The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting (now branded as "The AWAI Methodβ’") is American Writers & Artists Inc.'s flagship direct response copywriting course. We spent considerable time examining this comprehensive program, which spans over 700 pages of written material plus videos and downloadable resources.
The course takes a traditional approach to teaching direct response copywriting, covering everything from psychological triggers and headline formulas to long-form sales letter construction. The curriculum is divided into four main phases: Foundation (understanding persuasive writing), Structure (assembling sales letters), Market (applying skills to modern formats), and Launch (building a freelance business).
What struck us during our review was the sheer depth of coverage. Unlike many modern courses that focus on quick wins and social media copy, AWAI doubles down on classical direct response principles. You'll learn the Frank P. technique for conversational copy, how to identify your prospect's core emotion, and the art of crafting "Big Ideas" that drive campaigns.
The program includes access to AWAI's member forums, their "AWAI Answers" Q&A portal, and an exclusive Facebook community. Students also receive feedback opportunities on assignments from AWAI's team of experts (though we found this feature somewhat limited in practice).
One thing that became clear during our analysis: this isn't a course for casual learners. The material assumes you're serious about making copywriting a professional focus, with extensive sections on client management, project workflows, and building a sustainable freelance business. The 2024 update added modules on web copy and content marketing, addressing previous criticism about the course being too print-focused.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
moderate Moderate (5β10 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Make Money
After analyzing over 2,300 reviews and numerous forum discussions, we found sentiment splits sharply between those who appreciate the comprehensive foundation and those frustrated by aggressive marketing promises. Most students acknowledge the educational value while questioning the income claims.
"AWAI really does a nice job keeping one foot in the past and another in today's digital age." β Clear-Writing.com
"I do not recommend The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting, unless you enjoy writing long projects." β WritingIsASuperpower Blog
"It's not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it teaches strong fundamentals." β Amanda Copy
"If you can't sit down and write for hours, copywriting is not for you." β Sharon's Writing Lab
"The advertising promises more than the course delivers." β Reddit User
Reddit's r/copywriting community shows divided opinions. Experienced copywriters often dismiss AWAI as "old school," while beginners appreciate the structured learning path. Quora discussions frequently debate whether the course is worth the investment, with success stories typically coming from those who stuck with it for years, not months.
AWAI delivers solid copywriting education wrapped in questionable marketing. The course teaches legitimate skills, but the path to six figures is far longer and harder than their sales copy suggests.
The "six-figure copywriting" promise deserves scrutiny. Industry data shows entry-level copywriters typically earn $40,000-$60,000 annually. Six figures is achievable but usually requires 3-5 years of experience, a strong portfolio, and business development skills beyond what any single course provides. AWAI includes disclaimers, but they're overshadowed by the bold headlines.
The $497 price point has remained stable for several years, with occasional promotional discounts to $397. The installment option ($99/month) is relatively new.
AWAI operates on a classic "ascension model." After purchasing the foundational course, students face constant pitches for specialized training (health copywriting, financial copywriting, SEO copywriting), coaching programs, and live events. Some students report spending thousands on the full ecosystem.
Joshua Boswell, Mindy McHorse, and Ryan Levesque represent AWAI's marquee success stories. These individuals have indeed built successful careers, but they're exceptional cases who've often purchased multiple programs and invested years in skill development. We couldn't find independent data on average student outcomes.
The educational content appears solid, but the marketing creates problematic expectations. Success is possible but requires far more time, effort, and often money than the sales copy suggests.
AWAI uses a proprietary learning management system that feels dated compared to modern alternatives like Teachable or Thinkific. Navigation works adequately, but the user experience lacks polish. Video quality varies, with newer content looking professional while older modules show their age.
Lifetime access includes future updates, which is valuable. Most written materials download as PDFs, allowing offline study. However, the sheer volume of content (700+ pages) can feel overwhelming without better organization tools.
The platform technically works on mobile devices, but it's clearly designed for desktop use. PDFs don't reflow well on small screens, and navigation becomes cumbersome on phones.
Basic requirements include stable internet, modern browser, and PDF reader. No special software needed, though they recommend Microsoft Word for assignments.
For a Mid Ticket course, the platform meets minimum expectations but lacks the polish we'd hope to see from an organization that's been teaching since 1997. The lifetime access partially compensates for the dated interface.
The most persistent complaint we encountered involves AWAI's marketing tactics. Multiple users reported feeling misled by income promises, with some calling the "six-figure" claim borderline deceptive. However, we found no evidence of actual scamming, non-delivery of content, or refused refunds.
The 365-day guarantee appears legitimate based on our research. We found minimal complaints about refund denials, which is noteworthy given the aggressive marketing approach.
AWAI employs classic hard-sell direct response tactics (ironically, the same techniques they teach). Their sales pages feature countdown timers, income testimonials, and lifestyle imagery that can create unrealistic expectations. They do include legal disclaimers, but these are easy to miss.
Within AWAI's ecosystem, feedback tends toward the positive. Outside it, skepticism runs high, particularly among established copywriters who view AWAI as outdated or overhyped.
While the marketing raises eyebrows, the actual product delivery and guarantee policy check out. The main "red flag" is expectation management, not fraud.
At $497, the course delivers substantial educational content that would cost significantly more in a university setting. The 365-day guarantee essentially makes it risk-free to try. However, achieving the promised income levels requires additional investment in tools, further education, and countless hours of practice that aren't factored into the initial price.
The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting occupies an interesting space in the copywriting education landscape. After thorough analysis, we can confirm it's a legitimate course that teaches real skills, backed by a company that's been in business since 1997.
The comprehensive curriculum covers direct response copywriting more thoroughly than most competitors, and the 365-day guarantee removes financial risk. For someone seriously committed to learning traditional copywriting and building a freelance career, the course provides solid foundational knowledge.
However, we can't ignore the disconnect between marketing promises and realistic outcomes. The "six-figure" branding creates expectations that most students won't meet in their first year, or even their second. The relentless upselling can transform a $497 investment into thousands if you're not careful. And the focus on long-form direct response, while valuable, may not align with modern content marketing needs.
Our verdict? AWAI delivers legitimate copywriting education wrapped in hyperbolic marketing. If you can look past the income claims and focus on skill acquisition, you'll find valuable training here. Just enter with realistic expectations: this course can teach you to write persuasive copy, but transforming that skill into a six-figure income requires much more than any single course can provide.
At $497, the course delivers substantial educational content that would cost significantly more in a university setting. The 365-day guarantee essentially makes it risk-free to try. However, achieving the promised income levels requires additional investment in tools, further education, and countless hours of practice that aren't factored into the initial price.
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