Dawn asks: I am very interested in becoming either a copywriter or proofreader for educational publications. I have a BS is special Education and love to write.I'm unsure how to get started. Thanks for your time.

Hi Dawn,

Since you've narrowed down things to educational publications, you've made it a bit easier to focus on what you need to do. Most proofreading jobs require a test so you need to study proofreading marks, copy editing, and various style books. Those are available at the library or a decent bookstore like Barnes and Noble.

For copywriting you need to develop a portfolio. If you don't have any work yet, the best thing you can do is "do" some copywriting and put it in a portfolio under the title of, "work submitted on spec...." At least it will give those who look at it a chance to see what you can do.

Both copywriting and proofreading are skills. The fact you want to apply those skills in an area you have knowledge of is a good start. But, those skills must be there. Just about every college has a course in copywriting or proofreading. Taking one class like that would be beneficial.

Make sure you look at the Sunoasis career development page on copywriters.

One of the best things you can do is get in a group of copywriters and start asking questions and smoozing and getting to know the milieu.

Some resources: If you can't click these links simply copy and paste them into the browser. They have valuable information!

Copywriting Basics
Copywriting from About.com
How to become an Ad Copywriter by John Kuraoka
I-Copywriting Discussion List

Good luck in your endeavors!

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