"We usually get some examples of copy that's doing well, or some kind of inspiration to spark some new ideas. Oftentimes, we have a 'kickoff' meeting with the editorial director to find out the strategy for the project - do they need longer, heartfelt pieces, or short clever copy? - and to get an idea of the recipients we'll be writing for - are these for moms, grandmas, daughters, or just women in general?"
For example, I might be assigned to a 'Feminine Birthday' project for a couple of weeks. "But a 'typical' day might start with opening my email and seeing if any new assignments have come in overnight. Also, we're called on to write copy for gifts - short one-liners for mugs, wall décor, etc." I write everything from greeting cards to children's books to funny jokes on our 'Crabby Road' Facebook page. Based in Westlake, Cape Town with stores in Cape. "The days here are pretty varied, so it's hard to describe a typical day. Who we are and what were looking for Yuppiechef is South Africas premier kitchen and homeware retailer. I was really excited to get started, and was assigned a mentor to train me in all the ins and outs of the business and the types of writing I'd be doing." As a Freelance Writer, you can set your own hours. But I was told later once I was hired that it was my rhyme and meter skills and sense of structure that had landed me the job. Greeting Card Writers commonly work for greeting card companies, but many companies also hire freelancers.
"My grandmother didn't want me to get my hopes up and told me not to be too disappointed if I didn't get the job - she was sure lots of people applied for a job like this. Congratulations Moving to a new job is like moving to a new home. A new job is like a blank book, and you are the author. Congratulations New jobs only come to those who show potential, promise and perfection. People commented on the pieces of writing I'd sent in, and I guess wanted to make sure I'd fit in personality-wise." A new job is an opportunity to build new roads for the future rather than fix roads of the past. "After a few weeks, I heard back from Hallmark and was flown in for a day of interviews, meeting with several writers and editors. The Payment Products team makes it possible for any seller to take card payments quickly and easily, and is the catalyst for Squares. But the intent is the same - can you write something clever or emotional, can you rhyme and meter?" Today, of course, the process is all digital. Back then, it was an actual physical portfolio I had to type out and send through the mail. "After I applied, I was sent a set of exercises to complete to see if I had some potential as a greeting-card writer.