When Kate Kosydar first discovered copywriting, she had been working full time in the faith-based nonprofit world for more than a decade. She talks about why she pursued copywriting and how she realized her original definition of copywriting (being “salesy” or selling out her values) was not at all what it actually ended up being.
You can make a difference as a copywriter working with businesses you believe in and honoring your values. Spoiler: she has nearly doubled her former full-time salary—working part times. Kate also touches on living in a more rural area and the benefits of being able to work remote with her clients.
A Sneak Peek at the Episode
Note: We mention “Pitchapalooza” on this episode, which is an annual four-week event for Comprehensive Copywriting Academy students that gets everyone writing and sending their first pitches.
[2:00] We start today’s episode meeting Kate Kosydar (a.k.a. Kate K). She takes us on her journey from working for a non profit to copywriting back in 2019.
[5:00] As Kate K recaps her career transition, we find out that, while she went from working full time to working part time, she is making almost double her previous salary!
[9:45] We hear about Kate K’s coaching call with Kate S, and how that interaction gave her the validation that she needed to start pitching clients.
[12:00] Kate K tells our hosts how pitching used to be anxiety inducing and stressful, but as she has done it more and more she has a lot more confidence her in herself and her process.
[17:00] Kate K, Nicki, and Kate S all agree that it’s a struggle to find the balance of having enough work and feeling like you have enough work, while still pitching new clients.
[20:30] Nicki takes a minute to reiterate how important it is to follow the steps and do the work now for a payoff later. Our guest and hosts agree that the metaphor of a train represents the journey of a freelance copywriter—it takes a lot of work to get the career moving in the beginning, but once you gain speed on the track, it’s easier to maintain that movement!
[24:45] Kate K gives us insight on the appeal of freelancing. She works with who she wants to work with, when she wants to work, and takes on projects that fit her schedule and needs.
[28:00] What is next for Kate K? She is excited to be focusing more on copywriting after finishing up a current contract, and continues to enjoy taking ownership of her career.
[30:45] A WIN for Kate K and her family: they have successfully paid off all student loans and aside from their mortgage are living completely debt free! That’s amazing, Kate!
[35:00] As she has built up her career Kate K is happy to be able to pitch companies that she values and have value in the world.
[39:45] Kate S mentions a podcast with Glennon Doyle that she heard that discussed how as we change, our identities change, and it’s okay to let go of the old identities if that’s not what you are now—much like Kate K’s career transition.
[43:00] We end with the message that a career doesn’t have to be linear. It’s okay to struggle in the transitions and often we find benefits to working through those hard times.
Mentioned in This Episode
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About the Build Your Copywriting Business Podcast
Ready to turn your love of writing into a successful copywriting career?
Join professional copywriters Nicki Krawczyk and Kate Sitarz to get the tips, tools, and training to help you become a copywriter and build a thriving business of your own. Nicki and Kate have 15+ and 10+ years of experience, respectively, writing copy for multi-billion-dollar companies, solopreneurs, and every size business in between.
Whether you want to land an on-staff job, freelance full-time and work from wherever you want, or make extra money with a side hustle, the best place to start learning is right here.
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Ep. 35: Why Some Copywriters Fail