Writing out great copy by hand can do wonders for improving your copywriting skills.
But something I learned from John Caples in an obscure article he published long ago in Printer’s Ink may be even better.
And that is: Take a piece of great copy, study it, outline it, and then, only referring to the outline, attempt to recreate it (or parts of it).
Then compare what you’ve done to the original.
By trying to solve the challenges the writer faced when writing the copy, and then seeing their solution, you’ll learn exponentially more than you would otherwise.
As Richard Feynman said about learning physics: “First, know how to solve every problem that has already been solved.”
What copy should you use?
Any copy from the greats you would like to emulate. Any copy you feel you could learn something from. Any super-successful copy.
And, if I may somewhat immodestly suggest…
You’ll find samples of three of my favorite promotions in my new course, A-List Copywriting Secrets…
What’s more, copywriter Alexander Berglin says the sales letter itself is “required reading.”
“The sales page in and of itself reveals what makes the difference between the A-list marketer and copywriter
and the rest. It should be required reading for everyone whether they join the course or not.”
You can check out that letter here.
P.S. I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the excellent help I got on this letter from Gary Hones’ initial draft – parts of which have survived my endless re-writes and editing.
