Presents... : Dan Adams Alastaire Allday Stephen Marsh Andy Maslen Drayton Bird

AllGoodCopy.com presents...
Dan Adams | Alastaire Allday | Stephen Marsh

Andy Maslen | Drayton Bird
Conversations on Copy: Insightful Interviews with Professional Copywriters
Introduction: Why We Ask Questions

There’s something about the interview format that I like.
Maybe it’s the natural desire we have as humans to know more about our fellow man...
Maybe it’s the open nature of an interview, the idea it could go anywhere, explore an
unexpected issue...
Or maybe it’s just the chatty, down-to-earth nature of two people talking about something
they enjoy?
Whatever the reason, in the pages that follow, you’ll be presented with five, each with a
copywriter of very high calibre.
Not only will you enjoy insight from some of the hottest new guys working today, you’ll hear
from a couple of industry stalwarts who’ve been plying their trade successfully for many years.
You’ll discover many things: from how the pros work and which copywriters they draw on
for influence, to the best books to read and which emotions are more powerful than others.
I hope you thoroughly enjoy this small collection and if you do, as well as sharing it with
your social circles, be sure to visit AllGoodCopy.com regularly as there’ll be many more
conversations of this kind over the next weeks and months.
Best wishes,
Glenn Fisher
Direct Response Copywriter
AllGoodCopy.com
AllGoodCopy.com Page 1 of 14
Interview #1 – Dan Adams of DanAdamsCopy.com

Dan Adams is an award-winning freelance copywriter who has worked with some huge
names including Virgin Media, British Gas and PayPal.
I caught up with him to pick his brains on all things copy and found out that as well as being
a fellow fan of Ogilvy, he also likes to mix things up with a bit of rap.
Here’s what he had to say:
AllGoodCopy: Who’s your biggest copywriting influence in the industry?
Dan Adams: It’s a predictable answer, but probably Ogilvy. I think he shaped what creatives
now know as ‘the big idea’ i.e. the single concept that sells the product. Plus he showed
that advertising didn’t have to be dull.
AGC: Don’t feel so bad, he is a massive influence for most people. Indeed, imagine the
ghost of David Ogilvy visits you at night and grants you copywriting superpowers. The only
catch is you have to choose five words that you always
HAVE to use in your copy. What would they be?
DA: “You, your, yourself...” Err... I suppose the point I’m
failing to make is your copy should always focus on your
reader. Everything you write must be relevant to them. Your copy should
ACG: You make a very good point. Copy can so easily
be improved by redirecting the message toward the
always focus on
reader. You’ve still got two words left though: aside from
focusing on the reader, what other words do you find
your reader.
you often rely on?
DA: I think “quicker” and “easier” are two words that sell
a lot of products. Sure, saving money is important, too, but I think we’re all on the lookout
for things that make our busy lives a little less complicated.
AGC: You’re right. Simple sells. Now, as Ogilvy is a big influence, I can kind of guess the
answer to my next question: what’s your favourite book on copywriting?
DA: Ha. Yes. He does figure, so I’ll give you two: Ogilvy On Advertising AND Hey Whipple,
Squeeze This. Obviously, the first is a great introduction to the industry (for copywriters,
designers and art directors too). Even though it was written 20 years ago, it’s all still relevant
today. The second challenges you to take new approaches to creating ideas and writing copy.
AGC: You know, I haven’t actually read the Whipple book, but many writers have told me
it’s good. I’ll check it out. It’s certainly got a quirky name. On that note, what’s your biggest
writing ‘quirk’?
DA: Not sure if it’s a ‘quirk’ but I like to get most ideas down on a notepad first. The finished
version will always end up on a computer, but the initial ideas, headlines and page structure
all start their lives on paper.
AGC: It’s a good practice. I do think you approach things slightly differently when you’re
scratching your ideas out on the page. I don’t do it as often as I should. What’s your actual
writing routine?
DA: Even as a freelancer, I like keeping a routine. I start early(ish) so I can enjoy my evenings
away from a computer. Work then play; not the other way around.
AGC: Do you write every day?

