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The Top 10 Mistakes I Made My First Year as a Copywriter
204 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Ann Schreiber
5 books31 followersAnn Schreiber is an author whose work spans memoir, business writing, later-in-life romance, and women’s fiction. She writes stories rooted in resilience, reinvention, and the messy beauty of starting over at any age. Alongside her books, Ann is a seasoned freelance copywriter and blogger, and the founder of Copywriting For You, where she helps clients craft clear, engaging content that connects. Her 25+ years in marketing and sales give her a grounded, practical lens she brings to both her creative and client work.
She is the author of multiple books across memoir, business writing, and fiction:
Perseverance. Reinvention. (2024): A raw and honest memoir about starting over.
The Top 10 Mistakes I Made My First Year as a Copywriter (2025): A practical guide for aspiring business writers.
Emily’s Next Chapter (2025): Book one in the Starting Over trilogy—an emotionally rich story about love, family, and the courage to move forward.
Jessica’s New Beginning (March 2026): Book two in the trilogy, following a romantic, emotionally layered journey of rediscovery and passion.
Liz’s Forever After (June 2026): The final book in the trilogy, centered on new love, intimacy, and the unexpected turns life can bring.
The House Always Wins (June 2026): A spicy novella with humor, heart, and a touch of suspense.
Ann’s love for writing started young—penning short stories during recess and learning to type on her family’s first home computer in the 1980s. She later served as editor-in-chief of her high school and college newspapers, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English communications from the University of Minnesota, followed by a master’s degree in business communication from the University of St. Thomas.
She is a mom to two adult children, a stepmom to an elementary-aged daughter, and a proud "gramma" to her grandson. When she’s not writing, Ann can usually be found with her nose in a good book from authors like Colleen Hoover, Jodi Picoult, Freida McFadden, or Kristin Hannah.
She is the author of multiple books across memoir, business writing, and fiction:
Perseverance. Reinvention. (2024): A raw and honest memoir about starting over.
The Top 10 Mistakes I Made My First Year as a Copywriter (2025): A practical guide for aspiring business writers.
Emily’s Next Chapter (2025): Book one in the Starting Over trilogy—an emotionally rich story about love, family, and the courage to move forward.
Jessica’s New Beginning (March 2026): Book two in the trilogy, following a romantic, emotionally layered journey of rediscovery and passion.
Liz’s Forever After (June 2026): The final book in the trilogy, centered on new love, intimacy, and the unexpected turns life can bring.
The House Always Wins (June 2026): A spicy novella with humor, heart, and a touch of suspense.
Ann’s love for writing started young—penning short stories during recess and learning to type on her family’s first home computer in the 1980s. She later served as editor-in-chief of her high school and college newspapers, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English communications from the University of Minnesota, followed by a master’s degree in business communication from the University of St. Thomas.
She is a mom to two adult children, a stepmom to an elementary-aged daughter, and a proud "gramma" to her grandson. When she’s not writing, Ann can usually be found with her nose in a good book from authors like Colleen Hoover, Jodi Picoult, Freida McFadden, or Kristin Hannah.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 25, 2025
This Is A Must-Read for Copywriters & Marketers!
From the moment I read about Ann’s why and her joy of writing, I knew I had the right book in my hands. This isn't just another guide—it’s a practical, insightful roadmap for thriving in today’s ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.
One of the standout aspects is the actionable strategies—small, manageable steps that make a real difference. “The goal is progress, not perfection. Social media is a marathon, not a sprint!” That mindset shift alone makes it worth reading.
I also appreciated the updated insights on social media—how often to post, what type of content works best, and even ideal content length. No fluff, just real, usable advice that saves time and effort.
And then there’s AI—a topic that can feel overwhelming and even controversial. This book does an incredible job of addressing AI’s role, how to use it ethically, and most importantly, how to balance it as a tool rather than a crutch.
Beyond strategy, this book goes deeper—covering business partnerships (not just who to work with, but what skills to look for), mindset, boundaries, and work-life balance.
Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, these sections alone will save you years of trial and error.
Don’t be fooled by its size—this is a powerhouse of valuable information. If you want to save time, avoid common pitfalls, and grow your business the smart way, read this book. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and an action plan to move forward.
Highly recommend!
From the moment I read about Ann’s why and her joy of writing, I knew I had the right book in my hands. This isn't just another guide—it’s a practical, insightful roadmap for thriving in today’s ever-evolving digital marketing landscape.
