Having browsed through this forum, searching for threads regarding "how to get started in copywriting," I noticed that the "newbies" asking these questions had at least some sort of portfolios under their belt to get started.

The question I hope someone is able to answer me is: How does someone like me start from scratch?

I am a recent graduate of a B.S. in business, currently coordinating projects for a web development company. Only recently have I discovered copywriting as a career possibility. This appealed to me since back in school, I've noticed that I was a better writer than most of my peers. However, I never took real steps to pursue it, thinking that the only possibility for a writer is a starving novelist.

Now that I see the possibility in copywriting, I am considering a career shift, and it is a bit scary. What I need to know is where can I learn? How do I accumulate a portfolio when I need a portfolio to get in the door in the first place? When I've gone through some training how do I find work? Thank you for your feedbacks.

I am a newbie too. These are great questions, I dont have anything under my belt and hope it is not a lost cause for me. I will be watching this thread.

Hey Seth, I just joined and noticed your question regarding a portfolio. I have purchased a CD book about copywriting and while I haven't read all of it, I have read that the way to build up your portfolio is to do a few jobs for free. Have a copy of both what things were like before you stepped in and after so potential clients can see the difference you made.