Write On ~ Creative Writing Services

The Art of Valuing Your Worth and Dealing with Lack of Response.

As a professional copywriter I create proposals on a regular basis. Although I have an online shopping cart and clients can readily buy packages there, (at the time of this writing), I still provide individualized proposals upon request.

Proposals take time. Time is money. I don’t charge for the proposal process but I am seriously rethinking that.

In the past year I’ve been contacted by dozens of (and this is conservative) “tire kickers.” Well, there aren’t really any “tire kickers” in copywriting. So, I guess I’ll call them “price shoppers.” After taking my time to assess their needs, craft a customized proposal and follow up, very few have the courtesy to respond. (more…)

Within the past few weeks, I sent a special announcement to subscribers to my ezine (electronic newsletter) list. The announcement shared one of the secrets to my success – The National Association of Women Writers. Basically they have a really cool – FREE- promo coming up. Anyway, I try to provide information of value to the people who trust me with their email and read what I have to say.

Not everyone appreciated this announcement. In fact, I received a scathing email request from a subscriber (well, former subscriber now). This gentleman was offended I would send him information about an organization geared towards women, he insisted there must not be an association for men writers and is pretty sure if there were, women would force their way in. (more…)

By Lisa Manyon, www.lisamanyon.com

My good friend Sheri McConnell, founder of the National Association of Women Writers, is hosting her 7th Annual Event on April 23rd and 24th.

This year’s event is focused on helping you Create Your Very Own Passionate Writing Life!

This event is completely free and even if you can’t attend, make sure you sign up for the free audio files and our downloadable 2008 TeleSummit Workbook.

The NAWW 2008 Telesummit features:

(1) Sandy Grayson on Secrets to Getting Celebrity Endorsements-How To Get Fabulous Celebrity Endorsements for Your Business, Your Book and Your Products ( I LOVE Sandy. she has great energy and we met at Ali Brown’s Online Success Blueprint Workshop).

(2) Sheila Bender on Hire Your Very Own Journal Keeper for Expanding Your Creative Voice

(3) Larina Kase on Standing Ovation-How to Own the Platform

(4) Renée L. Duff, Esq. on Copyright And Your Creativity

(5) Linda Joy Myers on Creating Your Memoir

(6) Marcia Yudkin on Creativity on Call- Become a More Productive Writer

Once you register, you’ll also receive their free workbook that features great handouts and information from the speakers. Plus, I think you’ll really benefit from participating on the calls.

Cheers to your continued success!

Thanks for sharing this FREE resource, SIGN ME UP!!!!!

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By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

WARNING: This musing may come across as a bit of rant. (thanks in advance for reading on).

As you know, I’m a relatively positive and optimistic person. I usually don’t let people get me fired up. After all, I’d rather channel good energy into doing the best possible job I can at whatever it is I happen to be doing.

So, let me start by sharing a story. Please note, this story isn’t specific to one incident. It’s actually been fictionalized from a combination of experiences from me and my colleagues. (It’s so great to have like minded tribes who “get it!”).

Imagine a busy day in the life of a copywriter. Deadlines looming, research projects in full swing, writing time blocked out, scheduled conference calls on the calendar, email correspondence clicking away and calls rolling in via telephone or messages being filtered via stellar VAs.

Then “IT” happens. A new client inquiry from a frantic soul. Someone who “doesn’t have time to write copy.”

The questions begin. A barrage of inquires peppered forth. How do you work? What are your rates? Can I have the copy tomorrow?

Patiently and methodically the copywriting process is explained. The “this is how I work” spiel is shared.

When we get to the standard turn around time of 4 - 6 weeks there is silence.

Then, slight stammering from the potential client and a request to have the project sooner.

Eloquently, the option of requesting a rush job (anything less than 2 weeks out for me) is billed at 50% more is offered.

More stammering and the comment ” I don’t consider two weeks a rush job.”

Suddenly, the copywriting groove is broken.The copywriter’s groove is a fun, funky process. It is writing after all. Plus, some negotiation and knowledge that the end product helps provide a solution or lucrative end result. This includes time, creative mojo, talent and most professionals are booked well in advance.

A deep breath from the copywriter and a polite “That’s my policy” ends the inquiry.

Amusement overtakes annoyance. The copywriter smiles, shakes his or her head and gleefully realizes the potential client wasn’t a good fit. Clearly there was a lack of understanding of how professional copywriters roll.

The satisfaction of knowing only clients who understand the value of both great copy and time are worthy of a collaborative working agreement, settles in.

