Why did you choose a career in copywriting and how did you get into it?
After studying English Literature and Publishing, I had a series of general communications type jobs and slowly realised that it was the copywriting parts that got me out of bed in the morning.
I decided to focus on this and cut my teeth working in-house as a content writer for a university before going it alone. I made the move to freelancing at the end of 2016 because I wanted a shot at running the show.
What work are you most proud of?
This probably isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but I’m most proud of the work I put in behind the scenes every day to keep the wheels of my business turning. It takes persistence, resilience and a huge dose of self-belief to keep plugging away. For that, I’d like to give myself a pat on the back.
What piece of copy do you really wish you’d written?
I’m going off-piste here again because it’s not strictly “copy” but I’m a shameless Hillary Weiss fangirl and love her blog. Her passion, candour and commitment to doing things her own way are truly inspiring. I also kind of wish she was my friend (Hillary, if you’re reading this, call me).
What do you do if you hit a bit of writer’s block?
My best ideas seem to come to me in the shower, so there’s that. Or writing down approximately what I’m trying to say, putting it to one side for a while and coming back to it later to see if I can make the words work a bit better.
What are your favourite and least favourite writing-related tasks?
Not a task as such, but my favourite part of writing is that bit at the start of a project when you feel really fired up and ready to tackle it head-on.
My least favourite part is that bit in the middle when you feel like you’ve lost your way or something’s not quite working. You’re stuck waiting for that lightbulb moment to work out how to tie it all together. Then inspiration strikes and it’s all good again.
Any copywriting pet hates?
The urge to use big, fancy words to impress people. And the old “this project will give you great exposure” trick clients pull when they want something for nothing.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
Never forget to celebrate the small wins, it’s the best way to stay motivated as you climb the greasy pole of success.
What advice would you give to people starting out on a copywriting career?
Learn to deal with rejection in a healthy way, particularly if you’re going freelance.
I don’t want to be a negative Nancy, but rejection is something you have to get used to as a freelancer. The first time it happens is crushing but try to learn what you can from the experience then let it go and move on.
When things don’t work out, 98% of the time it’s nothing to do with you anyway. Priorities change, budgets run dry and projects get cancelled. Don’t be bitter and don’t burn bridges, just dust yourself off and get back down to business. Those words aren’t going to write themselves!
What’s your favourite thing about being a copywriter?
When I was growing up I really wanted to be an actor. I loved the process of developing a character and working this into a performance. Similarly, I enjoy getting to know a brand and working out how to channel their unique voice in my writing.
Why do you find ProCopywriters membership useful?
I’ve only been a ProCopywriters member for a few months, but I find having a profile here gives me some extra credibility. Writing for your blog is a good opportunity for exposure too.
On a more personal note, it’s nice to be part of a community who understand what I do for a living. My partner thinks I do “the internet” as a job, so there’s not much scope for work-related chat there.
Where can people find out more about you?
For professional matters, see my website: www.felicitywild.com
If you fancy a chat or enjoy bad jokes, catch me on Twitter: @flickwild
And if you don’t like jokes, there’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/felicitywild/