DA: Not if I can help it. Copywriting is a fun job, but we all need time to switch off. I prefer to
spend my weekends seeing family and friends, cycling and playing football.
AGC: So how did you get into this copywriting gig in the first place?
DA: A lot of luck. I was training to be a journalist but wasn’t enjoying it. I wanted to write
creatively, but wasn’t sure on a career path. Then a mate of mine suggested I meet the Head
of Copy at his agency. After I showed him a few examples of my work (blogs, articles, etc.)
and proved I could think conceptually, he offered me my first copywriting job.
AGC: I hope you bought that mate a few drinks: he saved your life! It’s funny you say about
wanting to avoid journalism in favour of creativity. I’m the same. But so few people who
want to write realise copywriting exists – they just assume they have to become journos.
DA: Yeah, I’ve often wondered why there aren’t as many recognised copywriting qualifications
for copywriters as there are for, say, graphic designers.
Copywriting has been around for years after all.
AGC: True. It’s part of my retirement plan to take copy
into college! It’s such a big, sprawling opportunity for a If what you say
lot of people. Indeed, what copy medium do you prefer
writing for – online, DM campaigns, television, etc? isn’t compelling,
DA: I love variety. But since I’ve been freelancing,
nearly all my work tends to be digital. That’s fine with why should they
me because digital can be just as creative as press
advertising, DM, etc. make the time
AGC: Do you think there are any major differences
between writing copy for online or off? for you?
DA: Absolutely. I think Jakob Nielsen called internet users
“lazy, ruthless and selfish.” So with that in mind, less is
more. Because people don’t have the time nor the desire to read endless text on a computer
screen in a way that they might read, for example, a book, a brochure, or an advert on the Tube.
AGC: You’d be surprised by the length of some copy I’ve had online that’s worked – but I do
agree with your point: the distracting nature of the internet has really forced copywriters to
up their game when it comes to keeping people engaged.
DA: And there’s a strong chance that your copy is the distraction. People might start reading
your copy when they should be filing a report, heading off to a meeting or picking up their
kids from school. If what you say isn’t compelling, why should they make the time for you?
AGC: Exactly. With that in mind, when it comes to targeting emotions with copy, do you
think there are certain emotions that are more effective?
DA: Well, humour is always effective. Just look at how many brands try to make their
marketing go viral by creating funny videos or pictures for YouTube, Facebook, etc. Of
course there’s a time and a place for humour, but when it works, everybody will be talking
about your brand.
AGC: You’re right: when humour is done well it really flies. The Usain Bolt stuff with Virgin
Media is a good example right now. It’s hard to pull off, though. What’s the one piece of
copy – be it an ad, poster or sales letter – that you wish you’d have written?
DA: Can I choose a strapline? If so, probably “Just do it.” It’s perfect because it sums up the
Nike brand so well and shapes so many of their communications.
AGC: Ha. That reminds me of a chap at a workshop I was at in France recently. He was
trying to remember that phrase and ended up telling people to “Just do something.” It made
it sound desperate, but weirdly appropriate for the talk he was giving. What’s the biggest
mistake you’ve made, which since influenced the way you write?
DA: I think I’m more open to criticism now. When I started out, I had to bite my tongue when
I saw some client amends. But you have to remind yourself you’re writing to solve their
problem – not bolster your portfolio.
AGC: That’s a good way of looking at it. Earlier we spoke a lot about Ogilvy being a big
influence from within the industry. What about outside influences?
DA: OK, this might surprise you. Rappers. If you want a lesson in how to create a flow and
rhythm with your words, listen to hip hop. Check out Immortal Technique or Scroobius Pip
for a master class.
AGC: I’m completely with you there. My girlfriend loves that stuff and I’ve realised in
listening to it more and more that some of the better rappers have a brilliant grasp of
language. Book-wise, what’s your favourite novel?
DA: Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I loved it as a kid but I think it transcends
generations. Seeing this group of school kids turn into savages because there are no
authority figures around is fascinating.
AGC: A great book. Finally, then, something I always like to ask: you’re the last guy speaking
at a copy seminar and everyone has heard everything by now... what’s the one piece of
advice you’d offer?
DA: Just have faith in yourself and your ability. If you have an idea – no matter how stupid –
tell people about it. You might just have found a really original way to answer your brief.
AGC: Excellent advice, Dan. Thanks.
You can find out more about Dan Adams by visiting his website at www.danadamscopy.com
Interview #2: Alastaire Allday of AlldayCreative.co.uk