Finally, we’re left to question, “If you don’t have time to write your own copy, why would you think someone who does so for a living would have time to drop EVERYTHING else on their plate to move heaven and earth for you without an already established working relationship?”

The answer: Quick turnaround time isn’t likely (without a rush fee or prior working knowledge of the clients needs). Especially when it comes to seasoned copywriting pros. We’re busy, we have loyal clients we work with regularly and they understand not only the importance of stellar copy, they respect the process.

So, thanks, on behalf of copywriters across the globe, to all of you who “get it”. You are appreciated and you’ll have your copy in 4 - 6 weeks.

Technorati Tags: Lisa Manyon, Write On Creative, www.writeoncreative.com, www.lisamanyon.com, copywriting, copywriter, copy

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

The Well Fed Writer is THE book that really lit a fire under me. After devouring the contents from cover to cover, I KNEW I had to follow my calling. That was back in 2003. Since then, I’ve followed Peter Bowerman’s advice, invested in mentorship with top guns like Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero, completed Glazer Kennedy’s Creating Copy that Sells certification and am happily doing what I love.

I always give credit where credit is due and I want to thank Peter for his inspiration. I also want to welcome him to the blogosphere. He recently launched a new blog and if you’re interested in copywriting and weighing in, you’ll wanna check it out. In fact, I urge you to check out all he has to offer at The Well Fed Writer.

Thanks again, Peter and welcome to the blogosphere! 

Technorati Tags: blogs, copywriting, copy, blogging, blogosphere, Peter Bowerman, Well Fed Writer, www.lisamanyon.com

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com 

I’m entering March with renewed energy and inspiration.

I must admit it feels really good.

2007 was a difficult year. My surgeries and other personal trials and tribulations really zapped my energy.

That’s why it’s so important to know “when to say say when.” In February, when I had my nasty bout of flu, I believe it was my body finally telling me to take it easy. I listened - mostly because I had no choice.

Once I recovered, I knew it was time to do something for me. Hence, the trip to Montana.

Not only did I visit with one of my longest and dearest friends, Shana, I also had the opportunity to share time with a new friend.

It’s always wonderful to see Shana. I hope you have lifelong friends who feel like home and make you laugh uncontrollably. The kind you know you can always count on.

Plus, spending time with my new friend brought back a part of me that seemed to be missing. I was reminded of the importance of fresh air and just getting out and moving. Quite honestly, it was hard to come home.

I sincerely hope you are making room for new experiences in your life.

You may wonder what my point is. Never fear, there is one. For those of you who work at the computer day in and day out, I think you can relate to the cooped up feeling.

Often, there is so much work it feels overwhelming. So, we may not take the time to do what we need to do for ourselves.

Here’s my point -

Take care of you. Do things that bring you joy. Make sure you have a healthy balance of work and play.

It’s that simple.

I feel absolutely blessed that my business allows me the freedom I need. Having the ability to grab my laptop and work from anywhere in the world is truly amazing.

I wish you the same. May you go forth and create a life you absolutely love.

Oh, and stay tuned for future travels in 2008. I’m off to Europe and Bali this year and I’ll keep you posted on my travels.

Technorati Tags: www.writeoncreative.com, Write On Creative, copywriting, Lisa Manyon, Montana

By Lisa Manyon: www.lisamanyon.com

From time to time, I send little bursts of inspiration your way. These include short video clips from Simple Truths.

The most recent clip I sent can be viewed here.

I asked you to think about three questions last month and Roger Parker did just that. In fact, I was so impressed with his answers, I’m including them here.

But first, here’s a little back-story. I met Roger via a tele-seminar with my mentor and friend Peter Bowerman. Peter is a true inspiration and if you don’t already know who he is, you can check him out here. He is one of my personally recommended resources in the Brain Buzz section of my blog (and I only recommend people who I’ve worked with or highly respect). Plus, he is releasing a new book this year and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see some familiar names featured.

Okay, now you know how Roger and I originally connected and now, here’s how he responded. (this will be posted on my blog in the next few weeks and you can log on and post your own thoughts).

Question: What is Your Definition of a Winner?

Answer: A winner is someone who tries as hard as they can, without sacrificing their values, their integrity, or time with their family.

Winners are not workaholics; they know how to balance business success with relationship success.

Winners recognize the truth of the saying: “It’s not so much what you do or say, but how you make others feel.”

Question: How Do You Face Defeat?

