Meet Sara Rosinsky | Autonomous Copywriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Rosinsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I don’t know whether it qualifies as conventional advice, but I loathe that line of Yoda’s: “Do or do not. There is no try.” First of all, there absolutely is “try.” That’s why the word exists—to describe all the trying that goes on in the world. Second, Yoda’s line is just a cruel setup for self-loathing. The reality is, you can desire something with all your heart, you can work toward it with all your might, and your precise dream might not come true. So what? Learn from your endeavors, rethink your situation, and move forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Shiny Red Copy is my one-woman copywriting shop. While seemingly every business expert these days insists that “scaling up” is the only way to go, I continue to say “No, thank you” and intentionally remain a happy solopreneur. I relish the independence and flexibility of my work life. And beyond my copywriting work, I’m having a great time learning various design programs and using them in my business.

When I was fresh out of college, I landed my first job in an advertising agency by posting signs in Boston’s Back Bay announcing I was available for hire. Lucky for me, that agency was a wonderful place to work and I learned a lot about the ad business during my many years there. I then went on to become a senior copywriter at Publix Super Markets in Florida for a long stretch. In 2016, I fired up Shiny Red Copy, and I plan to keep it going for the rest of my days.

Because I love writing and language so much, I like to create little lessons about grammar, spelling, and wordcraft and share them on social media. A few years ago, I compiled many of them into a book called Unflubbify Your Writing: Bite-Sized Lessons to Improve Your Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar.

When I’m lucky, I get to speak to audiences about copywriting, advertising, marketing, and language. When I’m extra lucky, I get to travel in order to do so.

“Do what you love,” goes the adage, “and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s not quite right. You’ll work, and you’ll work hard, but you’ll find the work engaging, educational, entertaining, and gratifying.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live up in Longmont, so I’d definitely want to go for a nice scenic walk at Pella Crossing in Hygiene and visit the terrific shop there called Low Rider. I’d also want to take the lovely stroll from my house to downtown Longmont, which is jam-packed with fabulous stores and restaurants. Some of my favorite spots are Wolf & Wren, Cheese Importers, and the Tilted Brick. Ooh, and we’d have to pop into Pharaoh’s to shoot some pool!

Denver has countless worthy destinations, of course—the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science—so we might need to head down there. But I’d also want to head north to Fort Collins, which I love. I’d probably spend the afternoon exploring the town and then catch a show at the Comedy Fort, which is a truly grade-A comedy club.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In a previous Shoutout article, I highlighted my mentor Stan Bornstein, who generously taught me copywriting when I worked at his (and his partners’) ad agency, DiBona, Bornstein & Random. There are many others in my pantheon of helpers, though: my parents, who encouraged me incessantly; my many elder siblings, who served as role models; my cadre of college friends, who have provided boundless emotional support and kept me laughing; and my longtime husband, Bob, who gives me comfort, pep talks, and solid advice.

Website: https://www.shinyredcopy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sararosinsky/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararosinsky/

Twitter: https://x.com/SaraRosinsky

Other: https://bsky.app/profile/sararosinsky.bsky.social https://www.threads.com/@sararosinsky

Image Credits
Bob Rosinsky