Are copywriters born? I’m not so sure. I have a different theory. More often than not it is
chance – a strange series of events lead us towards the discipline. It’s what happened to me
and it’s what happened for freelance copywriter, Alastaire Allday.
For Alastaire it was the perfect outcome – having already worked on campaigns for the likes of
Sony, Nescafé, and Oasis, he’s also already penned his first book ‘Think Like a Copywriter’.
I caught up with him to find out more about how he works, what influences him and if it’s
reasonably possible to use the word ‘anathema’ in copy.
AllGoodCopy: So, you’re the last guy speaking at copy seminar and everyone has heard
everything by now... what’s the one piece of advice you’d offer?
Alistaire Allday: Forget everything you’ve heard. No, seriously. You’ll learn a lot more by
doing than by listening. Make your own mistakes. Learn from them.
AGC: I agree; very good advice. I guess you could argue learning to write copy is just trial and
error. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made, which since influenced the way you write?
AA: I used to advise clients to emphasise price in their copy, but price doesn’t sell, quality
does. It’s the copywriter’s job to prove the product’s value.
AGC: How did you get into copywriting in the first place?
AA: Good question. Short answer, I lucked into it. Long answer, I hung out with the wrong
people – or to be more accurate, the wrong girl – and when her boyfriend found out a new
career on the other side of the country seemed prudent.
AGC: Haha. Aside from wronged boyfriends, who’s your biggest copywriting influence?
AA: Ogilvy. He was a monstrous self-publicist. I know copywriters who are better than me
who don’t get half as much work because they don’t put
themselves out there. Advertise yourself.
AGC: Indeed, I was impressed when I came across your
website. Am I right in thinking you’re an online man when it
Influence is
comes to copy?
probably the most
AA: I’m a complete geek who’s more or less lived on the
internet since the mid-90s so the web is second nature
to me. IMHO the entire internet as we know it started on
important book
Livejournal in ‘99. I should know, I was there. you’ll ever read
AGC: Do you think there are any major differences between
writing copy for online or off?
AA: Apart from the fact it’s much harder to blindside the reader (he can google your product
in an instant), the fact that space is unlimited encourages people to write more words than
are needed. Don’t.
AGC: What is your favourite book on copywriting?
AA: Robert Cialdini’s ‘Influence’ is probably the most important book you’ll ever read on the art
of persuasion. You could start a cult after reading that book. It’s so good it should be illegal.
AGC: You’re right. It’s up there in the top three I think. Have you come across Eugene
Schwartz’s ‘Breakthrough Advertising’?
AA: I’ve not read him, but I understand he makes the same point a lot of us are still trying to
make – cut the hard sell and start serving what your customers want.
AGC: Yes, it’s a very practical read and worth it. As for people outside the industry, who has
had the biggest effect on your writing?
AA: Probably my tutor at university. I used to write in this terrible, affected, florid style. He
got me into writers like Hemingway and Carver – brilliant writers who understood that less is
more.
AGC: Couldn’t agree more. I give trainee copywriters Hemingway along with Ogilvy and
the like as I think the stripped-down style is key. Strangely, when old Papa tried his hand at
copywriting he was crap!
AA: Back in the 70s Salman Rushdie wrote Aero’s “Irresistibubble” campaign. I haven’t tried
my hand at fiction in years, but it’s good to know there’s a third career waiting should I fall
afoul of any more irate boyfriends...
AGC: What’s your writing routine?
AA: I live my life backwards. I’m a night person, so I like to get up late, do my emails, go out
for a leisurely lunch, then write in the afternoon. Often I forget myself and when I look up it’s
one or two in the morning and I’m still at my desk.
AGC: And what’s your biggest writing ‘quirk’?
AA: I insist on using an old fashioned mechanical keyboard and a monochrome screen –
colour distracts me. If possible I use a distraction free program such as Writeroom, if I’m
editing I’ll use a program called DarkAdapted to get a similar effect.
AGC: That’s the first time I’ve heard that! Interesting. Do you ever handwrite copy?
AA: I keep a notepad on me at all times in case inspiration strikes, but I can type a lot faster
than I write, which is important, as it enables me to get more ideas down on the page before
I forget them.
AGC: If you had to pick five words that you always had to use in every piece of copy, what
would they be?
AA: My favourite words are “elucidate”, “ecdysiast”, “anathema”, and “shotgun”. If I ever
find a way of shoehorning them into some copy, I’ll let you know.
AGC: I seem to remember a long copy sales letter that had shotgun in the headline but can’t
remember the context. Good luck with the other three!
AA: Cheers. I think I’ll need it!
AGC: When it comes to targeting emotions with copy, do you think there are certain
emotions that are more effective?
AA: I can only quote Don Draper on this one: “Advertising is based on one thing,
happiness... that whatever you are doing is okay. You are okay.”
AGC: Ah, Mad Men – justifying my mild alcoholism as a

