Dear Reader,
I spent the last 10 years of my career making really good money, the $200,000-a-year range. The last few years I made even more.
And the headline above is true. Last year I made over $400,000, and this year I officially retired from my trade. I let go of one contract that — by itself — paid me over $200,000 for the year.
My clients and I are looking for people to replace me. They range from “small” $5- to $10-million-a-year companies, on up to $200-million to $1-billion-a-year companies. In the last couple of months, I've turned down offers from some of the biggest.
This is no joke. I'm literally handing over $400,000 a year in business to just about anyone who wants it and can do it. And it's not that hard. If I could do it, almost anyone can.
Now I know — usually when you hear this stuff, it's a tease to some multi-level marketing business, or real estate, or brokering mortgages or something.
No, this is a real career. And it's one of the best little secrets in the world. Plus, the work I let go of is just a drop in the bucket of what's out there. It's a $2.3 TRILLION industry.
Let me explain…
My trade is something called copywriting. Most people know of it as agency-type work, writing book jackets or flyers or magazine ads or TV jingles.
But there's a fascinating, much-higher-paid part of it that gets no glory (no Clio or Davey award).
It's writing sales promotions for direct marketing. That's the kind of marketing where you respond immediately — whether it's mail, Internet, or even TV.
Also, you can do it freelance. That's what I do. Same for most of my friends and associates. That way, you can live where you want and the way you want, while still making great money. My associates live all over the world… New York, Paris, California… I live in Miami Beach myself…
And the best part is you can do this without any degrees. I never finished college. Barely got out of high school. One guy I know was considered “Most Likely to Fail” at one time in his life. Now he's made millions doing the same thing I do.
So yes, this is real. And it is work. No magic here. But from day one I've figured, “For the money you're paying me, I'll work my butt off!” And it worked for me.
Let me quickly tell you my story…
My name is Don Mahoney.
And yes, I stumbled through high school and only dabbled at college. Didn't even get serious about money until I was in my 30s. Worked as a house painter, waited on tables, delivered newspapers, and did every odd job you can think of.
In the '80s and early '90s I was “existing” as a cabinet maker. It was a grind. I was inhaling fumes and chemicals, and my back was killing me. On a typical day I'd cut my hand, run out of lacquer, the table saw would break down, I'd underbid a job, and have trouble collecting on the last job I underbid.
Okay. That wasn't really a “typical” day. But you get the picture. During the last recession of the early '90s, I got hit hard. My last year, all I made was a “whopping” $12,245. Who can live on that with a family?
But my life turned around completely when I bumped into a boyhood friend of mine who I hadn't seen in 20 years. He introduced me to copywriting, and I saw how — for the first time in my life — I could be in control of my future.
In fact, one of the first people I met was a freelancer who was making over $500,000 a year. Wow. Maybe I was dumb, but I said to myself, “If he can do it, I can do it.”
I believe you can too. The money is there for the taking…
This isn't the type of writing you probably think it is. Fact is, school only prepares you for “traditional” writing. You know, essays, or magazines or newspaper articles. (It's called “expository writing,” and it's designed to explain things and inform. It's kind of formal and has to be very correct.)
What we do is actually a lot easier. This business consists of writing SALES copy. It's much simpler, and personal and familiar, like this letter.
So if you can write a letter, learn a few simple rules, and put forth the effort, you too could be on your way to enjoying a lifestyle that many doctors, engineers, lawyers — even stressed-out CEO's — would envy. And… without the aggravation and heartache they get on a daily basis. (Not to mention student loans to pay back, and business overhead.)
Now you may be wondering how much you can make just for writing a sales letter. The answer may surprise you.
Depending on the size of the job, the fee can run from $500 to $10,000. Let's say a typical working copywriter who has built a nice track record earns $5,000 a promotion. If he produces 2 promotions a month — he earns approximately $120,000 a year.
But there's more. “The Gravy,” as we like to call it. And here's the little “secret” of our industry…
Look at your mail. If you notice that you're receiving the same sales letter over and over again, it means that customers are buying this product. That's why the company mails it again and again. Naturally, the company that hired that copywriter is very, very happy.
The copywriter is also very, very happy. Because for every single letter that's mailed out to a household, the copywriter receives a “piece of the action.” He gets a very big “thank you” from his client in the form of a royalty.
I've made over $80,000 in royalties from a single project that took me only a week to write. And I know people who've made a lot more.
