Most of the time when I meet someone and tell them I’m a copywriter, there’s a subtle up-and-down head nod. Their mouth opens a little, producing a slightly curious but speculative “ahh” sound with a lightly furrowed brow – which typically means they think that I do something with copyright©. To be fair, I am an actively working musician, and usually, if I meet someone new out in the wild, it’s at a gig or something music-related. So for people to think I work in copyright© is a fair enough assumption. Hence the desire for clarification.

Often, people aren’t familiar with copywriting (and if I’m being honest, I didn’t even know what it was before I started doing it professionally, so I don’t want this to come across as a ‘being-on-my-copywriting-high-horse’ explanation). I own no such horse. But I am here to explain exactly what it is and clarify the difference between copywriting and copyright©.  

Copyright© 

Copyright is a legal concept. Most countries have a copyright office where you can file an original work. In the U.S., you can file a copyright with the Library of Congress that protects your intellectual property. If you’ve ever written and published a book, released original music, created a dramatic work, created a literary or artistic work, invented a software program, or an original architectural design, chances are (if you’re smart!), that you have filed a copyright. This protects your creation and can also help you collect compensation for your intellectual efforts. That’s Copyright© in a tiny nutshell. 

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing text for the purpose of advertising or marketing. More descriptively; it’s compelling, persuasive, informative writing promoting services or ideas to people who actually want those services. Nobody wants more junk in their inbox. But with well-targeted, authentic copy, it’s very possible (and probable!) to reach and engage with people who want what you are offering. 

Most of the time, there is a distinct purpose behind copywriting. Whether it’s to encourage someone to sign up for a weekly email list, follow a brand’s social media pages, join an online community, or opt into a service. 

Copywriting can come in many different forms. Blogs, emails, whitepapers, case studies, product descriptions, ads, social media posts, brochures, flyers, press releases, commercial scripts…the list goes on and on. 

Aside from anything that’s considered “journalism”, a large percentage of what you interact with online is copywriting…and you probably had no idea…again, I didn’t either! 

As someone who writes copy for people involved in the music industry, I feel it’s vital to explain the difference between copyright© and copywriting. Funny enough, I actually own numerous copyrights, and again…for anybody to assume I do something with copyright© for a living is a totally fair assumption.

There you have it! If you’d like to get in touch and discuss having me save you tons of time and headaches, while making you more money please check out my rates HERE and contact me directly HERE (there are no bots or hoops to jump through, I respond directly to my clients 100% of the time).

Lastly, I also help artists and independent musicians by writing copy that drives traffic to your social media platforms, Spotify channel, website, Patreon, and any other creative nook or cranny of the internet you may utilize to support yourself.