key skill for creating copy. If you had to travel back in time,
which era would you have liked to have written copy in? Advertising is
AA: Another great question! I think I’d like to give the
Roaring Twenties a shot, and not just because I’m a based on one
Boardwalk Empire fan. It felt like things were just getting
started – digital felt like that for a while, though the industry
has definitely matured.
thing, happiness.
AGC: As for tapping into someone’s happiness, what’s the
best example you’ve seen?
AA: “Give every day a soundtrack” – Nokia have been using it since the first MP3 phones
came out. It’s not about the product, it’s about what it does for you. Perfect.
AGC: I like that. What’s the one piece of copy – be it an ad, poster or sales letter – that you
wish you’d have written?
AA: Saatchi and Saatchi’s “Labour isn’t working” poster for Thatcher’s 1979 election
campaign. Three simple words that swung an election and changed history.
AGC: I think that copy will be remembered for a long time to come! Finally though, as I like
to ask everyone... what’s your favorite novel?
AA: Venus in Furs by Leopold Sacher Masoch. A highly underrated novel of exquisite
psychological torment. Perfect primer for a job in this industry.
You can find out more about Alastaire and download his book Think Like a Copywriter at
www.alldaycreative.co.uk

Interview #3: Stephen Marsh of StephenMarshCopywriter.co.uk

What connects TV presenter Fiona Bruce, Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom and novelist W.
Somerset Maugham?
Give up? Well, they’re all from Canterbury.
As too is Stephen Marsh... a freelance copywriter and generally good egg.
He’s written copy for a vast variety of clients all around the world, including a private
detective, which is undeniably cool, right?
I caught up with him to discuss writing routines, dealing with emotions and E.L. Doctorow.
AllGoodCopy: I’ve been thinking about writing routines recently and how much of an effect
they have on the copy you produce. What’s yours?
Stephen Marsh: I get the structure in place before I do anything else, even if I’m only writing
a headline. You’ll see me writing Word documents that include “Heading About Cost-
Saving” followed by “Text text text”, as a way of getting the flow right. They can take hours,
but then it’s just me and the Macbook Air until it’s done. That part’s fast.
AGC: Ah, that’s interesting. I’m a big fan of structuring things first too. When teaching copy I
encourage people to plan out their writing as much as possible. People might argue it’s a bit
restrictive, but I’ve found it allows you to focus your creativity.
SM: Even if it just gives your creativity a clear direction for a while. Then you can ignore it
and go off the path, if you want. And they’re fast – sometimes I’ll come up with a load of
those plans, print them, and deliberate over which is the right shape.
AGC: What’s the strangest thing you do when working on a project?
SM: Aside from the way I prepare for writing with nonsense structural text, I tend to invest
quite heavily in brands I work for. When I’m working on one, I think about them constantly.
So I’ve got a thick file that’s full of headlines, ad concepts, and ideas that no client has ever
asked me for. Which isn’t overly useful.
AGC: It’s the client’s loss. I think what you’re doing there is spot on. For me, one of the most
overlooked qualities of good copy is authenticity, which is incredibly hard to replicate unless
you really do believe in the product you’re selling.
SM: Exactly. Ogilvy used everything he sold. He believed it was an important part of writing
any copy.
AGC: I’d encourage any copywriter to follow your lead – do the research and live the
product and you will see better results. My friend John Forde is a master at it: he spends
weeks researching and note-taking before he even thinks about copy. How do you use your
research to inform your writing?
SM: I wouldn’t have a job without research. I wrote a blog post once that included a short
list of things I don’t know about. Cars. Mountain climbing. Potbellied pigs. But my job is
to research these subjects until I don’t just know about them – I actually care about them.
Without that, I’m not sure I could sell them.
AGC: You mentioned Ogilvy... is he a

