Why I’m Proud To Play for Team Comma
Recently, a writer reached out to me through LinkedIn. She happened upon my profile and was impressed with my experience as a lead writer for Comma Copywriters, and wanted to know more. She said, “They seem pretty awesome.”
After nearly four years of a very fruitful and fulfilling relationship with Comma, I can say without doubt or hesitation that yes, Comma Copywriters is indeed pretty awesome. And there are many reasons I say that. But first, let’s step into the wayback machine to 2021, the year I discovered Comma Copywriters.
Discovering Comma Copywriters
In early 2021, I quit my job as a copywriter and content manager at the world’s worst startup to go freelance, and I was looking to build my business. One day, I spotted a LinkedIn post from Comma Copywriters, looking for writers.
I reached out and quickly got a response from Comma Founder and CEO Crystalee Beck, offering a preliminary “meet-and-greet” interview. Seems they were just as interested in me as I was in them. A few days later, I met with Crystalee and Sarah Acheson, the director of client success and operations, where I learned about all things Comma.
I discovered a creative culture that values teamwork, professionalism, and accountability. They spoke proudly of a company built on strong values that invests in a “life-first” philosophy that values people over profits.
And, as exemplified by their “Comma Cares” program, they give back, donating part of their annual profits to organizations that support literacy and education for kids and adults.
All great stuff, but what really piqued my interest was Comma’s emphasis on content excellence, what Crystalee calls “fluff-free content that works.” As a writer herself, she champions an environment where respected, supported writers create impactful content that truly connects with clients and readers.
Count me in! As a writer obsessed with the power of words, I wanted to be part of that.
Long story short, I received a writing test, which was well-received, and I was invited to join the team. Assignments quickly followed, and almost immediately, it became apparent that Comma Copywriters was not just another gig, not just another content house churning out copy in pursuit of a buck. They were something different, something special.
All of the values discussed in my initial interview soon became glowingly apparent. Here are some that I appreciate the most.
An Environment That Nurtures and Respects Writers’ Talents
Comma Copywriters prides itself on being a collection of “word nerds” all working toward the same simple goal: excellent content written by excellent writers. The power of words drives every one of us, and Comma gives us all the opportunity to be the best writers we can be.
We are given the chance to take on a variety of content types (blog posts, white papers, case studies) for companies in various industries, which offers the opportunity to grow and be challenged continually. We attend and contribute to client meetings where we are treated like valuable members of the Comma team. And we work with clients who align with Comma’s values and commitment to excellence.
I come from a background writing marketing collateral for corporate giants, where writers are minor cogs in a massive machine whose work often goes unappreciated. And that’s why being a part of an organization that supports, nurtures, and most importantly, respects writing talent is important to me.
Endless Opportunities for Writers to Learn and Grow
One of the best things about writing for Comma is the endless chance to learn new things and keep my mind challenged and constantly engaged, where research is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
In my time with Comma, I’ve been lucky to have written extensively across a broad array of industries, from deep tech and digital procurement to grocery retail strategy, cybersecurity, e-commerce, online marketing, and beyond.
You just don’t get that broad range of expertise when writing in-house for a company, where you generally write about one thing and one thing only. It also means you rarely get bored … there’s always something new to learn and write about!
Writing for multiple brands also means writing in a range of varying tones and voices — some polished and professional, others more relaxed and conversational. This variety keeps me flexible, challenges my creativity, and sharpens my skills, helping me grow with each assignment while avoiding the rut of using the same tone or style for every project.
An Organization That Puts People First
The Comma culture is built on a positive “life-first” culture that recognizes us as people and not hacks in a content machine. We structure work around life, not vice versa. Monthly capacity surveys let us share how much we can take on, helping us prioritize what matters — family, health, professional or personal projects, or rest — without any pressure to overcommit.
I love to travel, and I usually take two international trips a year, lasting 12 to 14 days. Being able to structure a work schedule that allows for time off is a blessing for someone like me who values maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I don’t know of many organizations that truly walk the walk when it comes to valuing the well-being of their writers.
As a bonus, twice a year, Comma pauses all work for an entire week during the summer and the December holidays, giving writers a well-deserved break to relax, recharge, and come back feeling refreshed and ready to write.
A Strong Culture of Teamwork and Collaboration
Crystalee and her management team do an amazing job of fostering team spirit and camaraderie, no easy feat when team members are far-flung across different time zones. Here are a few ways Comma Copywriters showcase appreciation through a positive, team-driven environment:
Birthdays never go unnoticed or unrecognized.
Each month, we’re invited to hop on a Comma Catch-Up session to connect and learn about fun, interesting topics from guest speakers, all aimed at promoting personal and professional growth.
New team members are introduced warmly and encouraged to offer fun facts or personal highlights that make them feel instantly appreciated and welcome.
The “Write-On Award” recognizes team members who go above and beyond to exemplify Comma’s core values and exceptional professionalism in their writing and client relations. (I’m never one to toot my own horn, but I’m a proud recipient of two such awards, something I never take for granted).
Regular writer blog posts (like this one) that showcase the unique stories, experiences, and voices of Comma’s writers.
The annual Comma retreat that brings everyone together, whether in-person or virtually, for a fun mix of team-building, professional development, honoring achievements and milestones, and a chance to hang out with the team.
And there’s so much more … too much to list here. But as a team-oriented person who thrives on creative collaboration, one of the things I appreciate most about Comma is its strong culture of working together and supporting one another.
It's just one of many reasons why I’m so proud to play for the Comma team!
Written by Stephen Kelly as part of the Comma culture series. Are you looking for a team of writers to support your marketing content? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today.
Stephen Kelly is a writer, editor, and content manager who lives in San Francisco, CA. When he’s not creating, he’s traveling, listening to music, reading, working out, and indulging in his lifelong love of photography. His favorite punctuation is the ever-exciting exclamation mark!!!
