- The Copywriter's Coach
- Posts
- why good copywriters are saying "no" to upfront payments
why good copywriters are saying "no" to upfront payments
and going from $100 per email to $1000s per email
Is your social strategy ready for what's next in 2025?
HubSpot Media's latest Social Playbook reveals what's actually working for over 1,000 global marketing leaders across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.
Inside this comprehensive report, you’ll discover:
Which platforms are delivering the highest ROI in 2025
Content formats driving the most engagement across industries
How AI is transforming social content creation and analytics
Tactical recommendations you can implement immediately
Unlock the playbook—free when you subscribe to the Masters in Marketing newsletter.
Get cutting-edge insights, twice a week, from the marketing leaders shaping the future.

Times they are a-changin’...
Jason here.
Something weird is happening in the copywriting world these days.
The best writers are starting to REFUSE upfront payments.
(And no, they haven't lost their marbles.)
Actually... they finally came to their senses.
See, most copywriters are happy getting their little $200 per email...
Their measly $2k-5k per sales page...
Maybe even a whole $5k for a launch sequence.
(If they're feeling spicy.)
And if you’re worried about keeping the lights on…
I totally get it.
“Money NOW” feels safe.
It's like ordering chicken fingers at a fancy restaurant...
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed when I ordered them.
They're safe… Predictable... You know exactly what you're getting.
But nobody ever built generational wealth ordering chicken fingers.
That's why the rebels I know are shifting to a completely different model:
They're demanding 30-50% of the revenue.
For as long as their copy makes sales.
I know what you're thinking...
"Jason, that sounds nice... but who in the Sam Hills of Wisconsin would agree to that?"
More people than you'd expect.
Because smart business owners know something that most copywriters ignore:
Percentage deals are actually LESS risky for the client.
Think about it...
When you charge $200 per email...
The client has to pay you whether it works or not.
But when you take 30%...
You only get paid when THEY get paid.
Their success = Your success.
It's like finally getting to see the secret menu everyone else has been ordering from.
And the numbers are ridiculous...
While most copywriters celebrate their $3k retainers...
The ones thinking outside the box are making many times that.
From a handful of simple emails and a Google doc.
And…
It's not even about being a better writer.
It's about understanding a simple truth.
Getting clients is HARD.
But getting partners is actually pretty simple.
So...
That’s why I'm gonna show you the kitchen.
Travis created what he calls the Phoneless Sales Machine.
It's basically a "partner buffet" that never runs dry.
He used to charge $6k just for this system.
Now it's included in Ronin.
(He’s either crazy or crazy generous for doing it.)
If you’re crazy enough to join us?
Just shoot me a message on the inside and I’ll get ya pointed on how to get started.
In Your Corner,
Jason
P.S. You know what's wacky about rev-share deals?
They actually SAVE clients money when copy doesn't convert.
But make you way MORE money when it does.
It's like having your chicken fingers... and eating steak too.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist one more chicken finger joke.)
P.P.S. Seriously though... stop accepting flat fees.
You're basically leaving stacks of cash on the table.
While others are feasting at the chef's table.
Reply