Difference between an editor and copywriter
Sent Thursday, March 18, 2010
Among professional copywriters and those who write copy that sells,
there is a little joke that goes, "What's the difference between an
editor and a copywriter?" Can you guess the answer?
"Your tips are great but 5 mis-spellings and 4 simple
grammatical errors in this piece aren't an advertisement for
quality." -- Terry (via Email)
Terry is right, the problem is compounded when almost half the
readers to this publication are from the UK and US, with the
remaining across Canada, Australia, India, and China. And if there
was a grand prize for finding spelling and grammar mistakes, I'd
give it to Terry. Of course, there isn't, because ...
The difference between an editor and a copywriter is about $42
an hour.
You see, the work of an editor is best left of college students
majoring in English, and retired school teachers. Both with time
on their hands and who are readily available for $7 to 10 dollars
an hour.
Spelling and grammar isn't my strong suite, that's why when I do
client assignments I have two editors work over the pieces. Even
then I'm more concerned they understand the concept of the piece
and that it delivers a "got to have that" feeling.
There is a second issue at hand. You aren't the best editor of
your own work, as a copywriter, your focus instead needs to be on
the right message reaching the right audience. Studies show the
writer is "blind" to what words are on a page because they see what
should be there instead.
While I do proof read the newsletter, my biggest concern is
answering readers questions and delivering useful tips you can use
to write copy that sells. Along that vein, What would really help
your business for me to cover in the next 6 months?
Copyright 2010 AdBriefing Copywriting Tips, All rights reserved.
Sincerely,
Justin Hitt
Editor, AdBriefing Copywriting Tips
http://adbriefing.co.uk/
P. s. Right now, look over Pat Quinn's writing. Is it more
conversational? or of the most perfect Queen's English? How does
your reader speak? How would you rather earn, like an editor or a
copywriter?
P. s. s. In the next issue I'll cover a bit about how to proof
read, if you absolutely must check your own work. Until next time,
I'm looking forward to hearing about your successes!
Justin Hitt helps business write advertising that increase sales,
both on-line and offline. With huge shoes to fill, Justin is the
editor of AdBriefing Copywriting Tips since 2008.