I've obviously read a few of each, but I'm still curious about the general process of writing them. I haven't had a lot of experience with either. Does anyone have a "flawless plan" or technique that they use to write them? If so, can you give me some tips? I don't want to create something too spammy, but I know generating a lot of hype sells more product. Sadly, good sales letters have often sucked money right out of my pocket. Also, I'm curious about writing eBooks. Never done that before either. Can someone share a few insights on writing eBooks?
The ability to write good sales letters and press releases comes with practice. I stay away from the latter because I'm not a very credible press release writer yet; I can totally nail a sales pitch though. That's because I've had some real life experience crafting sales pitches and scripts for ads. Being a good copywriter has more to do with psychology than anything else. Try to read works by famous and successful copywriters (Ex: Dan Kennedy). There are a lot of great copywriting guides on the market; I'm sure someone else can recommend a good book or two (I'd do it myself but I'm too high). Most of all, practice. Imagine a fictional company/product and write up a good sales pitch for it. Show it to a professional and have it critiqued; then improve on your weaker areas. Good luck.
Thanks, I appreciate that a lot. I've read a few sales letters, and written sales-oriented contented, but never a full on, hyperactive buying induced state of coma, that some sales letters put you in. I'll definitely have a look around. Anni
I offer a lot of resources on press releases writing at www.FreePressReleaseWriting.com if you're still interested in learning how to write them.
DP link to a copywriting and Sales Letter Article: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=606397 There's a link to a free e-book on my "Wealth Blog" sig. It's all about creating an e-book. Cheers
There's a lot out there. Start with the recommendations. To sum up a few key points about ad copy, stress EMOTION not logic and BENEFITS not features. And know your audience. Figure that out and you'll be well on your way. As to PR tips, check Jenn's site. Haven't been there, but she's in PR too, so I bet it's great stuff. Here are four that are most likely there or somewhere: 1. Have a newsworthy point. 2. Use inverted pyramid (most important to least important). 3. Have a great headline and lead. 4. Strip yourself of all hyperbole. As to writing e-books (I'm finishing one now), here are some general tips: 1. Create a general outline first. 2. If the "book" concept block you, think of a book as a "collection of articles." 3. Include graphics and styles to improve readability and layout. 4. If you don't know where to start, paste your outline in a new doc and pick a place to start writing. 5. Never edit until you're finished. Just write and let it fly.
I think this book will change your life. It will help you with your sales letter... The E-Code by Joe Vitale and Jo Han Mok Also check out Joe Vitale's website, http://mrfire.com/ I highly highly highly highly highly recommend it. (I've made over $5000 with my own ebook using his advice for my sales letter / marketing...and I'm not trying to sell you anything or gain by giving you this advice...and my signature links are not affiliate links) - I just have to say this, because that book has genuinely changed my life. Enjoy.
Writing a press release is harder than it looks. A lot of my clients tried to write their own before hiring me. You have to actually have news; news that other people would be interested in. Always ask yourself, "why?" Why would anyone care about this? And be realistic. Remember, the purpose of a press release is to inform the PRESS of something and gain MEDIA coverage. It is NOT a keyword filled SEO piece that you spam out to free news wires. I don't know what you call that, but I call it clutter.
Jen has some good tips on her blog. So for press release tips, I'd waltz on over there. For sales letters, the first and most important part is nailing a target audience. You can't use a letter from one project and apply it directly to the next. Each one is choreographed specifically to hit that visceral nerve in a consumer audience. You start there before you ever write a word. Once you can stand in their shoes and chew their gum, you are ready to start.
I have a lot of free resources on the subject. Just click on my signature for access. For ebooks you could just create PDFs using open office. Good luck.