In English?
Yes, I do write in English. After all, it is my second language, and since I am lucky enough to have a wife, kids, family and friends who are native speakers, I have had plenty of opportunity to improve my skills.
However, it’s still not my mother tongue. And there is a difference between being an English copywriter, and being a copywriter who writes in English. Semantics? Absolutely not.
In my opinion, there are three levels of skill you can possess as an English writer (or whatever language, actually). Well, four, actually, but the fourth is for Gods. So:
1. Being a correct writer
To be able to write correct english means that you know the grammar and know the spelling. You are probably also familiar with how to write ”Hi” in a business letter, as well as in a letter to a superior, a teacher or a collegue.
This is the English that they teach you in school.
2. Being a good writer
If you are a good writer, you are able to elaborate and play with the language. You treat the language freely, you can control the tone of a text, use words and rythm in different ways. You are aquaintent with the cultural sphere of the language and is able to use this as a means to make yourself understood.
If you are a good writer, you use the language as a tool – not a goal.
3. Being a great writer
Being a great writer means that you are truly free in your use of the language. You are very well accustomed to the cultural sphere, and also up to date with prevailing trends and fashions of the day. If the good writer is able to use a word in a partly new way, the great writer can invent a new one and still be understood.
4. Being Shakespeare and writers alike.
I consider myself a good writer, but not always someone who writes correct. I treat English much like I treat Swedish, freely and with but a few obstacles. In Swedish, though, I do not do grammatical errors and is of course more in the know of synonyms, cultural aspects and so on.
An English copywriter? Great writers, of course. And that’s something I will probably never be, unless I move to UK (which, sometimes, is very tempting).
Would I be able to handle your project in English?
Unless you are an English copywriter with a writers block, yes, I think I would.
And if you are that copywriter, maybe this text will give you a relief.