One of the standout aspects is the actionable strategies—small, manageable steps that make a real difference. “The goal is progress, not perfection. Social media is a marathon, not a sprint!” That mindset shift alone makes it worth reading.
I also appreciated the updated insights on social media—how often to post, what type of content works best, and even ideal content length. No fluff, just real, usable advice that saves time and effort.
And then there’s AI—a topic that can feel overwhelming and even controversial. This book does an incredible job of addressing AI’s role, how to use it ethically, and most importantly, how to balance it as a tool rather than a crutch.
Beyond strategy, this book goes deeper—covering business partnerships (not just who to work with, but what skills to look for), mindset, boundaries, and work-life balance.
Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, these sections alone will save you years of trial and error.
Don’t be fooled by its size—this is a powerhouse of valuable information. If you want to save time, avoid common pitfalls, and grow your business the smart way, read this book. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and an action plan to move forward.
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
I was able to meet Ann Schreiber in-person and get my copy of the book signed while she was at a book fair at the MN state fairgrounds. I can verify that she is a huge book fan.
The following review is not legal advice, please consult an attorney to answer any legal questions you may have.
I started my solo law practice in 2024, and although I have made some different mistakes, some mistakes have been similar to what she has described. If you are starting a small business, or currently have one, you can gain a lot from reading this book (regardless of the industry you inhabit). Or, if you are like me, you might smile and nod your head at some parts.
Very well organized, clear, and to the point book.
Just a few negatives:
1.) This might fall under self-advertising, but even for a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) for a profession as specialized as a “Copywriter”, 2000-3000$ is being overcharged. As an attorney, I would always recommend you get advice from an attorney in the jurisdiction you live in to draft something for you, and I would encourage you to shop around.
2.) More of a pet peeve, but the author described herself as a “copywriter”. From what she’s described, she’s more of what your average person would describe as an author/writer. Nothing illegal about marketing yourself, but the job as described has little to do with handling copyright (or only handling your own). Kind of disappointed based on the name of the book.
The following review is not legal advice, please consult an attorney to answer any legal questions you may have.
I started my solo law practice in 2024, and although I have made some different mistakes, some mistakes have been similar to what she has described. If you are starting a small business, or currently have one, you can gain a lot from reading this book (regardless of the industry you inhabit). Or, if you are like me, you might smile and nod your head at some parts.
Very well organized, clear, and to the point book.
Just a few negatives:
1.) This might fall under self-advertising, but even for a Master Service Agreement (“MSA”) for a profession as specialized as a “Copywriter”, 2000-3000$ is being overcharged. As an attorney, I would always recommend you get advice from an attorney in the jurisdiction you live in to draft something for you, and I would encourage you to shop around.
2.) More of a pet peeve, but the author described herself as a “copywriter”. From what she’s described, she’s more of what your average person would describe as an author/writer. Nothing illegal about marketing yourself, but the job as described has little to do with handling copyright (or only handling your own). Kind of disappointed based on the name of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
Ann writes with a style that feels like you're having a coffee with a very informative and supportive friend.
The book lays out specific actions that are worth considering as a new copywriter and also for the more seasoned ones, who have likely not got around to some of the suggestions.
The examples provided are clear and helpful, as are the insights into how 1 person overcame mistakes to build and grow a successful writing business.
Overall I found the book challenged my thinking about establishing key foundations for my business. I don't know that I would implement every suggestion, but they are all good to be aware of at least.
The book lays out specific actions that are worth considering as a new copywriter and also for the more seasoned ones, who have likely not got around to some of the suggestions.
The examples provided are clear and helpful, as are the insights into how 1 person overcame mistakes to build and grow a successful writing business.
Overall I found the book challenged my thinking about establishing key foundations for my business. I don't know that I would implement every suggestion, but they are all good to be aware of at least.
March 20, 2025
Whether you’re just starting out, a couple years in, or a seasoned pro, The Top 10 Mistakes I Made My First Year as a Copywriter hooks you with its title and doesn't let go. Ann’s stories hit the sweet spot between “Oh yeah, I’ve done that too!” and "Wait—why haven’t I been doing this?!” Engaging and practical, this read is packed with quick takeaways and insights you can put to work immediately. - Julie Childs, Julie Childs Copywriting
October 24, 2025
While this book is about copywriting and ideal for someone working in the content space, you will find great tips that would apply to anyone who is starting a small, freelancing business.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews