Stephen Marsh
@stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
Mainly a freelance copywriter, sometimes writing about other stuff.
Pinned
Sharing everything I know about tone of voice – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Introducing the Tone of Voice Toolkit: your two-part guide to tone of voice that people actually use.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
My secret side-project: The Tone of Voice Toolkit, a two-part guide to uncovering an authentic tone of voice, then writing guidelines people actually use.
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
Performance isn't an extra.
If you're hiring a freelance copywriter, this is the stuff you should be getting as standard.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-yo...
If you're hiring a freelance copywriter, this is the stuff you should be getting as standard.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-yo...
What your freelance copywriter should be doing as standard – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Make sure you're not paying extra for what any freelance copywriter should be doing as normal. No-nonsense advice from a seasoned expert.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Performance isn't an extra.
If you're hiring a freelance copywriter, this is the stuff you should be getting as standard.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-yo...
If you're hiring a freelance copywriter, this is the stuff you should be getting as standard.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-yo...
In Happy Home Paradise, what you design doesn’t matter to the game or the animals that inhabit it. It matters to you.
See why: thebackblog.substack.com/p/animal-cro...
#animalcrossing
See why: thebackblog.substack.com/p/animal-cro...
#animalcrossing
Animal Crossing: designing homes for sycophants and weirdos
Escaping the rat race (no offence Rizzo) in Happy Home Paradise.
thebackblog.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:49 AM
In Happy Home Paradise, what you design doesn’t matter to the game or the animals that inhabit it. It matters to you.
See why: thebackblog.substack.com/p/animal-cro...
#animalcrossing
See why: thebackblog.substack.com/p/animal-cro...
#animalcrossing
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
/noclip's YouTube discovery has dropped off a cliff in 2025 so just gonna keep posting this as it's one of our most anticipated projects in years. Also we're really proud of it. Check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
The Making of Disco Elysium - Part One: Foundations
YouTube video by /noclip
www.youtube.com
November 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
/noclip's YouTube discovery has dropped off a cliff in 2025 so just gonna keep posting this as it's one of our most anticipated projects in years. Also we're really proud of it. Check it out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH6m...
Happy Home Paradise comes closer to Animal Crossing's promise of freedom.
open.substack.com/pub/thebackb...
open.substack.com/pub/thebackb...
Animal Crossing: designing homes for sycophants and weirdos
Escaping the rat race (no offence Rizzo) in Happy Home Paradise.
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Happy Home Paradise comes closer to Animal Crossing's promise of freedom.
open.substack.com/pub/thebackb...
open.substack.com/pub/thebackb...
I'm not good at clickbait.
Do you really need an agency for your tone of voice? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it's nuanced and not especially attention grabbing.
See why: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/do-you-...
Do you really need an agency for your tone of voice? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it's nuanced and not especially attention grabbing.
See why: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/do-you-...
Do you really need a tone of voice agency? – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Make a smart choice with this no-nonsense look at the pros and cons of a tone of voice agency vs a copywriter or just doing it yourself.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I'm not good at clickbait.
Do you really need an agency for your tone of voice? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it's nuanced and not especially attention grabbing.
See why: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/do-you-...
Do you really need an agency for your tone of voice? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, it's nuanced and not especially attention grabbing.
See why: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/do-you-...
I don't know what my favourite video game is. But I can tell you which ones had the biggest impact on my life.
thebackblog.substack.com/p/20-years-i...
thebackblog.substack.com/p/20-years-i...
20 years in, Guitar Hero was never about the plastic instruments
Tracing two decades of one of my life's most impactful games.
thebackblog.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:03 PM
I don't know what my favourite video game is. But I can tell you which ones had the biggest impact on my life.
thebackblog.substack.com/p/20-years-i...
thebackblog.substack.com/p/20-years-i...
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
Can we make it through Spike's Video Game Awards from 2003 hosted by David Spade without misogyny melting our souls?