Answer: Perhaps the best way to face defeat, as an entrepreneur or self-employed writer, is to visit a friend or co-worker who spends their days in a cubicle. No matter how hard things get, visiting an office in a suburban office park is usually enough to give me the strength to continue on my own.

Question: How Do You Approach Your Challenges?

Answer: With music, day trips with a camera, and time with my wife and family, pets, etc.

One perspective that I always remember was originally stated by Tom Lehrer in the 1960’s: “By the time Mozart was my age, he had been dead 16 years!”

From that perspective, we are all lucky, and it’s useful to remember that others are not so fortunate.

A friend of mine is a professional photographer facing the same business pressures that all professional photographers face in today’s economy. One of the things that has really changed him was spending a morning a week teaching photography to brain-injured people. That has had a profound effect on his attitudes towards his own frustrations.

A really good book on the topic is Martin Seligman’s Learned Optimism which I highly recommend.

Thanks to Roger for his thoughtful and helpful responses. You can learn more about him here.

Technorati Tags: Roger Parker, Peter Bowerman, www.writeoncreative.com, Write On Creative, copywriting, facing defeat, winner, winning, win, Lisa Manyon

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

 In Your Wildest Dreams Premiers THIS Saturday on Discovery Health!

I’m super excited to let you know about the “In Your Wildest Dreams” television program. Leading Dream Expert, Lauri Loewenberg is featured working her dream interpretation magic. I know you will be as impressed with her as I am.

Personally, I find dreams fascinating and Lauri is truly gifted. She wrote the book “So, What Did You Dream Last Night?” The insights shared in the dream world can really transfer to your waking life. So, tune into Discovery Health on Saturday (tomorrow) the 22nd at  9 PM Eastern or 6 PM Pacific.  Some gal pals and I are having a “girl’s night in” to catch the premier.

Plus, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for exciting new DreamZone opportunities.

By Lisa Manyon, www.writeoncreative.com

A few months ago I wrote about living in full color. By that I meant to really cherish every day to the fullest. It’s so important to feed your soul personally and professionally. One thing I have learned is that life is not black and white.

People draw lines in the sand, believe in their own ideals and pass judgments as though we are not human. This doesn’t happen all the time but it happens and it’s disheartening.

If you’ve followed my writing for a while and are familiar with my business principles, you know that I believe in transparency in business. This basically just means being real and not playing games. In a nutshell it means honest, ethical business practices.

When I was younger I used to draw a firm line in the sand between business and personal life. I’m still pretty private but my thoughts on this practice have shifted a bit.

(more…)

By: Lisa Manyon www.lisamanyon.com

This morning a full page ad consisting of only 9 words, one graphic, a logo and A LOT of white space, caught my eye.

Apparently Mr. Whipple is no longer with us. On page 12D of USA Today (yes, I’m traveling and it’s the morning paper I found outside my door) a cleverly placed add, packs a punch.

The graphic is one of the Charmin bears, roll of tissue in hand, dabbing a teary eye with quilted toilet paper. Below the graphic the text reads: In memory of Dick Wilson. “Mr. Whipple” 1916-2007. Then, of course, the signature “Charmin” font treatment logo.

I understand the importance of using your real estate in advertising effectively. I know it makes sense to say whatever you need to say to make the sale. At the same time, I cannot discount how emotional impact can help shape and support a brand. More… I found myself remembering Mr. Whipple and oddly felt an emotional connection with the weeping animated bear. I’ll probably hear “Don’t squeeze the Charmin” for the rest of my drive back to Idaho, today.

I am continuously asked if long copy out-performs short copy. Direct response authorities Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer have statistical proof that it does. And, at the same time, short copy can pack quite a punch, especially if the short copy hits an emotional chord.

While the full page Charmin ad, sporting tons of white space, minimal words and graphics might not be designed to sell, it will do so by default. The ad agency handling this account is well aware of the nostalgic feelings “Mr. Whipple” brings. Creating emotions in the cartoon bear connects women to the product (after all, in most two person households, women are the TP purchasers). Plus, a tasteful farewell to an advertising icon positions the company as caring. These elements coupled with the softness of Charmin, definitely sells.

My point: Use both long and short copy when appropriate. My background started in traditional ad agency “short copy” mentality. Studying the direct response masters like Kennedy and Glazer (and implementing long copy tactics) has proved to be quite profitable. For the most part, I masterfully blend the two to create messages that support my own personal flair.

Do what works for you and your business.

Technorati Tags: Mr. Whipple, Charmin, Dan Kennedy, Bill Glazer, Charmin advertising, advertising, copy, copywriting, Write On Creative, Lisa Manyon