If You're Not Using Persuasion and Immersion in Your Writing, You Should Be

Lesson 2 of “Steal From a Copywriter: Copy Techniques That Translate Into Creative Writing” with Sophie Campbell

Art by Mariam Chagelishvili

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Let’s talk about two forces that drive both compelling copy and fiction: persuasion and immersion. At first glance, these might seem like separate things. Persuasion? That’s selling. Immersion? That’s storytelling. But when you look closer, you’ll see they’re connected.

In copywriting, persuasion is the ability to guide your reader toward a particular thought, emotion, or action, whether that’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or simply believing in a brand and its vision. In fiction, persuasion works a little differently. You’re not necessarily convincing someone to buy something. You’re persuading them to buy into something, to believe in your world, care about your characters, and keep on reading.

That’s where immersion comes in. Immersive writing pulls a reader in so fully that the physical world around them fades away. Hours pass before they look up and remember where they are. It makes them feel like they’re living the story with your characters rather than just reading it. And great copy does something similar, only faster, because often in marketing, you only have a second or two to pull a reader in and make them care.

Persuasion = Trust

Marketing works when you can quickly establish trust. You gain that trust by showing your reader that you understand them. You understand their needs, wants, concerns, and the challenges they’re facing. You’re not selling at them, you’re speaking to them.

This kind of connection-building translates into fiction, too. When you write characters that feel emotionally real, when you show readers a glimpse into a private, human truth, it builds trust. They start to trust the narrator to guide them where they need to go and empathise with your characters.

Whether you're writing a marketing email or the opening chapter of a novel, the goal is the same: make your reader feel seen and understood, then take them on a journey.

A Copywriter’s Persuasive Techniques That Work in Fiction

Here are a few copywriting techniques rooted in persuasion that also boost immersion in storytelling:

1. Speak to one person

In copywriting, we’re taught to write to one ideal customer, not a crowd. When you’re speaking to only one person, you can get into the details and make a strong connection. When you’re speaking to everyone, you’ll automatically be more vague and write with less clarity. The same principle applies to fiction: specificity is what brings a story to life. Use distinct character perspectives, precise and vivid details, and genuine emotion to make your writing resonate.

Example (Copy): “You’re not just buying a planner, you’re buying peace of mind. The kind that helps you sleep at night.”

Example (Fiction): “Jess didn’t need the calendar to tell her it was Monday. Mondays had a particular weight. They felt like walking through thick mud.”

Both speak directly to an individual, personal experience.

2. Open strong