Take the challenge by watching the New Show Overflow!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29K...
Take the challenge by watching the New Show Overflow!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29K...
November 3, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Can we make it through Spike's Video Game Awards from 2003 hosted by David Spade without misogyny melting our souls?
Take the challenge by watching the New Show Overflow!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29K...
Take the challenge by watching the New Show Overflow!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M29K...
AI in 'actually very on point' shocker.
Read my guide to finding a good freelance copywriter in 2025: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-... #copywriting #freelance
Read my guide to finding a good freelance copywriter in 2025: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-... #copywriting #freelance
October 28, 2025 at 10:49 AM
AI in 'actually very on point' shocker.
Read my guide to finding a good freelance copywriter in 2025: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-... #copywriting #freelance
Read my guide to finding a good freelance copywriter in 2025: stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-... #copywriting #freelance
One of my copywriting clients ruined a fortnight.
They only asked what I’d do to find a good freelance copywriter.
No way to know I’d think about it for two weeks, ask for input from 20+ copywriters and creatives, then write it all down.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-...
They only asked what I’d do to find a good freelance copywriter.
No way to know I’d think about it for two weeks, ask for input from 20+ copywriters and creatives, then write it all down.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-...
How to find the right freelance copywriter in 2025 – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Learn how to find and hire the right freelance copywriter with this expert-backed, step-by-step guide for brands, agencies, and marketers.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 11:56 AM
One of my copywriting clients ruined a fortnight.
They only asked what I’d do to find a good freelance copywriter.
No way to know I’d think about it for two weeks, ask for input from 20+ copywriters and creatives, then write it all down.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-...
They only asked what I’d do to find a good freelance copywriter.
No way to know I’d think about it for two weeks, ask for input from 20+ copywriters and creatives, then write it all down.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/find-a-...
My secret side-project: The Tone of Voice Toolkit, a two-part guide to uncovering an authentic tone of voice, then writing guidelines people actually use.
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
Sharing everything I know about tone of voice – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Introducing the Tone of Voice Toolkit: your two-part guide to tone of voice that people actually use.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
My secret side-project: The Tone of Voice Toolkit, a two-part guide to uncovering an authentic tone of voice, then writing guidelines people actually use.
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
If that sounds like something you'll find useful, sign up for updates - it's almost ready.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/sharing...
How can it be 'Become a freelance copywriter with no experience' when the first step is always 'Do whatever you can to get some experience' though?
September 17, 2025 at 10:23 AM
How can it be 'Become a freelance copywriter with no experience' when the first step is always 'Do whatever you can to get some experience' though?
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
My book, Super Nintendo: How One Japanese Company Helped the World Have Fun, is out next February! It is a lively cultural history of the world's most beloved video game company, drawing from 20 years' worth of reporting and interviews. Pre-order here: linktr.ee/super_nintendo
September 3, 2025 at 1:05 PM
My book, Super Nintendo: How One Japanese Company Helped the World Have Fun, is out next February! It is a lively cultural history of the world's most beloved video game company, drawing from 20 years' worth of reporting and interviews. Pre-order here: linktr.ee/super_nintendo
A little post about copywriting, bad briefs, and the power of cutting your losses and just getting on with an inevitably wrong first draft.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/fast-dr...
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/fast-dr...
Why fast first drafts are the answer to bad briefs – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
I'm being deadly serious: it'd be quicker to write it twice than try to elicit a good copywriting brief from you.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
August 27, 2025 at 10:22 AM
A little post about copywriting, bad briefs, and the power of cutting your losses and just getting on with an inevitably wrong first draft.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/fast-dr...
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/fast-dr...
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
The Season Two Premiere of Pew Pew Bang is live! The gang builds their summer bucket list and carefully picks what they should shame each other for. Watch now on YouTube: youtu.be/suv1S3U1lnI
August 4, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The Season Two Premiere of Pew Pew Bang is live! The gang builds their summer bucket list and carefully picks what they should shame each other for. Watch now on YouTube: youtu.be/suv1S3U1lnI
Good copywriting isn't about writing, anyone can do that.
