Nicole Best
Nicole Best
Copywriter / Editor / Author
Los Angeles, CA
www.nicolebest.co
instagram @nikkiibest
instagram @haikantwithyou
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a freelance copywriter, blog contributor and published author based in Los Angeles. I specialize in brand identity, product, web and email copy. I dabble in social media as well!”
I'm a freelance copywriter, editor and author based in Los Angeles. I specialize in copy exploration, foundation and application for brands/agencies and am a blog contributor/author as well.
I've written two books of poetry on modern dating culture: Haikantwithyou and Haikantwith(out)you. You can find the list of stores they retail at here.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Let's just say, no path ever comes easy. I started my career at a creative agency now known as Another. I worked there for three and a half years learning from one of the best mentors about networking, relationships, work ethic and skill set. Since then, I've honed my skills and had my writing published both in print and digitally, I've written a sketch comedy show for the Upright Citizens Brigade, I've managed copywriting campaigns for entertainment brands and I've written two books that retail nationally.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I'm very quick on my feet, so to speak. I can work within a super tight deadline and don't need too much lead time to get right in the weeds with you.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I'm working on a contribution for a new quarterly publication called SOFT, whose first issue will be coming out this Fall. I've been working with YUNGBLD for a few years now on brand identity projects for a range of their clients, from skincare to loungewear brands. I most recently kicked off a copy exploration and brand refresh for a new digital agency, Social Base and just wrapped up a website copywriting project for a newly launching skincare brand, Kiramoon.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My writing style for blogs/publications is very colloquial and conversational. I like being able to write in a way that feels like you're speaking to someone. This differs from my style of writing for agencies and brands. I do lean into a more cheekier lens when it comes to my brand writing, but I maintain the ability to really refine my voice based on what the client is looking to develop or a direction we've aligned on pursuing.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Book distribution! Currently working to get it into Urban Outfitters, and other large retailers throughout the US. Also, engagement for my book's Instagram account to consistently keep growing it's audience.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Maintenance of my book distribution / instagram account for the book. Mostly because I just don't have the time to be as granular with it as I want to be.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Help with book distribution! Calling book stores, delivering books for re-orders, etc.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
To not let anyone instill doubt in you. People will tell you everyday that you can’t do something or that it’s risky but you shouldn’t listen to them. Also, to just start. Starting is always the hardest part; but it's the ammunition you need to really bring any idea/passion/creation into fruition.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How to find a literary agent. Most specifically figuring out how to find one interested in my material. There are so many things that need to happen and so many ways they can happen when it comes to the world of publishing. I just need a finger that will point me in the right direction! If only...
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Would love longer-term copywriting projects. For example, getting a brand on board with your voice and vision and then implementing that voice every step of the way - through social, web, email, etc. I would also love to work more with digital publications - whether that's editing other writers' work or contributing work of my own.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Ideal job or collaboration would be working with someone at New York Magazine to publish a column that ties my books in some way. Whether it's a weekly column about modern romance or I send them exclusive haikus based on different verticals of their multitude of columns, I would love to marry content in my book with a publication.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Hourly rate starts at $65/hour.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at best.nicole12@gmail.com.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I keep learning and working with new people. I go on the Internet. I read articles about anything and everything. It's time to learn and unlearn. And that's what I'm doing.
This member profile was originally published in May 2017, Updated August 2020.