When you add up fees and royalties, you can see how the income can get so big.
And the need is just huge…
Direct marketing is a huge industry.
How huge?
According to the industry trade group, the Direct Marketing Association, direct, interactive, and database marketing generated more than $2.3 trillion in U.S. sales in 2004.
And guess what? Someone has to write these promotions. Why not you? My clients are still calling all the time. We need someone to step on up and grab a piece of this pie!
Let's go back to our copywriter who writes his two letters a month. That same copywriter who received $5,000 a letter is writing around 24 letters a year. Now, no one has every letter become a success (although some writers will claim they do). Even one out of three isn't bad.
So let's say our writer is fortunate enough to be successful with one out of every two of his letters. So he's got maybe 12 promotions mailing in a year. How much royalty can he make? Two cents per letter mailed is typical. And it's not unusual for big consumer marketers to mail 1, 2, or even 3 million letters a year of a successful control.
Now say the copywriter's success is modest. Each of his 12 controls is mailed to about half a million that year. (Still great numbers.) That's 6 million letters mailed at 2 cents each, which equals 12 million cents, or $120,000 in royalties. (Did you ever see pennies add up so fast?)
That copywriter easily doubled his up-front fees of $120,000. His total revenue for that year? $240,000. Or nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Not too shabby for someone writing letters from the privacy of his own home.
Now, some freelance copywriters work a lot, some a little. Depends on what you want. I usually work a lot, but a few years ago, after a nasty divorce, I took time off for myself. I worked part time and made over $100,000 that year.
Point is, the demand is there. One company I know spends a million dollars a year on copywriting.
There are literally thousands of direct marketing companies out there looking for talented people to write their promotions. I'll even tell you how to find them. (They're all listed in one directory —if you know where to find it!)
If you're skeptical, just check the Direct Marketing Association. (You can find them online in 2 seconds.) You'll see the figures for yourself. The industry is growing and growing. Especially the Internet. According to a report titled “U.S. e-Commerce Overview… 2003 to 2008,” e-commerce sales will reach $135 billion this year.
Plus, there's no boss breathing down your neck. No office politics to put up with. Almost every job is different and exciting. You can work four hours a day or 12 hours a day. Do whatever you want in between.
That's the beauty of living in America. No matter who you are, or what background you come from… if you have the desire, you can always re-invent yourself. I did… and you can too!
Another great thing is that the industry doesn't care who you are. The companies that'll pay you big bucks to write sales promotions don't care if you're 25 or 75, thin or fat, male or female. They don't care if you're bearded and tattooed or if you're a total nerd.
They only care how your work performs. What could be more American than that?
But there's even more. A “higher plane” where copywriters make $1 million a year and more…
Some copywriters make much more than I did. In fact, there's what I call the “Million-Dollar-a-Year Club”…
Of course, these guys are the superstars. But you tell me where else — in what career — it's possible to make that kind of money. Without being a CEO, superstar athlete, or actor or musician.
These guys just prove that the sky is the limit in this career. And even if you only did a fraction of that — one-half, one-quarter, even one-tenth — you'd still be among the highest-paid people in the world.
As you can see from J. D.'s story above, another way copywriters get into the million-dollar bracket is by putting their marketing skills to use on their own products. In fact, that's why I retired from writing for other companies — I have my own company now. I write only for my own products.
And it's likely that I'll make around $1 million this year.
I don't know if that's for you. But it definitely is possible. That guy I mentioned earlier — the one “Most Likely to Fail”— started his own business too. In fact, he never even really wrote copy for anyone else. Now he's made millions.
But here's the funniest part of it all…
This is great. You don't have to know how to write — not in the traditional sense, that is. So long as you can write conversationally, you don't really have to know the “rules” of grammar. You don't have to know a preposition from a noun.
There are plenty of proofreaders and computer spell check programs that can do it for you. Hell, you don't even need a computer. I know one top copywriter who dictates his letters into a tape recorder and someone transcribes them to paper. How's that for simplicity?
Remember: In copywriting you're not here to win any literary awards. All you have to do is convince someone to see the benefits of your product in a persuasive, personal manner. Get them to respond to an offer and you've done your job.
All you need is a basic feel for the English language and a desire to communicate.
Are you ready? Here you go:
I now invite you to join the ranks of an elite circle of people who enjoy working in this lucrative business.
