How to Cope with Feeling Overwhelmed When You’re a New Copywriter

I received the following email from a copywriter, newly hired by an advertising agency. I thought I’d share his question and my response to help others embarking on their copywriting career.  — Susan Greene

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you begin your career as a copywriter. Patience. In time, you’ll catch on and doing work that seems impossibly hard at the start will soon become second nature. 

Hello Susan,

My name is Amir. I reside in Mumbai, India. I am a copywriter by profession.

Just yesterday, I read your article about how we should ignore clients who try to make our lives difficult and move on and I loved it. I would like your help on a problem which I am currently facing.

I work in an advertising agency that primarily caters to automotive clients. Since shifting to this agency, I’ve had a problem which has been frustrating me.

I am not able to remember certain words at the moment I really need them the most. When I’m doing my job, I forget important words, and if I do manage to remember them, I forget their meanings. I lose the ability to use them the right way in my sentences.

I do have the habit of noting down words and writing their meanings but I tend to forget them too after a few days pass. This cycle has not only started to affect my copywriting but also has steadily dented my confidence.

I would love to get your advice on this. I am aware this is a complex thing, but I want to at least know where the problem lies. Is it because I’m not an avid reader? Is it that I am lacking some kind of discipline? Is it that I’m not smart enough to be a copywriter?

Thank you for reading this and please help me out whenever you have the time. 

Yours sincerely,
Amir

Hello Amir,

It’s nice to meet you. From what I understand, you are relatively new to the ad agency where you’re currently working. As with any new job, there’s a learning curve. You have to absorb so much new information up front, everything from the names of coworkers and client requirements to where the restroom is. It can be overwhelming.

I think as you become more comfortable and confident in your position, you’ll find it easier to remember the things that are important. Words and tasks you struggle with now will soon become second nature for you.

For now, take good notes like at meetings or bring notes if you will be speaking, so you have a backup you can refer to. Prepare well when you know what will be discussed in advance. And then, don’t be so hard on yourself. In time, your confidence and your familiarity will grow. I’m sure you will do just fine.

I wish you the best.

Regards,

Susan Greene, Marketing Copywriter

Hello Susan,

Thank you so much for replying. It means a lot to a beginner like me.

Thank you once again.

Yours sincerely,

Amir

My pleasure, Amir. I remember struggling when I started working at my first ad agency. I couldn’t keep job numbers and clients straight. I felt like I was constantly making mistakes. Everything seemed so hard and overwhelming. I thought if I didn’t quit, I would probably be fired soon anyway. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

I eventually became more proficient at my job and my confidence grew. At one point, the ad agency brought in an intern, and I helped her understand how things worked. It was at that point that I realized how far I’d come.

I’m sure you will look back on these days and think, “What was scaring me so? This job isn’t hard.”

So hang in there. With hard work and a desire to learn, you will succeed.

Good luck!

Susan Greene, marketing copywriter

Hello Susan,

Without sounding cheesy, I will remember your advice forever. Thank you once again for everything.

Amir

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Want more tips to grow your freelance copywriting business? Request my FREE Copywriter Report. Email Susan Greene at FloridaCopywriter@gmail.com and put “Copywriter Report” in the subject line.