Hey, I’m
Jesse Forrest

Start Copywriting is for anyone who wants to become a successful freelance writer and make a great living while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere.

As someone who has mild dyslexia, almost didn’t pass English in high school, and doesn’t have a university degree, I know from personal experience that it’s possible to become a freelance writer even if you don’t have a degree or experience. 

My experience shows that, no matter who you are or where you come from, you can still follow your passion for writing and turn it into a successful career.

My Journey So Far...

1988

Overcoming dyslexia and a rough start in school

I remember staring blankly at the blackboard while my first grade teacher taught the ABCs. I was diagnosed with mild dyslexia in my early school years, making reading and writing a bit of a challenge for me. I almost failed my high school English exam, and I did not get the grades I needed to attend university.

2000

A journey through dead-end jobs

After high school, I took on a series of jobs that were advertised as “no experience needed” in the newspaper. I packed shelves at a grocery store, washed dishes in a restaurant, and made sales calls at dinner time. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a book about copywriting that I found my true passion, and my world changed.

2003

Falling in love with copywriting

One day, while working late at the office, I discovered a book by Joseph Sugarman called “Advertising Secrets of the Written Word,” and it sparked my passion for copywriting. I read every copywriting book I could get my hands on, attended workshops, and practiced writing every single day.

2004

Starting my freelance copywriting career

One night, when I was complaining to a friend about my sales job, he challenged me to quit and pursue my dream of becoming a freelance copywriter.

I had no clue how to get started and only $5 left in my bank account. So I reached out to a famous copywriter for advice. To my surprise, he liked my writing style and agreed to refer clients to me. This opened doors for me to write for top names in online marketing, such as Jay Abraham.

2010

Growing my business

In these early days of my freelance career, I took on just about every copywriting gig that came my way. I wrote about everything from high-tech Japanese toothbrushes to dating workshops. I wrote for clients in 153 different industries, and my writing helped businesses increase their conversion rates, leads, and sales. I was even praised by the famous copywriting legend, Gary Halbert.

2010

Launching Copywriting Crew agency

With word of mouth and referrals pouring in, I found myself unable to keep up with the demand for my copywriting services. So, I started training other copywriters and officially launched “Copywriting Crew,” a premium copywriting agency.

2011

Helping writers through StartCopywriting.com

After receiving a lot of emails from aspiring freelance writers, I decided to start a website and blog to help them succeed. I also launched “Copy Academy,” a membership site with copywriting courses, to help others improve their skills.

2014

Presenting to Sony, Disney and Chanel

I had the opportunity to share my writing techniques and insights with executives from top companies such as Chanel, Disney, Sony, and JP Morgan. It was an incredible experience to speak at sold-out workshops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. The participants were eager to learn, and they paid a whopping $2,500 per head to attend!

2016

Living the digital nomad lifestyle

In 2016, I decided to follow my dream of traveling the world with nothing but my suitcase and laptop. I wanted the freedom to work from anywhere and get paid to write from all corners of the globe. So, I took the leap and embraced a nomadic lifestyle, visiting countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Bali, Japan, Chile, Colombia, and Panama before finally settling down in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2023
Helping Others

Focused on teaching and helping others

It’s been a while since I’ve been active here, as I’ve been busy growing my writing agency over the past few years. But I’m excited to announce that I’m finally back, ready to share all the valuable lessons and insights I’ve gained along the way. So, stay tuned for a regular schedule of educational YouTube videos and blog articles, aimed at helping you, my fellow aspiring freelance writers, succeed in your journey!

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