User:Sublimeharmony/sandbox11
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Delray Beach, Florida |
Key people | Paul Hollingshead, Dan Mahoney, Mark Ford, and Katie Yeakle |
| Products | Direct-response instructional programs |
| Website | http://www.awaionline.com |
American Writers and Artists Inc. (AWAI) is a publishing company that offers career-development programs for aspiring creative professionals.[2] It specializes in home-study courses for various types of writers, photographers, graphic designers, and other artistsentrepreneurs.[3][4]
Katie Yeakle is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the company, based in Delray Beach, Florida.[3]
History
In 1997, Paul Hollingshead, Dan Mahoney, Mark Ford, and Katie Yeakle, professionals with direct marketing and publishing experience, established American Writers and Artists Inc. (formerly American Writers and Artists Institute) as an avenue for others to pursue a similar career.[5][3][6][7] The executives identified a need to help artists, particularly writers, launch and further their pursuits in a “competitive” and “challenging industry.”[8] The stated mission of AWAI is “to help people develop skills to “acquire financial security, independence and freedom through writing."[5]
Leadership for the company sought other pioneers in the copywriting field, bringing publishing industry veteran Rebecca Matter on board as Co-managing Partner and Vice President of Online Marketing, besides a number of other experts.[3][9] Among their recruits was “America’s Top Copywriter,” Bob Bly, founder of Copyblogger Brian Clark, “Millionaire Maker” Dan Kennedy, and Direct Marketing Hall of Fame inductee Herschell Gordon Lewis.[10][11][12][13]
The executives began to develop programs designed to instruct others on how to create a self-sufficient, flexible career in writing.[5] Though the initial focus was on direct mail marketing, the company sought to highlight and expand on a growing number of opportunities for individuals to market their creative skills in a changing, technology-driven marketplace.[14][5][4]
The company developed a website, www.awaionline.com, where it publishes and promotes materials targeted toward freelance artists desiring to achieve an independent, solvent livelihood in their chosen fields.[4] AWAI is also present on a number of social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Stumble.[2][3]
Products
American Writers and Artists Inc. offers a range of direct-response instructional programs. AWAI’s flagship course is called the “Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting.”[15] In addition to its resources for general copywriters, the company also features courses in health, finance, business-to-business, and self-help niches, as well as web-writing, publishing, information marketing, graphic design, travel, and photography.[16]
Though some buyers lament the price point and heavy promotional feel of some AWAI materials, reception to the overall content of the courses among the copywriting community has been generally positive.[17][15][18][6][19] The company offers a 30-day guarantee for its materials, and currently carries an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau.[20][21]
Awards and recognition
- “Barefoot Writer” publication, recognized by Forbes.[22]
- Vatalyst.com, ProfitsHunter.com, DividendKings.com, California Business Journal: “The world’s leading/best/top publisher of direct-response copywriting, travel, photography and graphic design home-study programs.”[3][2][4][23]
External link
References
- ^
{{cite web}}: Empty citation (help) - ^ a b c "American Writers & Artists Inc. Assists Freelancers Beginning Careers". ProfitsHunter. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Avery Matthews (June 17, 2013). "American Writers & Artists Inc. Helps People Launch Freelance Writing Careers". Vatalyst. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Ian Innes (June 17, 2013). "Freelancers Establish Careers with American Writers & Artists Inc". Dividend Kings. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Susan Wright (June 25, 2013). "AWAI Co-Managing Partner Rebecca Matter Creates Opportunities for Freelance Writers". Investment Underground. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ a b "American Writers & Artists' Institute". Absolutewrite.com. July 7, 2005. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Why I Like the American Writers and Artists Institute Courses". Changing Course. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Clever copywriting gives student new ideas". CNN iReport. June 17, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "AWAI: American Writers and Artists Inc". Excessvoice.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Robert W. Bly". Amazon.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ Bob Bly (August 22, 2007). "Best and Worst Places Online to Learn Copywriting". bly.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Dan Kennedy Review". IM reportcard. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS - About This Author". bookish.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "American Writers & Artists Inc". LinkedIn. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ a b "AWAI Copywriting Course Review". clear-writing.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting". awaionline.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Complaint Review: American Writers & Artists Institute - Michael Masterson". Rip Off report. August 11, 2003. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Has anyone here taken the courses offered by AWAI?". Warrior Forum. May 17, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "AWAI's course". Indeed.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "Choose a Copywriting Course That Helps You Succeed". Copyblogger.com. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "American Writers & Artists, Inc". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ James Marshall Crotty (June 9, 2012). "5 Best Summer Jobs For College Students ... Deconstructed". Forbes. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
- ^ "American Writers and Artists Inc. Creates Opportunities for Freelance Writers". California Business Journal. June 17, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.