big influence?
SM: Is it too hackneyed to say Ogilvy is your
I wouldn’t have a job
biggest influence? Probably, but it’s true. He
was someone who didn’t get too carried away without research.
with the art of it and the creativity. He knew the
slog that copywriting could be, and still loved it.
Same here.
AGC: So how did you get into copywriting in the first place?
SM: I had rent to pay, and a daughter that needed shoes. I’m joking. She needed socks first.
I’d always written, so thought I’d try copy part-time. It quickly became my full-time job and
you’ll be pleased to know my daughter now has suitable shoes and socks for both of her
growing feet. So does her new sister.
AGC: That’s good to hear. If you can get a gig working for Clarks, they’ll both be sorted
for life. In seriousness, writing to look after your kids has a real emotional hook to it; when
it comes to targeting emotions with copy, do you think there are certain emotions that are
more effective?
SM: Positive ones. Some of my security clients have asked for copy that more directly
invokes a sense of fear, but it never delivers. Instead, you make people feel the protected,
safe feeling that security brings.
AGC: I know what you mean, but I’ve often found negative emotions seem to win out in the
end. Obviously it depends on context and the product itself, but it does seem a lot of writers
focus on people’s fears and anxieties – the things that keep them awake at night.
SM: You’re right – it depends on the context, and I think you can do both. But I’ve seen
campaigns where they drive the fear so much they don’t have time to mention the flipside.
Fear and anxiety help to create the desire, but I think you need the positive emotion to make
the sale.
AGC: Good point. How about words... if you had to pick five words that you had to use in
every piece of copy, what would they be?
SM: You, Because, Better, Help, and If.
AGC: A solid selection. I think most people would be able to create some decent copy with
those. Talking of good copy, what’s the one piece of copy – be it an ad, poster or sales letter
– that you wish you’d have written?
SM: I’m not going to sound like a very interesting or unusual copywriter when I say
Apple’s “Here’s to the crazy ones.” It’s just perfect in every conceivable way, and totally
what I enjoy doing.
AGC: On that note, what copy medium do you prefer writing for – online, DM campaigns,
television, etc?
SM: I’m not sure I could pick. They’re all interesting in different ways. But – if you’re going to
force me – I’d say direct mail and email. That’s because it’s often a self-contained task: write
one great piece of copy that sells something.
AGC: Yeah, I like DM for that very reason – it’s pretty black and white. Do you think there are
any major differences between writing copy for online or off?
SM: I think it’s harder to get attention online, because attention spans are shorter than ever.
That said, if you make sure you’re unusual and creative with web copy, you can really stand
out against the background of boring sound-alike sites.
AGC: It goes back to what you were saying about investing time in the product to the
point where you can find that something in it that sets it apart. The mistake people make is
when they rush things so they end up sounding generic. What would you say’s the biggest
mistake you’ve made, which since influenced the way you write?
SM: In terms of copywriting? Probably the early days, when I thought good copy was that
generic sales voice, the type you hear on PPI ads. It wasn’t good. It was boring. Now, the
most important thing in the world is just to be interesting.
AGC: “Be interesting” is a good phrase to remember when it comes to copywriting. I’d like
to get back to your influences; we touched on Ogilvy, who else has had the biggest effect
on your writing?
SM: I’m a big TV fan, and into storytelling generally, so I’d say ex-Eastenders writer Tony
Jordan. Whenever you hear him speak, there’s no pretence. He’s just a guy who writes. It’s a
stance I try to adopt.
AGC: Nice, that’s the first time we’ve had someone like that mentioned. Book-wise, what
are your favourites on the subject?
SM: Copy.Righter by Ian Atkinson was very good. I also love Andy Maslen’s Write Copy Make
Money. And now I’m reading Breakthrough Advertising,
which I think I read about on your website?
AGC: It’s a good one. But I recommend people try to get
a free PDF copy from the web as it’s over a grand now
The most
on Amazon. What about outside of copy... what’s your
favourite novel?
important thing in
SM: The Book of Daniel by E.L. Doctorow. A good
reminder that it’s not just what you say – it’s the way
the world is just
you say it. to be interesting.
AGC: That’s the chap who wrote Ragtime, right?
That’s interesting, I was on a trip recently with another
copywriter who was reading that. It seems Doctorow is a popular author for copywriters.
SM: That’s him. Ragtime’s great, too. He tells stories in such unusual, attention-grabbing
ways. I guess that’s why copywriters like him.
AGC: OK. Last question and one I always ask: you’re the last guy speaking at a copy
seminar and everyone has heard everything by now... what’s the one piece of advice
you’d offer?
SM: Don’t forget to listen to your instinct. Sometimes that incredibly long headline that
experts laugh at will work. For better or worse, nobody in this business knows more than
you about the copy you’re writing this moment.
AGC: You’re right and it’s an inspiring point to finish on. Thanks for taking the time to talk to
us, Stephen.
To find out more about Stephen Marsh visit his website at www.stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk

