What is a Copywriter?

Whenever you hear a 30 second spot on the radio or read the words in a magazine print ad, a copywriter is responsible. A copywriter creates the text for advertisements, promotional brochures or other public relations outlets. Advertising agencies routinely refer to a written script as copy, thus the name copywriter applies to those who create the scripts. In earlier times, a copywriter may have been relegated to mundane chores such as rewriting weather reports or newswire stories, but today a copywriter is often just as invaluable as a graphic artist or the on-air talent who read the copywriter's words.


A good copywriter usually has a strong background in English and/or journalism. Many times a copywriter must work under tight space or timing constraints, so a degree of creativity and the ability to think under pressure is also a helpful trait. The idea is to use language to enhance the image of a product or create a desired mood. During a typical commercial production, the copywriter works closely with the client and other creative team members to generate ideas. From those brainstorming sessions comes a working script which will set the tone for the other elements -- video, music, narration, acting and so on.


There is still a lot of routine work performed by a copywriter, such as writing press releases for companies and general interest stories for newspapers. A copywriter may not have the opportunity to write the next Great American Novel every week, but the work is generally steady and pays well. Some see the position of copywriter as a solid introduction to the real business of writing. A working copywriter can also earn income by writing nonfiction pieces for print magazines or bidding on freelance writing contracts.


A copywriter working for a high-end professional advertising agency can actually do quite well financially. Other lucrative venues include ghostwriting for non-professional writers and freelance editing of scripts or novels. Those working for newspapers or television news organizations can advance from copywriting to production or editing work. Some copywriters are also employed as voice over talent for radio spots or actors in television commercials and promos.