Any suggestions for copy writing courses....?

[Stellywelly]

Looks as though in the next few years we may be trying to make a big life change and move away to the country which means I probably need to start thinking about re-training. I'm currently in marketing/category and I'm really interested in copy writing in the future ...I know it's very competitive but of all the freelance/home working areas I could look at - it's probably the one where my current skills are the most relevant.

Can anyone recommend a quality (preferably distance-learning) copy reading course please? I've been searching on old MN threads but not really come up with anything....any input/thoughts would be fantastic...

anyone?

Hi,

I signed up to the Institute of Copywriters course a few years ago. I didn't get beyond the second assignment. This course seemed to be the biggest, but really it contains nothing which you couldn't learn from a book. If you can write well (and I believe that ability is intuitive) then you don't need a copywriting 'course'. I think it's more important to be able to go into a business, understand the market, audience etc., and write appropriately. What I did is offer my services (cheap, or free) to friends and family businesses. Most people will be happy if you offer to rewrite their web content, and you'll quickly build a portfolio. What I found is that small businesses would expect me to become their marketing advisor too, which I didn't feel qualified to do. Or they'd want graphic design (which I would subcontract, to a friend of mine!)

I've got lots of thoughts on this subject and am not very coherent at the moment (tired!) If you would like more info, do send me a PM.

If you do PM/CAM me, let me know on here first (as I never use the email address I registered with!)

Hi Beedie - been on hols so only just seen your message. I'd love to speak more with you about your experiences...what you say makes sense. I think I could spend a lot of money and time getting 'qualified' but the reality is that experience sells and I would be better off just getting out there and having a go as you suggest....how can I contact you? cheers

Bumping for Beedie