Six-Figure Copywriting
Review

AWAI's Flagship Direct Response Copywriting Training, Comprehensive but Heavy on the Hype

Medium
  • Last updated 14/06/2025
by American Writers & Artists Inc

What you'll learn ? Overview

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.

Show More

Is this course for you?

πŸ‘‰

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

πŸ‘‰

Time commitment

moderate Moderate (5–10 Hours/Week)

πŸ‘‰

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

πŸ‘‰

Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Aspiring freelance copywriters committed to learning traditional direct response techniques, individuals with strong self-discipline who can handle information-heavy courses, career changers willing to invest months (not weeks) in skill development before seeing income

Instructor

American Writers & Artists Inc

Leading Copywriting Training Provider Legitimacy Score: 9/10
American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) is a prominent organization specializing in copywriting and direct-response marketing education. Founded in 1997, AWAI has established itself as a trusted resource for aspiring and professional copywriters. The company offers a wide range of training programs, courses, and resources designed to help individuals develop their writing skills and build successful careers in copywriting and related fields.
With over 25 years in the industry, AWAI has trained thousands of writers and helped them launch successful careers. The organization has developed a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of copywriting, from fundamentals to advanced techniques. AWAI's flagship program, 'The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting,' has been a cornerstone of their offerings since inception.
β€’ Developed the industry-standard 'The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting'
β€’ Established DirectResponseJobs.com, connecting AWAI-trained copywriters with potential clients
β€’ Created a vast library of specialized copywriting programs covering niches like B2B, financial, and health markets
β€’ Launched the annual Bootcamp and Job Fair event, a major networking opportunity for copywriters
β€’ Published numerous books and resources on copywriting and freelance writing careers
β€’ Annual AWAI Bootcamp and Job Fair, featuring industry experts and networking opportunities
β€’ Virtual Copywriting Summits, offering online training and expert presentations
β€’ Webinars and online workshops throughout the year on various copywriting topics
β€’ Participation in direct marketing industry conferences and events
AWAI maintains a robust online presence across multiple platforms. They regularly publish blog posts, articles, and free resources on their website. The organization is active on social media, sharing copywriting tips, success stories, and industry insights. AWAI also produces podcasts and video content, further expanding their digital footprint in the copywriting education space.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration90
  • πŸ“Ά DifficultyMedium
  • βŒ› Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None stated, designed for complete beginners


πŸ’» Requirements

Computer with internet access, word processing software


πŸ’Έ Hidden Costs

Expect aggressive upselling for specialized courses ($297-$997 each), live events ($2,000+), and membership programs ($49/month)


πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ Support Options

Member forums, AWAI Answers Q&A portal, Facebook community, email/phone support for technical issues

Course content

  • Module 1: The Foundation – Understanding Core Concepts of Persuasive Writing (prospect psychology, conversational copy techniques, emotional triggers)
  • Module 2: Headlines That Work (formulas, power words, testing methods)
  • Module 3: Leads and Opening Strategies (story leads, problem/solution, direct benefit)
  • Module 4: Building Your Sales Argument (features vs. benefits, proof elements, testimonial integration)
  • Module 5: The Structure of Direct Response Sales Copy (AIDA formula, long-form letter construction)
  • Module 6: Crafting Irresistible Offers (risk reversal, bonuses, urgency tactics)
  • Module 7: Writing for Digital Channels (web pages, email sequences, landing pages)
  • Module 8: B2B Copywriting Fundamentals (white papers, case studies, LinkedIn strategies)
  • Module 9: Finding and Landing Clients (portfolio building, cold outreach, pricing strategies)
  • Module 10: Building Your Six-Figure Business (time management, project workflows, scaling techniques)

Show More

Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

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.

Praised points

  • Thorough grounding in direct response fundamentals that many competitors skip
  • Exceptionally generous 365-day money-back guarantee that's actually honored
  • Active community support through forums and Facebook groups

Criticisms

  • Relentless upselling for additional courses and memberships post-purchase
  • Six-figure income claims feel misleading for beginners starting from scratch
  • Focus on long-form copy may not align with modern content needs

Testimonials

"AWAI really does a nice job keeping one foot in the past and another in today's digital age." – Clear-Writing.com

"I do not recommend The Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting, unless you enjoy writing long projects." – WritingIsASuperpower Blog

"It's not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it teaches strong fundamentals." – Amanda Copy

"If you can't sit down and write for hours, copywriting is not for you." – Sharon's Writing Lab

"The advertising promises more than the course delivers." – Reddit User

Social insights

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.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

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.

Price History

The $497 price point has remained stable for several years, with occasional promotional discounts to $397. The installment option ($99/month) is relatively new.

Upsell Practices

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.

Student Success

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.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

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.

Content Accessibility

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.

Mobile Compatibility

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.

Technical Requirements

Basic requirements include stable internet, modern browser, and PDF reader. No special software needed, though they recommend Microsoft Word for assignments.

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

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.

😬

Refund policy issues

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.

😬

Marketing practices

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.

😬

Community feedback

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.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

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.

Conclusion

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.

FAQs about this course

Yes, AWAI honors their 365-day satisfaction guarantee based on numerous user reports and our research. This essentially makes the course risk-free to try.

Most copywriters need 3-5 years of consistent work to reach six figures. Entry-level earnings typically range from $40,000-$60,000. The course provides skills, but income depends on your business development efforts.

The base course is $497, but AWAI markets numerous add-ons. Some students report spending $2,000-$5,000 on additional courses, coaching, and events over time.

The core principles remain relevant, but the heavy focus on long-form sales letters feels dated. The 2024 update added web and content modules, but digital-first copywriters might find better options elsewhere.

The course features insights from established copywriters like Clayton Makepeace and Bob Bly, not just AWAI staff. This adds credibility to the instruction.

AWAI advertises assignment feedback from experts, but in practice, this appears limited. Don't expect extensive one-on-one coaching at this price point.

The course provides structured, comprehensive training you won't find pieced together on YouTube. Whether that's worth $497 depends on your learning style and commitment level.

Review statistics

No reviews yet for this course. Be the first to leave a review!

Six-Figure Copywriting screenshot
Six-Figure Copywriting Review
$ 497
Total score: 7,0/10 ⭐
  • Duration90
  • DifficultyMedium
  • Release Date01/2024
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options Installments
  • LanguageEnglish
Show More

Our Methodology

At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.

Our Rating System

Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.

Our Process

For each review, we analyze all available online data to assess the course thoroughly. Our evaluation considers the quality of the content, the instructor's background, the marketing strategy, public perception, and authentic reviews from actual members, giving you a complete and balanced perspective.

Are You a Course Creator?

If you're the creator of a course we've reviewed and believe there are any inaccuracies or outdated information in our review, we want to hear from you.

How We Ensure Quality

Thorough Testing:

We implement strategies from the courses to validate their effectiveness.

Long-term Monitoring:

We track course updates and community development over time.

Six-Figure Copywriting Review