The lifestyle is remarkable. Others fantasize about having it. You, on the other hand, can actually get it. Learn the inside secrets that I was taught, and apply them. Just like my good friend and partner, Paul Hollingshead.
Paul began writing in 1994. Before that he floundered for years in different businesses. Sales, construction, retail… you name it. When I met him, he was actually stocking the dog food aisle at a Publix grocery store in Florida.
Times were tough for Paul. In fact, he overheard his store manager saying he might be fired if he didn't improve.
Can you imagine? How could he face his wife? As if what he was doing wasn't humiliating enough. That evening, knowing that he was on borrowed time at Publix, he scanned the help wanted ads in the newspaper. One tiny ad caught his eye. It read:
Wanted: Copywriter for large direct marketing company.
Paul knew what a copywriter was — but he didn't really know about direct marketing copywriting. All he'd ever heard of was agency work, where you slave away for $30,000 a year, people steal your ideas and stab you in the back, and the managers always dump on you.
He thought maybe he could write — even though he almost flunked high school English.
(Anything's better than stocking food store shelves, right?) So he applied for the job by sending in a “test” assignment they had prepared. That sounded simple enough. If the company liked what they read, or thought he showed promise… maybe he'd get the job.
He waited a few days, but nothing happened. A few days turned into a week. He gave up hope — until he finally got a personal call from a man that changed his life … as he changed mine. That man was the childhood friend that I mentioned to you earlier…
His name is Michael Masterson. In the direct response industry, he's extremely well-known and has become a very wealthy man. In our business, he is what you call a Master Copywriter. A unique individual with over 25 years experience who has taken the craft to another level.
Through his efforts, he has helped two separate businesses grow from $10 or $20 million to well over $100 million. He and the copywriters he's trained are responsible for billions of dollars worth of direct response sales through the mail and Internet.
When he talks, other copywriters listen.
But what's really important for you to know — is that Michael takes great pride in the fact that he's taught others this exclusive skill.
Make a long story short, since that time Paul has earned well over $2 million in copywriting fees. He's paid off all his debts and has found a life he never dreamed he'd have.
His power-packed promotions have generated over $200 million in sales. He lives in a beautiful mountain-view home in Vermont where the air is crisp, clean and invigorating.
And you know what? He only has one client!
Now, are you ready for the same kind of success?
Michael took two “raw guys” like Paul and myself and molded us into top-notch copywriters. My first year I made $40,000. My second year I jumped to $80,000. Then I broke $200,000, then $300,000, then $400,000.
Now I'll probably join the “Million-Dollar-a-Year Club.” And I couldn't have done it without the help of Michael Masterson.
Strange thing is, Michael could've retired years ago… but he didn't. You see, what gets Michael really excited at this point in his life — is finding and nurturing people who have an inner drive for financial independence. He helps them achieve their goals through direct mail copywriting.
A while back — when we realized that there is so much work in the market place — we decided to put a program together. One so special that it would teach the “Average Joe” not only how to write powerful, compelling copy, but how to succeed in the exciting and lucrative direct response industry.
And it's not that hard to teach. Because once you understand the secrets of something, it's no longer a mystery.
Well, it took us over a year… but we did it. We started a group called American Writers & Artist Inc. (AWAI), and we put down everything in a simple, easy-to-follow format.
The result (which, of course, was based mostly on Michael's knowledge) is a truly unique program in the industry.
I “work” a few hours a day. I write one, maybe two promotions a month. Recently, I moved with my family to a little historic town in the Vermont countryside. I have no bosses, no commute. I write from a little cottage steps from my house, where I'm surrounded by peace and quiet. For a break, I'll walk over to the old inn across the street for lunch… grab a coffee at the local market… or take a walk up Pinnacle Hill behind my house. I absolutely love it!
My neighbors think I've taken an early retirement — probably because they never see me working. In many ways, I have retired. Because, for the first time in my life, I decide how my days will be spent. Some days I'll feel like writing for a few hours. Other days, I'll play some golf or go skiing with my son. Sometimes it's fun just to do chores around the property.
But what may surprise you most is the income my “retirement” lifestyle gives me: around $300,000 a year!
Here's the thing, though…
If I really wanted to, I could make a lot more. There are people who work a little more than me making $400,000… $500,000… even $1 million a year!
Just check this out:
It's quite possible for a copywriter to live very nicely off just one successful letter, thanks to the royalties.
