Why did you choose a career in copywriting and how did you get into it?
Although I didn’t start out as a copywriter, I was often given copy to write and I found it very satisfying. So, when I chose to go freelance, I decided to specialise. In fact, I ended up working as both a freelance copywriter and a freelance journalist and continue to do so.
What work are you most proud of?
It’s a tie between a 95-page technical white paper on 5G standardisation, where I actively participated in the working group activities, and an event invitation email which was based around the concept of a cabinet of curiosities. Both were fascinating and fun, but in different ways.
What piece of copy do you really wish you’d written?
I’d love to get a chance to write consumer ad copy. I really enjoy using puns and humour and there’s not a lot of opportunity for those in B2B.
What do you do if you hit a bit of writer’s block?
Have a cup of tea and talk to the cats for a bit.
What are your favourite and least favourite writing-related tasks?
I enjoy anything writing related where I’m in a flow state. My least favourite thing (although it’s not a task) is how rare it is to get feedback from clients about how a piece of copy performs. They keep coming back though…
Any copywriting pet hates?
Excessive capitalisation. This is business copy, not a Barbara Cartland novel.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
I didn’t know it was career advice at the time but to get into blogging. I’ve had a lot of fun, made fantastic friends, picked up work (and found out about ProCopywriters) through that one activity. And it’s now an aspect of content writing that I specialise in.
What advice would you give to people starting out on a copywriting career?
Do some time in an agency if you can. I took a break from freelancing to work in a PR agency for a while and it really helped me to both raise my game in terms of work efficiency and realise my own worth commercially. And find a niche.
What’s your favourite thing about being a copywriter?
I can’t really pick one thing. I enjoy the writing (of course) and I meet some interesting people
What made you decide to become a member of ProCopywriters?
The downside about freelancing, especially if you work from home, is isolation. I’m currently focusing on a variety of tactics to reduce that. Plus, of course, I hope it will help me gain new clients.
Where can people find out more about you?
You can contact me via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-adams-11a423/ or by email at jane@jane-adams.com.