04/10/2007: "Gary Halbert Dead At 68"

Gary Halbert, freelance copywriter
It's a sad day in the world of copywriters. Gary Halbert is dead. According to copywriter and a Halbert pal, Michael Fortin, Halbert died in his sleep Sunday. Fortin said in his blog, ". . . the copywriting world has lost one of its biggest icons." And indeed it has.

Gary was born June 12, 1938. He died April 8, 2007.

Gary was very controversial to say the least. He was boastful and made some people mad as hell. But he was a good copywriter.

He’s the copywriter behind the famous “Coat of Arms” sales letter. Often referred to as “The Prince of Print,” Halbert outlined his accomplishments in a letter called “modesty personified.”

Here’s the intro . . .

“I believe I am the best copywriter who ever lived.

Maybe, since you read my newsletter, you too already believe that. Even if you don’t, I think you will change your mind after you read this message.

Here is why.

Much of the direct response advertising I have created is so good it is part of history. My work has been printed in dozens (maybe hundreds) of books. I believe people will still be reading and studying my work 200 years from now. No other copywriter on earth has “winners” that are equal to mine. For example, I once wrote two letters for which I was paid…

$5,250,000!

You read it right. That’s five million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For just two letters. Do you know of any other copywriter who can match that? I don’t think so.”

Read the entire letter at http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/newsletters/2006/modesty_personified.htm

Halbert left a great legacy as a talented copywriter. Many samples of his work are fortunately online.

When a great writer or copywriter dies, one can't help but think of what the great SiFi author Isac Asimov said. "If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster." I think perhaps that's what Gary would have done too.

Read his work at The Gary Halbert Letter.

One of Gary's famous ads is is this famous weight loss ad. It is done in the popular advertorial style.

Fortin's Copywriting Board has an active discussion about Gary.

John Carlton's Blog on Halbert. A very moving tribute by someone who knew him well.