I started out as a writer in 1986 after earning my degree in Literature/Writing from the University of California, San Diego.
My first career break came when I was promoted to Publications Manager for a national dental insurance company. I wrote and designed their marketing materials for five years.
During the dotcom boom of the 1990s, I got bit by the technical writing bug and switched careers. I was excited to be working with tech startups and top-notch software developers. I wrote software user documentation and designed online help systems. It was fast-paced, fun work and it unleashed my "inner geek."
How I discovered direct response copywriting...
In 2013, I was finishing up a long stretch of family caregiving, which included autism care for my older brother and end-of-life care for my Dad. I was eager to get back into my writing career, but wanted to try my hand at a different style of writing.
That's when I learned about American Writers & Artists, Inc. (AWAI).
I took Nick Usborne's Money-Making Websites program through AWAI. I ended up publishing a website which combined two of my passions—marketing and video production—into a site that helped business owners use the power of video to promote their products.
My initial success with the site opened up a curiosity in me to try this "other" writing style I'd heard so much about through AWAI...direct response copywriting.
I signed up for their Circle of Success Program—an intensive two-year program where I learned from top copywriting experts the techniques needed to create blockbuster direct response packages.
A quick start to a new career!
I'm happy to say my investment in direct response training paid off. In February 2014, I completed AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting.
Within two months, I landed my first direct response client through a spec assignment. I wrote a long-form sales letter for a health company selling an all-natural pain relief product.
This success boosted my confidence, leading me to submit more spec assignments to various health and financial marketers. My perseverance paid off when I won Clayton Makepeace's 2014 Copywriting Challenge Award.
Not only did my copy win me a contract to write a sales promo for financial publisher Weiss Research, but it also gave me the privilege of working with and learning from one of the best copywriters in the industry, Clayton Makepeace.
From direct response copywriter to personal finance and investment writer
After working with Clayton, I realized I wanted to focus on long-form sales promotions. I enjoyed the challenge of big writing projects that included everything from 10,000-word sales letters to email traffic drivers, video scripts, and banner ads.
For several years, I focused on writing direct response financial copy. My work caught the attention of a financial publisher who asked if I wanted to try my hand at writing editorial investment content. This opened up a whole new field of writing opportunities for me.
Since then, I've written financial and investment content—primarily research articles, blog posts, white papers, and special reports—for a range of financial publishers. My writing portfolio spans diverse topics, including demystifying silver and forex investing for beginners, analyzing the effects of inflation, and forecasting trends in the real estate market.
My clients include Investopedia, Bankrate, and Investing Daily. I've been a featured columnist for the financial newsletters The Complete Investor, Leeb Income Millionaire, and Leeb Income Performance. In my columns, I provide readers with insights into growth and dividend stocks, dissect emerging industry trends, and offer practical tips to strengthen portfolio management.
Interested in working with me on your next writing project? Send me a message via my Contact Form and I'll be happy to respond!