I've written letters that have paid me tens of thousands of dollars… simply because they mail so successfully time after time. (In fact, as I write you today, I'm still getting about $10,000 every three months for a letter I wrote four years ago. That's over $160,000 in income for about two weeks' work… and checks are still rolling in!)
This is real, and the “Average Joe” can do it. If I did, anyone can!
Sincerely,
Paul Hollingshead,
Co-Founder, AWAI
But we collected more than just Michael's insights… we gathered information from other leading copywriters. It's the most brilliant collection of copywriting secrets that I've ever seen, and I read everything on the subject when I was starting out.
It's called:
Every technique, every “inside secret” that exists is in this program. Everything that goes into a very successful campaign. Every secret that helps promotions become “million-dollar” winners. “Homeruns” or “Breakthroughs” are what we call them in the business.
Like “manna from Heaven” — these promotions create fortunes for companies and copywriters alike.
We included not only Michael's best secrets and techniques, but like I said, also those of his colleagues — the heaviest of the “heavy hitters” of the business. Brilliant copywriters that I know and have worked with. Here are just a couple of the minds we tapped:
We picked these master copywriters' brains. Asked them how they write… their secrets… what made their powerful copy work so well? They all contributed to this program because of their relationship with Michael, and because some of them own direct marketing companies themselves.
Let me tell you frankly: This business is real, the demand is real, and this program is real.
In AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting, we show you how to build a strong foundation for your new career. Plus, you'll learn every technique, every secret — everything there is to know about writing powerful, persuasive copy.
Look, I could go on and on all day. Let me cut it short here, and just tell you how you can “test the water” for as little as $39. That's right — $39! And if you don't like what you see, you'll get every penny of your purchase price back.
Right now you have an opportunity to learn all the powerful copywriting secrets Michael Masterson — and many other top copywriters in the industry — know and use.
These are the very same insider techniques that took me from a struggling cabinet maker to a $400,000-a-year copywriter, and then on to my own multi-million-dollar business. (I grossed $2.75 million in my first nine months. And I was still writing copy for other clients in the beginning!)
These are the same techniques and secrets that can take you from wherever you are today,
and transform you into a writer living “the charmed life” — earning top dollar and having as much (or as little) free time as you desire.
You'll learn all there is to know about this huge and ever-growing industry … where a single letter can produce millions of dollars in sales… and reward the copywriter who wrote it very handsomely.
You'll learn who all the players in the industry are… who's looking for writers (it's practically everyone)… who pays top dollar… and what the best companies to write for are.
Our program will even help you get started — by showing you sure-fire ways to land your first assignment and launch your six-figure copywriting career. We'll show you how to put yourself in front of marketing people who are looking for copywriters — and how to negotiate your fees. You'll even have an opportunity to write a letter for us! And if your letter's a winner, we'll write you a big fat check for $10,000.
Robert Bly, author of 53 books on writing and marketing, including the best-selling Copywriter's Handbook said: “This is the best program on copywriting I have ever seen anywhere in any form. Anyone who wants to get into direct-response copywriting would benefit enormously from taking it….”
If you're not familiar with Bob, just plug his name into Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble online and a dozen or so of his books will pop up. (He's published over 60!) And if you join us, you'll hear from him regularly in our free e-letter.
You'll even learn one thing you can do to guarantee your first assignment with a major company. (This little trick for getting your foot in the door never, ever fails!)
Plus, you'll get…
As jam-packed with writing secrets as the program is, it's just one aspect of your copywriting learning experience…
It's all meant to do two things for you:
Now I know this might sound like a lot to you. And it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed by it all.
But please understand that there's a logical sequence to everything you do in AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting — and that it can all be done entirely at your own pace.
Some people move very, very fast. We've seen members land jobs just a few weeks into the program. Others prefer to move more slowly — they don't want to jump out so fast. The beauty of it is that it's totally up to you!
Here's one of the biggest benefits to you…
Because of who we are, we have close relationships with some of the top direct-response companies in the country. They've seen the kind of copy people who've completed our program are capable of writing. And they're more than happy to give AWAI-trained copywriters an opportunity to write for them.
The fact is, we have hundreds of letters on file in our AWAI office from members thrilled with the opportunity our Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting has given them. Here are just a few:
Bottom line is this: When you succeed, our industry succeeds. And when the industry sees the high level of writing coming from those who have completed the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting program — we succeed too.
