Personality Profile of Copywriters
Since 2008, we’ve seen quite a few contributions, submissions, blog posts, et cetera. We like to call it copy. Written content in publications, in contrast to photographs or other elements of the layout.
So I will humbly address those awesomely talented copywriters among you, who are actively contributing to Angie’s regularly, and those of you that plan to do so presently.
Submissions & Contributions
I know that, in all likelihood, you are first and foremost a novelist, a poet, an essayist, a reviewer, a blogger, a struggling, aspiring writer, or perhaps even one of our many contributing bestselling authors.
In the final analysis, we, as a magazine in all its components and manifestations, use humans to process the material submitted by you copywriters on a daily basis.
Magnificence
At times, we receive copy of such rare quality, that we don’t mind taking the occasional typo, or lack of punctuation, for granted. Making our editing the very reason for our being, when we give this particular text the final touch, in awe of its magnificence.
Text Dumping
But more often than not, a contributor isn’t steadfast nor consistent. Her next post could be riddled with typos. Her contextual arguments suddenly do not seem to make any sense.
The format in which she dumped her text is sprinkled with unnecessary codes, lack of line-breaks, paragraphs, commas, or semicolons. Sometimes even written integrally in CAPITALS, oblivious to punctuation, contextual spelling, style, or sentence structure. In short: an editor’s nightmare.
Gifted Storytellers
Should we, in the knowledge that this person sporadically delivers top-quality copy, and is undoubtedly a talented storyteller, straighten our backs and accept the one or two hours extra work needed to get this piece published? At least, in the manner with which we, as a magazine, can still identify? Of course, we have the advantage of developing our strategy over the years. But what does this tell us about the copywriter herself?
Dull Content
At times, we receive painstakingly edited copy that has no spelling or grammar issues but is either in poor taste or worse, downright boring. Other times we proofread text from authors in a book promotion frenzy, trying to get away with adding twenty links in a poorly written, twenty words ‘book review.’
And then, all of a sudden, a gem falls into our lap that makes all our endeavors worthwhile. We’re happy again.
Your Work – Your Copy – Your Personality Profile
Remember, this is your work. Your copy. And the text that carries not only your signature but the format in which you submit it, potentially exposes your psychological profile, your soul if you like. All in all, it gives us a pretty good idea of who you are.
…At least, that’s my theory.
