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English isn’t my first language. Can I get English language clients?
Here’s a interesting question I got from Georgios recently. Here’s what he said.
“It is my wish to become a very successful writer, and I intend to take an intensive course in the future. I don’t know when and who the course provider will be.
“But there’s a constant question that is swirling on my mind always…
“I am not a native English speaker, I’m Greek. Will the ”world of writing” accept me and open the doors for me to get hired, even if I get course credentials and certificates and diplomas in writing? Will I ever stand toe-to-toe with a native English speaker in the eyes of the writing world and worldwide clients?
“If you ever wanted to write a modern Greek article, would you go for a native and experienced and well-read Greek speaker or an English man with certified knowledge of Greek??? What would you do??
Apart from this mental query, I believe I can write substantially well, and if I take my course in the future I will get better and better. I’m not kidding myself of being a well-educated English writer, but I’ve been studying English for over 14 years.”
And here is my response:
Hello Georgios
You’re right. A native English speaker will always be preferred for English language content.
There are two ways to overcome this.
- Don’t position yourself as non-native.
- Seek work in your home language as well as English.
When it comes to writing, here are three suggestions:
- Keep it simple. Use short sentences. Don’t use flowery language.
- Avoid metaphors (notice the word ‘flowery’ in the previous sentence. It would be better to say, ‘Use simple words’).
- And yes, taking a course such as the one at www.inst.org/copywriter will give you an advantage over native English speakers who haven’t taken a formal programme.
PS Have you heard about my one-to-one coaching programme? It’s for people who would prefer a mentor rather than doing a copywriting course. Click here https://www.inst.org/copywriter/
