A Day in the Life of a … Copywriter

Posted on March 13, 2010 in Uncategorized

Tell us a bit about Headline and your career there to date.

Headline are part of Hachette UK and publish a wide range of commercial fiction and non-fiction – we do everything from cookery books to thrillers. I have worked here for just over a year as a copywriter for both the Editorial and Marketing departments.

What attracted you to a career in publishing?

Obviously I’ve always loved reading but, apart from that, I wanted to work in a creative industry where I could do something heavily words-related – I’m not great with numbers!  I like the idea of working on something where you get to see a  finished product and know you’ve been involved in bringing it into being. Also, I’m a real stickler for detail which makes publishing an ideal job, especially on the editorial side.

How did you get where you are today?

Although all my jobs have been in publishing, I think I’ve taken quite a random route. My first publishing job was a temporary role in an academic company. Then I worked as an editorial assistant for a puzzle magazine before moving to another editorial assistant role at an independent book publisher. From there I moved to my current job at Headline. I always had my heart set on commercial publishing but it’s difficult to get into and in the meantime you have to pay the rent!

What does a typical day involve?

It’s hard to say what a typical day involves because I write quite a wide variety of copy, but a typical week involves writing or revising copy for a range of titles, thinking up shoutlines and book titles, writing newsletters and website copy, briefing marketing proofs, checking covers before they go to print and Tweeting!

What’s the best bit of your job?

Getting to read so many different books – although admittedly I don’t have time to read the whole manuscript. And having a creative input. It’s great seeing my slogan on an advert, or my title on the front cover of a book.

And the worst?

It can be hard to be creative on tap. Sometimes people ask for my help and I can’t seem to think of any decent ideas. That’s really frustrating.

Which department(s) do you work most closely with?

I work closely with both Editorial and Marketing, and occasionally write copy for the Sales department. I also sit with the Creative Design department so I sometimes work with them when I’m working on titles and shoutlines for book covers.

Are there any particular cover blurbs you’re most proud of?

I do loads of copy for the Little Black Dress romance imprint and I really enjoy all of that because it’s quirky and fun. Also, I wrote a blurb for a book called Busty, Slag and Nob End by Russell Ash. It’s as rude as it sounds so I got to have a bit of fun with that one. I hope I managed to make it sound funny without being offensive!

Headline has some big name authors – do you get to attend glamorous events and hobnob with celebrities?

I wish! I have seen a few celebs like Steve Redgrave and Jo Brand and I’ve had a few free glasses of champagne but I don’t really attend big, glamorous events. If you like the idea of launch parties, PR is probably the best department to work in.

What advice would you give to aspiring copywriters or those wishing to get into writing ?

In terms of blurb copywriting, I’d say always be aware of your market, and don’t waffle! It’s important to be really concise on the back of a book. For any kind of writer I think it’s a good idea to just read as much as you can. And maybe volunteer to write for a website or magazine, or set up your own blog so you can practice writing for an audience.

Interview with Helen Jackson, Copywriter at Headline.