"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an average person in possession of a standard education, must be a good writer."

I hope Jane Austen will forgive me for massacring her famous first line of Pride and Prejudice, but I feel like this statement summarizes the way most of the people I've met feel about writers. They think that since they can text, write emails or send correspondence in their daily lives, than they must be able to write proficiently, too.

I've often encountered this attitude in my career as a copywriter. Most people don't presume to believe they can design a stellar website or use photo editing software to create a compelling ad, but they seem to think that copy isn't all that hard to create. It's just a bunch of words, right? Sigh.

I've been in this industry for a long time . . . longer than (I hope) my face tells. I've spent years honing my craft and learning from people who were more talented and knowledgeable than I. I've read countless articles from other writers, followed blogs, reviewed examples of both good and bad campaigns, and studied hard to improve my craft. Especially as it relates to fundraising for nonprofit clients.

Yes, there are basic tenets of persuasive copywriting I follow. A "formula," if you will. But knowing the basics of how to do something and actually doing it well are two different things.

I love the challenge of creating a new campaign to raise money for a worthy cause, or even applying my brainpower to an existing work to see how I can make it better. I love seeing my work once it's sent out into the universe — maybe an email or billboard or commercial. But what I really love is seeing the results of the work I've collaborated upon. Knowing that it was favorably received and — gasp! — actually did what it was supposed to do and raised money.

Don't be confused by my satisfaction with a job well done as ego. No, what thrills me most is knowing that every dollar I helped raise can change a life. That people I have never met, in places I will never visit, will have a better future because of something I created.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is why I do what I do. And it's why I am so passionate about partnering with nonprofit organizations as a copywriter. Because I've worked hard to get to where I am in my field, and I want to use that knowledge for good. I want my skills to mean something. I want to help as many people as I can while I'm here on this earth.

Now I know I'll never achieve the fame and recognition of Jane Austen — especially since my work is usually signed by someone else and only a handful of people know that I actually wrote it — but I hope my words will touch people just as deeply. That while they'll never remember the exact wording of a letter or an email they responded to, they will remember the feeling of contributing to something bigger than themselves. That they will feel like a valued part of this community we call humankind, and be excited to do something on their part to help others.

We are put on this earth for a reason. It's up to all of us to discover our individual talents and strengths — whatever they may be — and use them to make the world a better place.

And that, is a truth universally acknowledged.