Copywriting is all about writing for businesses, writing to sell.
There can and often is an element of creativity to it, but it’s not creative writing, and I find myself often explaining this to people who call or e-mail asking about our “creative writing services.” Copywriting is NOT the same as writing fiction, a novel, poetry or a play.
To give all of us more insight into this distinction, I asked Dawn Goldberg, Chief Writing Officer of Write Well U, to give us some insight into how to write with voice, which is a key part of many kinds of writing, especially the more creative pursuits.
1. Good writing comes from the heart.
Writing from the heart and letting the real you shine through is crucial to a strong voice. The reader gets a great sense of you, the author, and what kind of person you are. Maybe you have an irreverent voice and you’re always railing against the status quo. Maybe your voice is comedic, and your readers laugh right along with you as you tell tales of office politics to make a point. Maybe your voice is gentle, quiet and kind, and the reader feels drawn in to hear what you have to say. If there’s a type of voice you’re most attracted to (be it irreverent, wickedly funny, gently humorous, kind, irate, political, you name it), you’ll write more passionately if you use that voice.
2. Good writing is strong.
Good writers choose a stand and believe in it. If your writing is filled with “I think” and “I guess” and “I believe” and “it seems,” you come across as wishy-washy. Take those words out and stand firm. Say what you believe and believe what you say.
3. Good writing is original.
You don’t have to say it like everyone else does. You don’t have to follow all the rules. You don’t have to incorporate all the great advice you read in articles on writing (even in mine!). Do it your own way and stand out from the crowd. If you’re like everyone else, what would make people gravitate toward you? Give them a reason to pick you.
4. Good writing is authentic.
You’re not the answer for everyone, and not everyone is going to be attracted to your stuff. However, if you write authentically, then you have a better chance of people sticking around to see what you have to say. It’s basic Law of Attraction.
5. Good writing is passionate.
Enjoy what you’re writing about. Write from the heart. Be passionate. If you like humor, be funny. If you like word play, add a few puns. If you’re thrilled by what you’re doing, let that joy come out in your writing.
