"Judy, I can't thank you enough for the creative work you have done for me. It's hard for me sometimes to communicate what exactly it is that I want to get across. I'm extremely happy with the results I've received from you. You got into my head and exceeded my expectations."
—Tom Spegal

The Seven Deadly Sins
You Must Avoid as a Copywriter

(If You Want to Write Winning Copy)

• Don't put your agenda above your client's. If you made a commitment to accept a writing position, your personal goals should come second to your client's goals.
• Don't talk about yourself. Ask appropriate questions referring directly to the assignment...then listen. Jot down notes to help avoid having your client repeat information.
• Don't be lazy and assume you may know how to spell a word or use it grammatically correct without taking the time to look it up. Always proofread several times. There are usually some errors needing attention.
• Don't assume you know everything. Do your homework. The more information you can lend to your assignment by doing some research, the more impressed and satisfied your client will be.
• Don't turn in the assignment any later than indicated by your client. Not meeting a deadline requested by your client not only shows a lack of discipline, but is simply unprofessional. You will undoubtedly adopt the reputation of someone who doesn't care about any consequences of delinquency, and you will be overlooked for the next project.
• Don't complete a project without making sure you've met your client's approval. Offer to rewrite or make any revisions of your copy without demanding an extra fee.
• Don't argue with your client. You can make helpful suggestions as a professional copywriter; but ultimately, your client is the boss and makes the final decisions on the outcome of the project.

If you avoid these seven deadly sins as a copywriter, you'll develop the reputation of someone who can be depended on...and you'll reap the rewards.