Copywrong to copywriter is a handbook for anyone who feels like they can’t write to save themselves.
If you think you’ve got the wrong tone of voice, don’t understand the ins-and-outs of grammar or just don’t feel confident writing about yourself without sounding like an idiot, read this book.
Seeing all the Instagram posts and tweets about this book got me interested in reading this book. As an internet marketer I’m writing a lot of copy myself and I have already read a lot about it.
Unfortunately this book didn’t really thought me any special new things. Don’t get me wrong, the book is good but in my opinion it’s not very special and could as well be a free download.
I'm a blogger, reviewer, editor, proofreader, sole trader and sometimes lone ranger, so you could say I'm the target audience for Copywrong to Copywriter - A Practical Guide to Copywriting for Small Businesses, Small Organisations, Sole Traders, and Lone Rangers by Tait Ischia.
My success over the years has been directly proportional to the work I put in and the standards I set for myself. Like most, I'm always striving to learn more and improve my work and in reading Copywrong to Copywriter I was hoping to learn some new tricks, re-visit old ideas and see if content writing has changed much over the years.
"When someone first realises they need a copywriter, they might have any number of services in mind. They may be looking for web writing, journalism, scriptwriting, product naming, headlines, ad campaigns, concept development, user personas, information architecture, content audits, copy editing, proofreading or complex content strategies.
They might also require intricate knowledge about esoteric subjects, a sophisticated understanding of highly technical industries or years of experience in marketing, advertising, brand strategy or public relations." Page 13
The author goes on to say: "while the foundations of copywriting are simple, they quickly give rise to many complexities." Page 13
If you're expecting or hoping this book will delve into the above services and explain what they are and how they vary, you won't find it in this slim offering. At less than 100 pages, this is a very brief look at copywriting and instead offers an insight into setting a strategy, finding the right voice, identifying your audience and some basic grammar rules. I'm certain that the author could have written a 500 page manual on copywriting that explored each of the services mentioned above in addition to the complexities they give rise to which would no doubt make a thoroughly informative read. (Which I'm totally down for by the way).
Having completed a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Associate Diploma in Management, Diploma of Business and Certificate in Professional Writing, this overview was old territory for me. I've been reviewing and blogging here at Carpe Librum for almost 18 years now and while I've moved beyond the basics, this short refresher was still worth my time.
Copywrong to Copywriter by Tait Ischia is best suited to those embarking on a career or hobby that involves communicating information to an audience. It might be a blog, an Instagram or Etsy account, intranet or company website. At the very least, this is an easy to follow introduction to copywriting by an accomplished Australian author that will provide a solid foundation that may lead to a deeper exploration down the track.
This slim volume is a perfect example of what its author aims to teach : succinct, engaging writing with clarity of purpose.
Whether you are marketing yourself or a business, or even writing for social media like me, working through this book is a quick and easy way to refresh or improve your skills.
Copywrong to Copywriter steps you through the fundamentals, from strategy and voice to understanding your audience, before presenting a crash course on grammar and practical application.
It's like a little knowledge capsule with helpful diagrams, questions to consider, and links to supporting online templates.
I waited several weeks after reading this to write my review, as I was surprised by the brevity of the book, and seriously considered whether I could, in good conscience, recommend a guide that comes in under 100 pages total.
But having reached for it repeatedly since then, and realising how rarely I refer to some of my chunkier reference books, I can honestly say that a small, useful guide is much better value for money than a giant (expensive) text you never read.
NOTE this book was gifted. This is my honest review.
Quick one my professor handed over to me for a bit of extra reading! Perfect for an hour distraction on the 8 hour flight I currently find myself on. Solid advice broken down to be the perfect balance of witty, practical and digestible. Didn’t really bring forward anything new or crazy but it was straight forward and helped contextualise the copywriting process so does its job!!
Concise, straightforward attack plan on learning how to find your Rhythm with words. This Will be living in my work bag and coming with me everywhere for when my brain feels foggy when writing. Great prompts and advice.
I met Tait a few years ago. He was running a copywriting workshop at the Emerging Writers Festival, and it was two hours of insight and laughs. When I heard he was bringing out a book, I pre-ordered without hesitation.
Copywrong to Copywriter not only gives you some of there best and most straightforward tips in copywriting, the book itself is the example of applying them. Each section is short and to the point, yet still filled with warmth and humour. Its as if Tait is in the room, talking you through it.
This book makes it easy to get the gist of how and why copywriting is useful, and a great read for anyone, even experienced copywriters.
Great little book. My english and grammar has always been very good, but Tait managed to help me groom it for efficient and personable communication in one enjoyable, and short read.
A quick read, with simple tips to improve your writing voice, and very nicely laid out. I personally think it could be cheaper, but it's a lovely little book.