It's about this other thing:
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-gr...
It's about this other thing:
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-gr...
What great copywriting is really about (it's not writing) – Stephen Marsh Copywriter
Anyone can write. Everyone does write. If you're a copywriter, that's not really what the job is.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
July 7, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Good copywriting isn't about writing, anyone can do that.
It's about this other thing:
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-gr...
It's about this other thing:
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/what-gr...
Ruined my own day by allowing myself to think of the phrase 'Depeche Mode Eras Tour', a concept that is too cool to ever occur in this reality.
a man wearing a crown is sitting in a chair with the words " words are very unnecessary they can only do harm "
ALT: a man wearing a crown is sitting in a chair with the words " words are very unnecessary they can only do harm "
media.tenor.com
May 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Ruined my own day by allowing myself to think of the phrase 'Depeche Mode Eras Tour', a concept that is too cool to ever occur in this reality.
Another day, another inoccuous @michaelhobbes.bsky.social video game reference cc: @simonparkin.bsky.social
April 28, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Another day, another inoccuous @michaelhobbes.bsky.social video game reference cc: @simonparkin.bsky.social
Back on my ace attorney bullshit
March 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Back on my ace attorney bullshit
The tone of voice book's almost done. The single most important takeaway:
‘We use informal, human language’ is a bit too generic, because it should probably apply to most brands. ‘We use slang like riz skibbidy toilet’ is specific and definitely worth mentioning!'
‘We use informal, human language’ is a bit too generic, because it should probably apply to most brands. ‘We use slang like riz skibbidy toilet’ is specific and definitely worth mentioning!'
February 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The tone of voice book's almost done. The single most important takeaway:
‘We use informal, human language’ is a bit too generic, because it should probably apply to most brands. ‘We use slang like riz skibbidy toilet’ is specific and definitely worth mentioning!'
‘We use informal, human language’ is a bit too generic, because it should probably apply to most brands. ‘We use slang like riz skibbidy toilet’ is specific and definitely worth mentioning!'
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
new video!!!!!! if you like me putting months of earnest commitment into stupid ideas: unhinge that jaw and get ready to EAT!! www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVRm...
The Rotten Heart of Warren Buffett’s Kids Cartoon
YouTube video by Leo Vader
www.youtube.com
February 20, 2025 at 10:03 PM
new video!!!!!! if you like me putting months of earnest commitment into stupid ideas: unhinge that jaw and get ready to EAT!! www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVRm...
RIP to this book about tone of voice if I don't finish writing it before Monster Hunter comes out.
February 18, 2025 at 11:49 AM
RIP to this book about tone of voice if I don't finish writing it before Monster Hunter comes out.
Reposted by Stephen Marsh
Many freelancers shy away from money talks. It makes them uncomfortable. Yet, money talks are critical for business.
Have a look at this excerpt from my book How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. Does that help?
Have a look at this excerpt from my book How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. Does that help?
February 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Many freelancers shy away from money talks. It makes them uncomfortable. Yet, money talks are critical for business.
Have a look at this excerpt from my book How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. Does that help?
Have a look at this excerpt from my book How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. Does that help?
From my pre-Bluesky era: making the way you act match the way you speak
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/tone-of...
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/tone-of...
Tone of voice is what you do, not just what you say
Why tone of voice must work alongside the bigger picture: from UX and design to how you actually work with your customers.
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk
February 12, 2025 at 10:46 AM
From my pre-Bluesky era: making the way you act match the way you speak
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/tone-of...
stephenmarshcopywriter.co.uk/blog/tone-of...
Just realising that CBD ruined things for Central Business Districts
a close up of a man 's face with a tear running down his eye .
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with a tear running down his eye .
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Just realising that CBD ruined things for Central Business Districts