Interview #4: Andy Maslen of CopywritingAcademy.co.uk

With four best-selling books on copywriting under his belt – not to mention more than 12
years working as a marketer in the corporate sector – Andy Maslen is fast becoming one of
the UK’s most popular copywriters.
I caught up with him to find out more about what influences him, how he works and to find
out once and for all what the most essential word in copywriting is.
With a nod to Twitter, and as a challenge to get right to the point, we aimed to keep each
question and answer below 140 characters.
We didn’t do too bad...
AllGoodCopy: So, you’re the last guy speaking at a copy seminar and everyone’s heard
everything by now... what’s the one piece of advice you’d offer?
Andy Maslen: Too many people are simply recycling other people’s ideas. So give a case
study, with results if possible, showing what YOU do.
AGC: Fair play. And right now, I guess what you’re doing is The Andy Maslen Copywriting
Academy. It’s just launched, right? What the plan with that?
AM: The plan is to help copywriters get better at their chosen craft. Free resources, courses
and a community with profiles and a forum.
AGC: On the craft of copy, what’s your preferred copywriting ‘format’, or should I say ‘speciality’?
AM: It has to be direct response. A lot of younger copywriters think it’s old-fashioned. But
it’s still where the big bucks are.
AGC: Couldn’t agree more. So, of copywriters past and present, who’s your biggest influence?
AM: David Ogilvy, for his pioneering work on direct mail, and Drayton Bird, whose books I
bought within days of starting out.
AGC: Ogilvy is a big influence for a lot of
writers these days, and rightly so. What
piece of his advice do you find yourself
quoting the most? It’s not just about
AM: “I don’t want you to tell me you find
my ads creative. I want you to find them so
copywriting but it
compelling you buy the product.”
sets our craft into
AGC: I was going to ask what your favourite
book on copywriting is, but I think I might have
an inkling.
the wider context.
AM: I’d have to go with Ogilvy on Advertising.
It’s not just about copywriting but it sets our
craft into the wider context.
AGC: You’re right. OK, from a different angle then: when it comes to non-copywriters, who
has had the biggest effect on your writing?
AM: Steven King, for his emotionally-charged storytelling but spare style; E.B White and
William Strunk Jr for The Elements of Style.
AGC: I’ve always found P.G. Wodehouse an interesting non-copywriter; he forced himself to
write at least 1,000 words a day. What’s your routine?
AM: 8.30-11.00 – very productive – write lots. 11.00-2.00 – off the boil – sales and
marketing. 2.00-6.00 – productive again – do more writing.
AGC: And what’s your biggest writing ‘quirk’? I tend to pace a lot and strangely chop my
hand as though practicing karate.
AM: I write speeches while out walking the dog. Marching through the fields declaiming to a
non-existent audience.
AGC: Ha! I’ve been guilty of that myself. If you had to pick five words that you always had to
use in every piece of copy, what would they be?
AM: Free. Easy. Quick. You. Now.
AGC: A good selection. Would you go with them in that order? I’d be tempted to put ‘You’ at
the top.
AM: You. Easy. Quick. Free. Now. That’s almost a sales letter right there!
AGC: When it comes to targeting emotions with copy, do you think there are certain
emotions that are more effective?
AM: Fear. Envy. Anxiety. People are more afraid of missing out or losing what they already
have than they are greedy for more stuff.
AGC: I think you’re very right there. What’s the best example (that you can think of at the
moment) of those emotions in practice?
AM: OK, how about this, from MoneyWeek: “Three financial timebombs that could damage
your wealth in 2012!”
AGC: Ha! The chap who wrote that’s a good friend. A good writer too. What’s the one piece
of copy you wish you’d have written?
AM: The Wall Street Journal letter written by Martin Conroy in 1974. $2bn in sales and
counting. Or David Ogilvy’s Rolls Royce ad.
AGC: And finally, as I like to ask everyone... what’s your favorite novel?
AM: Pickwick Papers. It makes me laugh out loud every time. Dickens was a master – and
not a bad salesman either.
You can find out more about Andy’s new Copywriting Academy by visiting
www.andymaslen.co.uk

