A Tip for Writing Faster

“A total commitment is paramount to reaching the ultimate in performance.”
–Tom Flores, Ex-Professional Football Player  

In Issue #137

Editor’s Note: Oops…our bad! Because of a technical glitch, we’re getting this issue to you a day late. And since we goofed, you have more time to get in on a special offer we made last week. Details below…

A Tip for Writing Faster
by Krista Jones

If you’re like I am, writing almost always takes longer than you think it will.

An article you estimate will take an hour to write takes two. It takes three hours to draft a two-page e-mail promotion instead of the two you had planned. And you lose count of the hours you spend on longer pieces.

So how do you trim the gap between the time you would like to spend writing something and the time it actually takes?

The answer can be found in a change of pace.

Here’s an example of what I mean.

Just before the holidays, I decided to take an extended break one sunny afternoon. I pulled on my favorite jacket and headed over to a pond that’s near my house.

I sat on a bench and watched the breeze blow across the surface of the water. A blue heron preened on the distant bank. Four ducks paddled to and fro. And a hawk circled overhead. I settled into the silence for twenty minutes.

I headed straight to my office when I returned home. I had about an hour before dinner, which was enough time to start an article I had been putting off.

It usually takes me an hour and a half to draft articles, but I managed to pop the whole thing out in twenty minutes. And it was in pretty darn good shape too.

The question is what will it take to have the writing come so easily the next time?

I figure all it will take is a different cadence. You see, when I’m in the midst of deadlines, I always move fast. I cram as much as possible into every hour. But those twenty minutes by the pond opened my eyes to a better way. And I plan to put it to the test in the months ahead.

As you hone your craft and build your business this year, commit to taking time each day to just be. Sit silently and watch a sunset, listen to the sound of a stream, or simply notice your breathing.

You might think you’re too busy to stop and do things like sit by a pond. But maybe you’re too busy not to.

Reminder: Special Offer is Good Until January 10th at Midnight!

In case you missed the last issue, Monica and I have decided to continue the Copy Protégé Mentoring Program in 2008. And we’re offering a special price to kick off the New Year.

If you’re wondering whether people are finding the program helpful, here’s what some of the people we’ve worked with have to say:

"I found this session especially useful…Thanks for your comments, Krista… I don’t know why but I can sense that you are a very compassionate person. There are other coaches who treat it only like a business and I have not gained from them at all. But you really care…I am inspired!" B.B., China

"What I wanted to mention to you before the day gets underway is how valuable your comments were about the millionaire mindset. That was a great bit of inspiration. Copywriting, it seems, is an individual journey and to be able to share some of the challenges and get some sound feedback makes a huge difference – not only in the overall product, but in the degree you enjoy the work. Thanks again." –P. R., Canada

"I couldn’t believe how obvious the errors in my copy were once you pointed them out. Thank you so much! I feel like my writing has really improved during the session" –L.P., Germany

"Wow! You’re my favorite mentor Monica! Thanks for the copy…you just know what works! And as far as my marketing plan…thank you for kicking me into action. Keep on pushing me, I’ll get there." – D.V., Israel

"I wanted to say I’m very impressed with the CP program. I can tell that my writing has improved a lot–I have a better idea of my target–an improved marketing plan–and inspiration to keep moving towards my goals. I really appreciate that. And you’ve been great to work with." – D.K., Florida

Here’s what you can expect from the program:

The program was developed to focus on the four areas that we know from experience are most critical to your success:

  1. Coaching: Helping you to figure out what your next steps are, and how to best take them…
  2. Copy critique: Reviewing your headlines and leads, other places in your writing where you’re struggling, and a full promotion once a month…
  3. Networking: Connecting you with peers and colleagues, and helping you develop effective networking skills that suit your personal style…
  4. Swift kick-in-the-pants when necessary: This one is probably self-explanatory – but basically, we won’t suffer fools or whiners! We’ll share everything we know with you – but no one can do the work for you. And if we think you’re holding yourself back – we’re going to let you know about it. And then help you figure out how to get back on your track to success…

Here’s how the program works. You get…

  1. a 30-minute one-on-one session per month…
  2. weekly group coaching and critique calls…
  3. unlimited email access to your mentor with guaranteed 48-hour turnaround time for response…and
  4. a full copy review from your mentor every month.

In addition to the basic program, we are also throwing in a few extras that we think you’ll appreciate:

Bonus #1: A Private Mastermind Group—you’ll become a member of a like-minded community of budding copywriters you can rely on for feedback, advice, and answers to almost any question you have on building your business and reaching your goals. The community will include all current members of the Copy Protégé Mentoring Program regardless of who your mentor is—up to 24 people.

Bonus #2: Special Dinner in Delray Beach with both Monica and Krista – and the rest of the Copy Protégé Mentoring Program participants on hand – if you attend the AWAI copywriting bootcamp in November.

Bonus #3: 20% discount on Copy Protégé products…

Best of all, we’re offering you a discount if you apply for the program by midnight, January 10th. The regular cost of the program is $2,000 for a three-month session – but if you respond to this email by sending us a sample of your writing (no more than 2 pages) and a statement of your goals for the program to admin@copyprotege.com – you can join the program for just $1,750. (If you’re interested, we offer a payment plan.) 

This offer is only available to readers of The Copy Protégé. Since we draw on the lessons and concepts of AWAI’s Accelerated Program to Six-Figure Copywriting, we ask that you also be a member of AWAI so that everyone has the same foundation. (Although it is OK if you just got started with the program to join us at the same time!)

This is the last time we will offer the program only to our readers. After this offer, we will open the program up to all members of AWAI, whether they are readers of The Copy Protégé or not. So we hope you’ll take this opportunity to get in the queue.

If you want help achieving your goals this year, send us your samples and goals today. If we fill up, don’t worry, we’ll put you on the waiting list at the lower rate.

Survival Tip: Mix It Up

I work off stress by going to the gym. For years my workouts lasted for about an hour and fifteen minutes. I’d start with a few strength training exercises and then move on to cardio for 45 minutes.

I did everything at the same speed and for the same duration—month after month. Unfortunately, that’s not the most effective way to exercise.

Now I vary my workouts and exercise with greater intensity. The best part is I’m finished in 35- 40 minutes.

I love my new routine. Not only is it better for me physically, but when I get home I’m raring to take on my next writing task. Plus, it gives me more time to do other things—such as enjoy sunsets.

Working out fast and furious is another demonstration of the importance of changing the speed of the day. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, take a power nap or go for a brisk walk. Any of those things will do far more for moving you forward than a “not-a-minute-wasted” schedule ever could.