Copywriting is a commonly-used term but what is copywriting?
AWAI defines copywriting as Copywriting is the process of writing persuasive marketing and promotional materials that motivate people to take some form of action, such as make a purchase, click on a link, donate to a cause, or schedule a consultation. Note the emphasis on copywriting to market products or services, or to persuade the reader to take action, such as donate, request further information, or subscribe. Copywriting appears in multiple forms: speech (scriptwriting), print, online, emails, and in any other channel of communication. AWAI defines a copywriter as A copywriter is a professional writer responsible for writing the text, or copy, used in marketing and promotional materials. Note the exclusive focus on marketing and promoting. It would exclude writing a book on say, how to maintain gas turbines, but it would include the book if the purpose of it was to promote - such as the author, or a company. Need help getting your message across? Let's discuss How can I help? I can translate complex financial transactions, instruments, markets and macro-economic events into easily understood, compelling and concise copy for readers at all levels, delivered on time and within budget. Many years of working, studying and teaching finance enables me to get your message across with credibility. Professionals agree that I can deliver effective and valuable copy:
[email protected] Ever wondered by copywriters call themselves copywriters and not say, writers or journalists or something that is not confusing?
Well, the origins of the word 'copy will help answer the conundrum Lexicom.com says of the word 'copy': " Middle English (denoting a transcript or copy of a document): from Old French copie (noun), copier (verb), from Latin copia ‘abundance’ (in medieval Latin ‘transcript’, from such phrases as copiam describendi facere ‘give permission to transcribe’). " Etymonline.com provides further insight of its origins I quote: mid-14c., "written account or record," from Old French copie (13c.) and directly from Medieval Latin copia "reproduction, transcript," from Latin copia "an abundance, ample supply, profusion, plenty," from assimilated form of com "with" (see com-) + ops (genitive opis) "power, wealth, resources," from PIE root *op- "to work, produce in abundance." Sense extended 15c. to any specimen of writing, especially MS given to a printer to be reproduced in type (Caxton, late 15c.). Meaning "a duplication, imitation, or reproduction" written or otherwise is from late 14c. Meaning "one of a set of reproductions containing the same matter" is from 1530s. So there you have it, copywriting and copywriter use copy in its original meaning and not its modern meaning. That is however confusing. What is also confusing and open to misinterpretation, are the many uses of the word, as a noun and as a verb. Lexico sets them out: Nouns A thing made to be similar or identical to another. ‘the problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy’ A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue. ‘the record has sold more than a million copies’ Matter to be printed. ‘copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month’ Material for a newspaper or magazine article.‘it is an unfortunate truth of today's media that bad news makes good copy’ The text of an advertisement.‘‘No more stubble—no more trouble,’ trumpeted their ad copy’ A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork. ‘examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre’ Verbs Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce. ‘each form had to be copied and sent to a different department’ Reproduce (data stored in one location) in another location.‘the command will copy a file from one disc to another’ Write out information that one has read or heard.‘he copied the details into his notebook’ Send a copy of a letter or an email to (a third party)‘I thought I'd copy to you this letter sent to the PR representative’ Send someone a copy of an email that is addressed to a third party.‘I attached the document and copied him in so he'd know it had been sent’ Imitate the style or behaviour of. ‘lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue’ Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter. ‘this is Edwards, do you copy, over’ Need help getting your message across? Let's discuss How can I help? I can translate complex financial transactions, instruments, markets and macro-economic events into easily understood, compelling and concise copy for readers at all levels, delivered on time and within budget. Many years of working, studying and teaching finance enables me to get your message across with credibility. Professionals agree that I can deliver effective and valuable copy:
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