Calling all Copywriters and Wanna-be-Copywriters to Copywriting Success Summit 2009

Posted by Ambal Balakrishnan September 22nd 09

Mike Stelzner is once again pulling together one of his informative online summits - Copywriting Success Summit 2009.

We have invited Michael Stelzner, event producer of Copywriting Success Summit 2009 to share his thoughts on copywriting and details of the event he is organizing. Michael Stelzner is one of the leading authorities on the topic of writing and marketing white papers. Michael is also the author of the bestselling book, Writing White Papers: How to Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged.

Michael Stelzner

Blog WritingWhitePapers Twitter Mike_Stelzner

“Great writers also understand marketing. Write more engaging, compelling, accessible and persuasive copy.”

Ambal Balakrishnan: Mike, it is a great pleasure to discuss the Copywriting Success Summit 2009 that you are organizing. Thanx for finding time out of your very busy schedule to provide your valuable insights to our readers. Tell us about Copywriting Success Summit. What prompted you to embark on putting together Copywriting Success Summit and make it an online event?
Michael Stelzner: Copywriting Success Summit 2009 is the largest online event dedicated to helping writers generate better-quality leads, win higher-caliber clients and earn more. Many of the world's leading copywriters are presenting sessions on how to market and sell yourself as a writer.

This is our second annual event. Last year nearly 400 writers attended. We made it online to help eliminate the cost of travel. This online summit allows you to attend sessions, meet the experts and network with peers, all from the comfort of your home or office.

Ambal Balakrishnan: Who is Copywriting Success Summit event addressed towards?
Michael Stelzner: The summit is for freelance writers. Specifically, it's for writers who fall into one of these categories:

The "Work From Home" Copywriter: You've been writing commercially for a few years (or longer) from the comfort of your virtual "office" and you're ready to take your business to a whole new level. Better clients. Better projects. More profitability. And, you're ready to connect with your peers!

The "Moonlighter" Copywriter: You've been taking on projects in your spare time (most likely while working a day job you wish you didn't have). You'd like to learn some powerful marketing strategies for carving out a more lucrative niche for yourself, helping you make that final leap to full-time copywriter.

The New Copywriter: You're new to the field, love the idea of making a handsome living as a copywriter, but just aren't sure how to best market and sell your services.

Ambal Balakrishnan: Copywriting Success Summit has a fantastic line up of speakers with various expertises. Tell us more about the speakers. Why does copywriting success mean not just learning to write and market great copy, but also learning about social media marketing and information marketing?
Michael Stelzner: This year's line-up is an all-star cast. Presenters include bestselling authors and copywriting experts such as Peter Bowerman (Well-Fed Writer author), Steve Slaunwhite (Start & Run a Copywriting Business author), Michael Stelzner (Writing White Papers author), Marcia Yudkin (Persuading on Paper author), Nick Usborne (Net Words author), Chris Garrett (Problogger author), Casey Hibbard (Stories That Sell author), Chris Marlow (the original copywriter's coach), Pete Savage and Ed Gandia.

Smart writers will apply the latest marketing techniques to grow their business. We'll talk about them all at the summit, including the very hot topic of social media marketing.

Ambal Balakrishnan: How is the Copywriting landscape different than what it was a decade back?
Michael Stelzner: Ten years ago business was great and copywriters didn't need to work hard to find jobs and close deals. However, now that the economy has tanked, writers must work harder to find and keep clients. In addition, social media has emerged, providing a great opportunity for writers.

Ambal Balakrishnan: Why do some copywriters succeed and others don't? Give us few examples of great copy writers and marketers? What makes them great?
Michael Stelzner: It's really all about marketing. Great writers also understand marketing. Take Steve Slaunwhite for example. Not only will be presenting, he also an exceptional writer. His work has landed him book deals and great respect in the industry.

Peter Bowerman is another example. In 1993, with no industry experience, no previous paid writing experience and no writing background, he built a freelancing writing business from fantasy to full-time in less than four months. He walks the talk. Many can learn from the lessons he'll be teaching at the summit.

Ambal Balakrishnan: What is one change you recommend for copy writers to do better in their projects?
Michael Stelzner: Work on conversational writing. Using a few surprisingly simple-to-apply rules, you write more engaging, compelling, accessible and persuasive copy that will earn you more money. Why should you care? Because better writing gets better results, creating client loyalty, repeat business and more referrals. Discover how to take your writing technique and income to the next level. Peter Bowerman will reveal his secrets in this area.

Ambal Balakrishnan: What are your predictions on how Copywriting business will change in the next year?
Michael Stelzner: By this time next year, many of freelance writers will be out of business because they haven't discovered how to properly market and sell their services. They'll give up because they have not kept up. Fortunately for many hundreds that will attend this year, they'll thrive if they apply the tactics that made many copywriters famous.

Ambal Balakrishnan: Please recommend 3-10 resources (books, blogs) on Copy Writing?
Michael Stelzner:

Ambal Balakrishnan: What kind of projects are you involved in when you are not writing, blogging, speaking, teaching or putting together cool events and seminars?
Michael Stelzner: I am in the midst of launching something super top secret. All I can say is it's been consuming me and will be related to social media. Watch for more soon.

On a personal level, I love boogie boarding in the beaches of southern California and hanging with my family.

Ambal Balakrishnan: Mike, thanks for taking the time to discuss your event and sharing your insights with us.
Michael Stelzner: Thanks Ambal

Copywriting Success Summit 2009 FAQ

How do I register for Copywriting Success Summit 2009? You can register here.
How do I win tickets to Copywriting Success Summit 2009? Read more about how to win tickets here.
Where can I read more about Copywriting Success Summit 2009? Details of sessions with experts are here.