This is Lee Little stepping in for John Manley today. He said I could introduce myself and share a bit about my recent adventures (now that my copywriting career has literally taken off over the last few months)...
I thought I knew quite a bit about copywriting. My bookshelves are stuffed with binders (most of which I've actually studied) about how to write copy and market goods and services. I'd been practicing for nearly a year and was getting some gigs. When I talked with other writers at seminars and in forums and blogs, I kept hearing about Shaune Clarke -- how he was helping other new copywriters jumpstart their careers.
So, at John's prompting, I called him up. We talked for a long time. I got the feeling he was checking to see if I fit into his program and was ready to make the commitment required. At the end of the call, it was easy to make the decision to just do it -- even though the ten week program would run through the end-of-the-year holiday season.
It wasn't cheap but I didn't expect it to be. What surprised me was how demanding he was. Boy, did I regret turning in a piece I just dashed off without much thought early in the program. As we dissected it, line by line, word by word, I learned some painful lessons.
Here's another clue: get yourself a headphone and mic for the weekly live coaching sessions. After 2 or 3 hours of holding the phone to one ear and madly scribbling notes with the other hand, you feel like you've just been 10 rounds with a heavyweight (and you'll have the cauliflower ear to prove it).
You've also got to devote several hours per week to homework. I struggled with this as I started getting booked up with clients. My newfound confidence in my ability to write real, unique and compelling copy had them coming out of the woodwork as soon as the New Year started. That's when the manual he developed for us became so important. By the time I'd gone through each step with my client's product, the copy was outstanding.
If all you got was Shaune's newly updated "13 Steps to Dynamic Copy" manual, you'd still be getting a hell of a deal.
He hasn't spent any money on fancy bindings. It doesn't have any pretty pictures. No hype-y promises. But if it's content you're after, this 186 page, step-by-13 step guide to producing copy that is unique, effective, and emotionally compelling, is a goldmine. I don't think he plans on releasing it to writers who don't go through his coaching program. We all know most people buy information products, MAYBE look at the first couple pages, and then stack it on the bookcase (and then wonder why "it" didn't live up to it's promises). When you commit to his program, he'll guide you, nudge you and even shove you along the path to the point where you'll be writing copy like you've been practicing for years.
I'm really not too concerned about revealing this latest weapon I've added to my copywriter's arsenal. Only writers who've decided to become top guns will be calling to see if he's got any spots left in the next coaching program (and get their copy of this manual). Since there's plenty of work for copywriters who know how to write effectively, Shaune's students act more like a support group than competitors. It's the fraternity for future copy stars.
Now that the manual's complete, you'll use it as the jumping off point for a 10 week intensive writing and direct response marketing program -- NOT for beginners (unless you have the time and energy to jump into the deep end).
I know he's scheduled one more coaching session for this spring. I really don't know how he's going to fit it in (he's also a highly sought after seminar presenter in addition to working with a stable of his own clients).
I guess he just loves small group coaching 'cause it sure isn't as lucrative, hour-for-hour, as the rest of his businesses. Anyway, I don't know (and he may not either) how many more groups he'll schedule. So, if you think you're ready, call him and see if he thinks you're ready for the April sessions.
Look over his web site: www.NewCopySecrets.com and then call him at: 902-442-3643.
Here's to our bright future,
Filling in for John C. A. Manley
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