Using words to make connections

If you need the right words to really connect with an audience then perhaps we should be talking.

I am, essentially, a conduit. In Douglas Adams’ terms, a Babel Fish. I take on board what someone wants to convey, look at it from the perspective of the intended audiences, factor in the marketing channel… and then craft messages that will resonate and spark a positive reaction.

During a (long) career I’ve worked as a journalist, a PR and a marketer as well as (latterly) a freelance writer. I’ve edited national newspapers, written (and ghostwritten) books on everything from care and finance through to health and employment, interviewed international celebrities, penned hundreds of blogs, speeches and videos… and helped launch countless companies, products and services.

tony watts freelance copywriter

Over the years I’ve written on every topic imaginable for almost every conceivable audience, and in styles ranging from light and frothy through to technical and corporate. Nothing fazes me: give me a good brief and no-one will come up with copy that works harder to achieve your objectives.

The service I provide is personal and direct. I take the brief, apply a lifetime of professional experience and generate copy that really works.

But that’s quite enough for this page. Do browse through some of the others… and if you like what you read, get in touch.

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What I do

My 10 second elevator pitch: I’m a highly experienced communicator who has worked in the interconnecting disciplines of PR, journalism and marketing for many years. I’m based near Bristol but work for a host of regional, national and international clients.

The longer pitch is that, at the drop of a hat, I can generate copy on any topic, for any medium, in any style and for any audience, including:

Digital

Web content
Blogs
eDM campaigns
Social media campaigns

Copywriting

Marketing collateral
Technical case studies
Creative concepts
Ghostwriting / editing books
Speeches and presentations
Video scripts

Journalism

Freelance journalism
Feature writing
Press releases

And what do I charge…?

The words “sensible rates” spring to mind – especially as I write quickly, accurately and effectively. I also recognise that smaller enterprises and charities don’t have deep pockets and charge accordingly.

 

What my clients say

“I’ve always found Tony excellent to work with. He has interviewed and written pieces for me many times over the years and with his strong understanding of the business and property worlds is able to interpret and express my thoughts both clearly and powerfully. He is flexible and fast working and I recommend working with him.”
James Durie
Co-Chair Bristol Economy & Skills Board (Former Chief Executive Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative & Executive Director at Business West)

“Tony has a unique ability to distil large amounts of communication into concise and simple ideas. I have used him again and again and he has always delivered in all sectors and all mediums. He is especially good at getting to grips with large and often complex technical or governmental briefs. He is also a very nice gent!”
Jonathon Galvin Wright
Recruitment Hound, Bristol

“I have used Tony for all of my copywriting requirements for some years now, helping me to market my property portfolio across a wide range of platforms. He has a thorough grasp of the property, financial and business sectors, as well as a clear and very persuasive writing style. I would always recommend him.”
Michael Chittenden
Property Entrepreneur

“Tony is the copywriter of choice for technical and creative writing. He has deep knowledge of the over 50s and property markets, and a whole host of other sectors besides. He has always been on time on budget and on brief. I have no hesitation in recommending his services.”
Martyn Davies
Senior Graphic and Web Designer

“I have worked with Tony since 2000 on a variety of projects. His knowledge and expertise on a diverse range of subjects never ceases to amaze me. He approaches every project with genuine enthusiasm and brings fresh thinking to ensure great results. More than that he is a delightful person to work with – I cannot recommend him highly enough.”
Lucy Hagan
Co-Owner, Draycott Studio

Specialist areas of expertise

While I can make any topic interesting to any reader, I do have several specialist areas:

50+ sector

Many people will know my work in the 50+ market over the last 35 years. I was the founding editor of the UK’s first national newspaper for older people, I’ve written supplements on retirement issues in The Guardian and the two Telegraph titles, penned several books on retirement and care and co-authored a book on the Midlife Review. That makes me one of the most experienced writers in this huge (but often misunderstood) sector.

In a voluntary capacity, I have represented older people regionally and national for the last decade: I am the comms director of the English Age Network, co-founder of the new Age Action Alliance, act as Housing Champion for older people in the South West and sit on several national advisory groups… so I really do know this market.

Property and Inward Investment

I began freelancing for Property Week in 1997, and later for the Sunday Times, and I still work regularly for a range of commercial property businesses writing press releases, feature articles and websites. Each year I generate a definitive report on the Bristol property scene.

Equally I have regularly written for international national, regional and sub-regional development agencies on issues such as regeneration and inward investment.

Take a look at my blog: The Sticky Patch

 

About me

When I’m not typing immortal prose into my iMac, I enjoy cycling, blues music, politics and following the mixed fortunes of Bristol City FC.

Part of my life is set aside for campaigning and speaking up on behalf of older people. I’ve been involved in this sector for over 30 years, so it’s a personal as well as a professional passion and I act in a number of voluntary capacities. I was very proud to be appointed an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours List for ‘Services to Older People’.

I regularly get asked by the media to act as a spokesperson on ageing issues, so feel free to get in touch if you’d like some informed comment. Call me on 07738 167788.

Contact

Yes, he sounds good. I must get in touch with this chap, you’re thinking. You can call me direct on 07738 167788
Or email me using this form: Contact Me

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