John Carlton — "the most ripped-off and respected copywriter alive."
I’ve been to my share of writers conferences. They can be good for getting a recharge, gaining inspiration, or for commiserating with my brethren. Rarely, though, do I come away feeling like what I gained will directly repay the cost of attending. And that’s okay. I go for less-measurable reasons.
But I’m planning to attend one on January 29–30 that will be different.
It’s John Carlton’s Action 2010 seminar in San Diego.
John Carlton is one of the country’s most successful copywriters. He and a panel of super-successful copywriters and marketing masters will be sharing tactics and strategies geared to getting us attendees to formulate a workable action plan for success in 2010.
I like the sound of that. Much better than vague resolutions like “query more” or “land more narrative features.”
Here’s a blurb from his sales letter for the event:
“We’re breaking the mold on seminars (yet again)…
… and creating a resource-rich space where you will be literally surrounded by trusted professionals (the best in the biz)…
… all interacting with you and other attendees…
… on the really important stuff behind growth and business success.”
If you’re unclear what copywriting is, it’s essentially writing marketing and/or advertising copy, online or off-line. If you’re a good writer, you should consider it—even if it’s only to better sell yourself.
You know me primarily as a magazine journalist. But notice I never call myself anything but “writer.” I’ve done a fair amount of copywriting over the years, and it’s been a lucrative addition to my writing income.
I readily admit I have much to learn. Why not learn from the best?
Even if you’re not an aspiring copywriter, you should view yourself as an entrepreneur, a businessperson. That’s how you should run your writing life. And that means marketing yourself and marketing your writing.
All too often, freelance writers lean too far to the artsy side of the spectrum and neglect to see and market themselves as businesses. That’s why so many writers are struggling.
I’m going to Action 2010 to help break that mold. I hope some of you will join me. It’s that rarest of all writers conferences—one that I know will repay the cost of admission. Many times over.
One more quote from Carlton:
“I’m going to guarantee that you come away with a list of at least 12 specific Action Plan tactics you’ll be able to implement immediately to increase your bottom line.”
I’d say that’s pretty persuasive copy.
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