lighting fixtures operate safely and efficiently. A poorly chosen wire can lead to electrical shorts, overheating, or other safety hazards, so it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable supplier who can help you select the right wire for your needs.

    If you’re looking for light wires for your lighting system, it’s important to work with a supplier who offers high-quality products and excellent customer support. By choosing a reputable supplier, you can ensure that you get the right wire for your needs and that your lighting system operates safely and efficiently.

  87. jhones said:

    To give our clients the best 3D printing in Dubai, we rely on an innovative, professional and production level 3d printers. 3d Printing Dubai

  88. jamesdavid said:

    Looking to save some cash while shopping online? Look no further than our guide! Our team has sourced the internet to bring you the most comprehensive collection of tips and tricks for getting the best deals and Airocide Coupons on all your online purchases.

  89. Asad Ali said:

    Bly.com is a go-to platform for aspiring writers, professionals in the marketing field, or anyone looking to sharpen their writing abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, Bly.com offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you excel in the art of effective communication.
    lost nadra card uk

  90. BSNS Consulting said:

    Bsns Consulting is a trusted digital marketing consultancy that specializes in providing comprehensive solutions to businesses looking to enhance their online presence and maximize their digital marketing efforts.

  91. Balloons Lane said:

    Escape into a world of enchantment with your very own home library. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales that line the shelves, where imagination knows no bounds. Create a haven of knowledge, inspiration, and solace. Transform your space into a literary sanctuary, where every page turns into a new adventure. Welcome to your dream home library.

  92. Dropwarez said:

    Unlock a world of e-commerce triumph through our selection of successful Shopify dropshipping stores. These pioneers of the industry have conquered challenges, embraced innovation, and carved out their spaces as leaders in the competitive world of online retail.

  93. BabyBoxShop said:

    Our collection of neutral baby gifts is designed to cater to all babies, regardless of gender. Discover an array of cute and practical items that are sure to bring smiles to both the baby and parents. With a focus on gender-neutral colours and designs, these gifts are ideal for baby showers and other joyous occasions.

  94. lisa said:

    Hey,The service desk is often considered the face of ITSM, serving as the single point of contact for users to report issues and request assistance. It plays a crucial role in incident management and ensuring that customer inquiries are handled promptly.cement tile phoenix

  95. Tiptop-Einrichtung said:

    The Friseur bedienungsplatz is the space where the hairdresser provides their services to the client. This area often includes the client’s chair, mirror, and all necessary tools.

  96. CAvpshost said:

    Looking for affordable VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting on the Windows operating system? Our company offers the cheapest VPS Windows hosting solution tailored to meet your budget requirements. With our cost-effective plans, you can enjoy the benefits of a virtual server environment while minimizing expenses. Experience the reliability and flexibility of Windows hosting without breaking the bank.

  97. Tiptop-einrichtung said:

    Friseureinrichtung refers to the overall furnishings and equipment within a hair salon. Creating the perfect ambiance in a hair salon is essential for both customers and staff. “Friseureinrichtung,” or hair salon furnishings, encompasses a range of elements that contribute to the overall design and functionality of a salon.

  98. Vallee Real Estate said:

    Explore the historic charm and contemporary opportunities of real estate in New Westminster. From heritage homes along tree-lined streets to modern developments by the waterfront, this city offers a wide range of housing options. Find your ideal property and become a part of New Westminster’s vibrant community.

  99. lisa said:

    Hello, Pest control professionals often engage in community outreach programs, offering seminars and workshops to educate homeowners and property managers about the signs of termite infestations, preventive measures, and the importance of timely inspections. This knowledge empowers individuals to take proactive steps in termite control.tempe window replacement

  100. lisa said:

    Hi. To prevent chipping or cracking, use furniture pads or coasters under heavy items to distribute the weight evenly.nola pink

  101. We Sell Dead Lots.. said:

    Discover a treasure trove of stock lots in UAE with We Sell Dead Lots. Our platform connects buyers and sellers, offering a wide range of surplus items for various industries. With our commitment to quality and fair pricing, we’ve become the go-to choice for those looking to make the most of their surplus materials.

  102. mslynx said:

    When someone writes an post he/she keeps the image of a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it. come here

  103. totoward said:

    You’re very smart. You realise consequently substantially relating to this remember, made me for my part consider it from such a lot of diverse angles. here

  104. totomusa said:

    This really answered my problem, thank you! My webpage

  105. Coupons Experts said:

    You can even make modest changes to your attire that won’t get you in trouble with a strict dress code. Make use of SHEIN Coupon Code to cut costs on your next purchase. Use Couponsexperts.com SHEIN coupons as you go through the checkout process to save money.

  106. Vallee Real Estate said:

    Discover lucrative investment opportunities with our selection of office buildings for sale. Whether you’re an investor or business owner, our listings offer premium options for your needs.Find the perfect commercial property to meet your business needs and investment goals. Start your search for prime office spaces today!

  107. Vallee Real Estate.. said:

    Our Burnaby realtors have a deep understanding of the local market. Whether you’re buying or selling property in Burnaby, our dedicated Realtors are here to assist you. Explore our listings and experience the best in Burnaby real estate with us.

  108. tissueroll said:

    Discover the perfect blend of softness and strength in WBM premium tissue rolls and tissue paper in Pakistan.

  109. Ginkgo Retail said:

    Ginkgo Retail stands as a pivotal domain, illuminating the path to streamlined
    ecommerce order management process flow. This platform serves as a beacon of innovation, offering businesses an intuitive and systematic approach to managing their order processes. With a user-friendly interface and meticulously crafted features, Ginkgo Retail facilitates seamless orchestration and optimization of the entire order workflow. Its sophisticated design ensures a smooth and efficient process flow, empowering businesses to navigate complexities with ease. Ginkgo Retail epitomizes reliability and efficacy, enabling enterprises to thrive in the dynamic landscape of digital commerce.

  110. Nadra Helpline said:

    What an incredible contribution to the conversation!

  111. Nicop said:

    Your perspective is both enlightening and inspiring!

Leave a Reply