But perhaps no one benefits more than you. Particularly if you're at a point in your life right now where you're just not happy with the job you're in… with the money you make… or the strains and stress that come with the typical work-a-day life.
Why don't you give it a shot? Wouldn't you like this kind of money and lifestyle?
If that's the case, I'd love to see you give the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting a try.
This is, after all, an opportunity to learn a new and invaluable skill you'll have for life — something you can use any time you like to generate income as you need it. It's especially great for a “retirement” career!
You can do it for the money, yes. (I've shown you what top copywriters in our business make. Even to this day, I just have to shake my head and smile when a $14,000 royalty check shows up in my mailbox for a letter I didn't even realize had mailed again!)
But more importantly, you should do it for yourself. It's an opportunity to take back your life again… and enjoy a level of freedom and independence very few people get to have these days. What's that worth to you?
If the information you'll learn in the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting were available at any school, it would cost you thousands of dollars to attend. (It isn't, by the way. In fact, this program may be the only place you can learn everything there is to know about this little-known “niche” market — and get all the support you need to launch your career.)
But you won't pay thousands. The cost of the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting is just $457, which includes everything you need to become one of the most successful copywriters in the country — just like so many of our members have.
It includes the core program, which will take you on a step-by-step journey through the entire process of creating a promotion — from how to write a strong headline, to how to create a winning order form.
As an added bonus, you'll also get your own copy of our recently revised and updated 300+ page Hall of Fame book, jam-packed with proven selling ideas from 50 of the most successful direct mail letters and direct-response ads ever written. (Every copywriter should have this resource! Mine's right here beside me on my desk. I'm constantly looking to it for clues, insights, and ideas.)
And let's not forget your opportunity to participate in our $10K challenge — where you can write a letter promoting the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting. If we like it, we'll mail it — and if it beats the control, we'll pay you $10,000. (We have the most recent winner's letters in the mail right now. You can be next!)
And if $457 isn't convenient for you to pay all at once, there's another option …
Instead of paying the whole amount up front — we'll let you sign up for the program for just $39. We'll send you everything you need to get started, including the first 14 sections of the program, your first writing exercise, your email subscription to The Golden Thread, and, of course, your invaluable Hall of Fame book packed with some of the most successful sales letters of all time… and lots more…
Take 30 days to look it all over. Start working on the program if you like.
If it's not everything you imagined — or if you happen to decide copywriting just isn't for you — simply return the unmarked materials within those
30 days and we'll send your $39 back… no questions asked.
But if you like what you see — and you're ready to begin your new copywriting career — you'll receive the rest of the program in 12 monthly installments at $39 each… billed to your credit card.
Many people spend $50,000 or more on a college degree and never earn over $100,000 a year. But this is a very real opportunity to learn a marketable skill that can earn you a nice six-figure income for the rest of your life.
And now you can get started for less than the cost of a meal in a restaurant. So if you're ready to “retire” — like Paul Hollingshead or me — to a lifestyle that's richer, freer, and infinitely more rewarding… get the Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting today.
Remember, there's no risk — and if you stick with it, your very first letter could be the next one we send out… along with a $10,000 check in your name.
Sincerely,
Don Mahoney
Copywriter and AWAI Co-Founder
P.S. Let me make it really simple. For just $39 you can step in the door and see what it's all about. If you're not interested, you have 30 days to get every penny of your purchase price back. If you are interested, strap yourself in — this could be the most exciting ride of your life. What have you got to lose? Nothing.
Pick up the phone and dip your toe in the water. Like I said, you can always back out and you won't be out a penny. Can't make it any simpler than that, can I?
P.P.S. I almost forgot. We've just published a brand-new report called How to Safely and Quickly Change Careers. It's everything you need to know about leaving your old life and embarking on your exciting new copywriting journey. Remember, this is just one of the special bonuses you'll receive.
P.P.P.S. If you have any doubt as to how much our members love this program — and the service we provide — look no further than the impeccable record we have with the Better Business Bureau. You can obtain a report on American Writers & Artists Inc. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by visiting http://www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org. Or you can call them directly at 561-842-1918.
Remember — I left a void when I “retired.” The fact that my clients are still calling me tells me there's still lots of room. Not to mention thousands of clients I never got to!
Step on up for a piece of the pie.
American Writers & Artists Inc.