Interview #5: Drayton Bird of AskDrayton.com

Drayton Bird wants me shot...
I’m not sure if he’s aiming for a fatal wound or if he just wants to ‘see me dance’ as per the
poker scene in Goodfellas.
Either way, it’s not every day that a legend of the copywriting industry issues a bounty on
your head.
So, what happened?
Well, as usual, it’s my fault...
I asked too many questions.
I invited Drayton Bird to run the gauntlet of my usual quiz.
He kindly agreed to take part. Indeed, he’s gone one further and recorded an insightful
video response.
Though the questions required some thought, Drayton has risen to the challenge and in doing
so has provided some excellent answers. I think you’ll find them both entertaining and useful.
From explaining which emotions can be most effective in your copy to revealing the
copywriters that have had the biggest influence on his own career, Drayton covers many of
the issues we’re challenged with each day as a copywriter.
So, I hope you enjoy it.
Indeed, be sure to leave a comment on the website if you find Drayton’s video helpful.
Oh, and mind out for the seagulls...
Watch Drayton’s response to my questions here.

Resources: Where to go for more

Before I send you off to find out more about each of the copywriters featured in this
collection, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each one of them for answering my
questions and sharing their experience.
As you can tell from each individual interview, each of these writers have some great ideas
and are worth getting to know.
You can find out more about them on their websites here:
Dan Adams: www.danadamscopy.com
Alastaire Allday: www.alldaycreative.co.uk
Stephen Marsh: www.stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
Andy Maslen: www.copywritingacademy.co.uk
Drayton Bird: www.askdrayton.com
And of course, I hope you’ll visit my own website regularly to find more interviews just like
these and a vast range of free direct response copywriting insight and advice. Feel free to
pop along and say hello:
www.allgoodcopy.com
Dan Adams Alastaire Allday Stephen Marsh Andy Maslen Drayton Bird
Discover 20 proven ways to boost conversion

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better copywriter and make more sales...
Get the full details and secure your copy here.

Presents... : Dan Adams Alastaire Allday Stephen Marsh Andy Maslen Drayton Bird

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Presents... : Dan Adams Alastaire Allday Stephen Marsh Andy Maslen Drayton Bird

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AllGoodCopy.com presents...

Dan Adams | Alastaire Allday | Stephen Marsh

Introduction: Why We Ask Questions

Interview #1 – Dan Adams of DanAdamsCopy.com

AGC: Do you write every day?

Interview #2: Alastaire Allday of AlldayCreative.co.uk

AGC: Ah, Mad Men – justifying my mild alcoholism as a

Interview #3: Stephen Marsh of StephenMarshCopywriter.co.uk

AGC: You mentioned Ogilvy... is he a

Interview #4: Andy Maslen of CopywritingAcademy.co.uk

Interview #5: Drayton Bird of AskDrayton.com

Resources: Where to go for more

Discover 20 proven ways to boost conversion

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