Benjamin Franklin was an incredible writer.

Writing helped him build a successful printing business. It helped him write a popular book (Poor Richard’s Almanack is quoted to this day). And of course, it helped him become one of the most powerful people in the world.

But here’s something you might not know:

Franklin was the 15th child of 17th in his family.

Due to financial struggles, he left school at 10 years old.

Yet by 16, he published his first essay (under the alias Silence Dogood—a middle-aged widow). He was a self-taught writer, yet better than most people.

How?

Copywork.

In his autobiography, Franklin explained he would copy out articles he loved, usually from The Spectator. He’d do this by hand—which is more effective for learning and retention than typing.

This helped him develop a clear and persuasive writing style in record time.

And his ability to communicate was the catalyst for success.

This might have been 250 years ago, but writing has always been a critical skill. The internet has only amplified this. You have the world's biggest megaphone at your disposal and writing is how you slice through the noise.

But copywork is rarely mentioned.

It sounds slow, boring, and tedious.

But paradoxically, it’s the fastest way to improve (and enjoyable when you know what you're looking at).

Think of it this way:

Writing is the music of your mind. But you don't learn a musical instrument by writing your own songs. First, you practice what the pros have produced. This helps you get good fast so you can create something of substance.

The same is true with writing.

You can spend hundreds of hours at the keyboard. But sprinkling in copywork is like pouring gasoline on the fire of your skill-building.

It’s why I’ve racked up hundreds of hours over the past 3 years. I still do it to warm up (especially for important pieces).

And it's why I've been promoting Derek Johanson's Copyhour.

Derek put together a fantastic 90-day copywriting course that combines the magic of copywork with great examples and explanations (of modern and classic high-performing pages).

The relaunch of Copyhour closes this weekend.

I recommend it for any entrepreneur building their brand and business online. It helped me a tonne. I’m sure it will you too.

Take a read here:

https://portal.copyhour.com/a/2148027147/bFZHG8wY

Cheers,

Kieran