A Writing Venture: Providing copy writing services to startups

 

A Writing Venture is a Delhi based startup founded by Ambika Arvindd.

 

Every organization, from a well-established company to a startup, is looking for well-written, error-free, and quality content. We provide copy writing and ghostwriting services to stakeholders ranging from startups and small ventures to NGOs and corporate organizations. Apart from this, we also undertake short-term assignments or one-time content work from various clients on a regular basis. At A Writing Venture, we address this very requirement and ensure that those who approach us for getting any kind of content get only the best, says Ambika.

 

We got an opportunity to catch up with Ambika, the founder of  A Writing Venture. Read their full story.

 

 

Give a brief info about your startup?

A Writing Venture (AWV), as the name says, is all about the written word. Every organization, from a well-established company to a startup, is looking for well-written, error-free, and quality content. We provide copy writing and ghostwriting services to stakeholders ranging from startups and small ventures to NGOs and corporate organizations. Apart from this, we also undertake short-term assignments or one-time content work from various clients on a regular basis. From well-researched white papers to a simple pointers-based blog, AWV works across varied subject areas. We also cater to PR agencies, giving them just the kind of content required to represent a brand. We have also recently started undertaking graphic designing assignments depending upon requirement. However, our primary focus continues to be content. With AWV, the client can be assured of a clean, checked, and proofread copy.

 

 

What made you start your startup and what problem does it solve?

I had been working as a freelance copy editor and writer with individuals and organizations. It was during this time that I realized how there was a need for good quality and creative content everywhere – as they say, content is king! Quality content is extremely crucial for any brand and its image. At A Writing Venture, we address this very requirement and ensure that those who approach us for getting any kind of content get only the best.

 

 

Tell us about yourself, your previous jobs/ventures? What were you doing before this startup?

It was a financial situation in the family that led me to even start working! I used to work and study at the same time, starting off as an assistant to an aviation lawyer for copy editing an aviation-related newsletter. In 2005, I joined The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), an environment and sustainable development thinktank as a junior copy editor. It was here that I really learnt the ropes having dabbled in everything from copy editing to event management. TERI shaped me into what I am today and taught me how to multitask. I quit in 2009 after the birth of my first son but I was freelancing all along. In 2013, I joined a Pondicherry-based venture called WordXperts but left in 2014 again to take care of my second born. It was around this time that the idea of starting something of my own in this field came up – and my better half egged me on to make this vision a reality. The fact that startups were mushrooming in India also added fuel to the fire. I began AWV in 2016 as a one-woman-army and here I am 2 years later with a team that has been an integral part of my efforts.

 

 

Where is your startup based out of? Why do you think that is the best place for you?

AWV currently operates out of a co-working space called 91 Springboard in Okhla, New Delhi. I could not have asked for a better set up or workspace than this given the proximity to my home, the facilities they provide, and the buzzing environment. From workshops and networking opportunities to amazing co-workers, it has everything under one roof.

 

 

As a startup founder, what are you paranoid about? What keeps you awake at night?

There are several things that a founder needs to worry about. I feel it is a part and parcel of starting and carrying forward a venture to newer heights. However, if I were to highlight one thing, it would have to be the fact that the content industry is a volatile one. The biggest challenge is attracting people to work as writers since many feel it may not be a viable or sustainable career path. I constantly try to figure out how I can try and motivate younger and budding writers to enjoy what they do. Doing content can become a repetitive task given that one needs to sit and read and write at a stretch sometimes. However, for those who love to research on new topics and put their thoughts on paper articulately, it can be extremely interesting and fulfilling. As writers, we carry the responsibility of being the interface between the reader and the stakeholders.

 

 

Who are your competitions and how are you better than them?

There are several ventures dabbling in content and writing. As I mentioned earlier, content is king, especially in today’s scenario where everything from a reaction quote to a thought-leadership piece is being outsourced. I am not sure if I wish to use the term ‘better’ but ‘different’ and ‘niche’ is how I would like to describe our work at AWV.

 

 

How hard is it to have a work life balance as a startup founder and how do you manage it?

Life is always about balancing several things and as a woman founder, the going sometimes gets tougher than usual. From waking up and sending my kids to school in the morning to finishing work late night, the day passes by like a whirlwind. However, I have no complaints and perhaps would not have it any other way – except perhaps adding a couple of hours more to my day! I have been fortunate to have a supportive family and the two packets of energy in my life – my sons – keep me grounded. There are times when it does get a little overwhelming but at the end of the day, it is all worth the effort.

 

 

Have you raised funding? If yes, then we would like to know the details. If no, then please tell us if you are looking to raise.

AWV is bootstrapped currently. I am definitely looking at raising funding but perhaps after giving the venture another year to expand well. We recently received our first branding opportunity as the official content partners for the 25^th Perfect Health Mela 2018. It is an event that combines health education with entertainment and receives a footfall of over a lakh every year.

 

 

What’s the biggest misconception people have about you? Why do they have that? What’s the reality?

People feel I am unapproachable sometimes. It may be due to the fact that I come across as very serious because I usually like to be on my own and go about my work. I do not attend many social gatherings or stay back late in the office to socialize or even eat out much for that matter. The reality is that I like to be around people and I am quite friendly by nature; a happy person mostly. However, my way of showing this is very different. I like to call myself an old-schooler in more ways than one and therefore, I like to prioritize things very differently.

 

 

What gets you excited about this company?

The very fact that I am getting to follow my passion is exciting enough. The desire to grow and make this one of the top content services providing companies in the country is what keeps me motivated. We may be a small entity today, but we are growing fast. I hope to sustain this growth and ensure that the three tenets we stand by – creativity, quality, and clarity – are upheld forever.

 

 

Tell us how a day in your life looks like? Your schedule for a day right from the time you get up till you hit the bed at night.

My day is packed right from the word ‘go’ – especially after I began AWV. It starts at 5 am every day and goes on till 1 am on some days. We live in a joint family and therefore the dynamics are very different. From making tea for everyone in the morning to cooking dinner at night, we do most things ourselves – but with a lot of enjoyment and love. I reach office by 10 after the younger one goes to school and I am back by 4 pm in time to wake him up and receive the older one from the bus stop. Given that I am an entrepreneur, every available moment is dedicated to my work. Music gives me the much-needed respite and is the biggest stress reliever as both I and my husband are Carnatic musicians.

 

 

Tell us about your team and how did you meet each other?

I have one full-time writer in Delhi and the other two are freelancers based outside the city. The freelancers were introduced through friends and family and the writer in Delhi was hired through reference. I will be adding two more full-time members in early 2019 and hope to expand further by the end of the same year. All three are very capable writers and professionals and can work on diverse subjects. As with every company, my team is my pillar of strength.

 

 

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