Ever sing along to a commercial or appreciate the words in an advertisement?
Turns out you were admiring the work of a copywriter. Or maybe you are curious
about how politicians have the time to write so many speeches? They don't.
Copywriters are behind the scenes everywhere, from advertising companies to
campaign offices, creating words for other people to use.
Copywriters produce everything from jingles for TV commercials to lyrics,
funny slogans and witty phrases. They produce billboards and magazine ads,
too.
Copywriters work on a variety of publications, including speeches, news
releases, manuals, brochures, articles, reports, presentations, newsletters
and correspondence.
Those who work in the advertising field write scripts and slogans for advertisements
or commercials about a product or service. They work closely with artists,
creative designers and their clients.
"The purpose of advertising copywriting is to sell something -- whether
it's a company or a concept or a widget in a box," says copywriter Jim Shamlin
in Texas.
Copywriters specializing in advertising can work for newspapers, advertising
agencies, department stores, public relations firms, radio, TV, marketing
companies or for sales promotions firms.
"For example, a copywriter in a publishing house would write jacket copy,
a copywriter at a public relations firm would write a lot of speeches and
press releases, and a copywriter at an advertising firm would write commercials,"
says Shamlin.
Writing done for firms and companies is done in the office. However, many
copywriters freelance or work on contract.
Those working at large firms may have to do other work aside from plugging
away at the keyboard. They are sometimes required to copy edit, proofread,
check facts, transcribe or translate documents.
A copywriter who works in a firm generally works a 40-hour workweek. Some
overtime is required near deadlines. Copywriters who freelance work as little
or as many hours as it takes to complete a project.
Writing copy is not a physically demanding job. Good typing and reading
skills are an asset. A physically challenged person can do this work easily.
Computer technology for people who can't use keyboards, such as speaker sets,
is continually being developed.