WHAT IS
A MARC EXACTLY?
THE UNUSUAL STORY OF A BOY AND HIS WAY WITH WORDS.
*It's all true by the way.
When it comes to choosing a copywriter, you're really choosing a person, a personality, a life experience. Mine is what makes me the second best copywriter in the world. Here is my story...
I grew up in a most unusual way. As a kid I travelled the world with my father, legendary wildlife photographer, Gerald Hoberman. I travelled from Cape to Cairo, lived in the Amazon Jungle (a Bar Mitzvah present), went on the first civilian voyage to the Antarctica, sailed the Galápagos Islands...the list goes on. I became a professional photographer at a very young age. As a pre-teen I had already put in more than my 10 000 hours.
"I became a professional photographer at a very young age. As a pre-teen I had already put in more than my 10 000 hours."
At 12 I published my first book, a very niche subject of collectible stamps that depicted ancient coins. I wrote about their history and about the new method I developed of macro-philatelic technical photography. Out of interest, I was not as nerdy as it sounds. I was actually quite a rock 'n roll kid. In 1992 the book was inducted into the Smithsonian Permanent Collection and I was featured on the cover of the prestigious Zeiss Review.
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I became single-mindedly obsessed about books. During my school years I was lousy at mathematics but I spent thousands of hours as an apprentice in the publishing world, working with some of the top minds in the industry, thanks to my father's influence and support. I learned non-fiction writing, creative fiction writing, editing, lithographic printing, book binding, retouching, colour technology and the business of publishing.
"I spent thousands of hours as an apprentice in the publishing world, working with some of the top minds in the industry"
At 18, just two days after finishing high school, I co-founded HOBERMAN together with my father, with the vision of turning the coffee table book into an art form. Together we bucked the trend of the cheaper books of the 90s, and published the most luxurious (and expensive) coffee table books in the market. In just two years, we had revolutionised the South African book publishing industry and the name HOBERMAN became synonymous with the highest quality of book-making, photography and writing (as it still is to this day).
"In just two years, we had revolutionised the South African book publishing industry"
The business quickly expanded to opening offices in London, Miami and Namibia and we worked at a furious pace, creating and publishing books entirely on our own (writing, photography and design). We won many prestigious awards. In 2017 I was named "LUX Publisher of the Year". Every single one of our titles became best-sellers. Our books were featured in the windows of Harrods, we were appointed to make the official books for Her Majesty The Queen's Royal Palaces, I was commissioned to produce a book for His Excellency Hifikipunye Pohamba, our books were chosen as official products for Ralph Lauren flagship stores. Many prestigious world leaders hosted our book launches, including President Nelson Mandela (South Africa), President Sam Njoma (Namibia), Governor John Hickenlooper (Colorado, USA) and Mayor Willie Brown Jnr. (San Francisco, USA).
"In 2017 I was named LUX Publisher of the Year"
Although I had made a name for myself as a photographer (in addition to the books, some of my accolades include being the Official Photographer for BAFTA (British Academy of Film) for 8 years, being the Official Photographer for Elton John, working for VOGUE Russia, winning a National Geographic photography competition...) my true passion has always been writing.
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Under the HOBERMAN brand, the first major book I wrote was "Namibia" (1999) at 19 years old. To this day it remains the best-selling coffee table book in the country. Shortly after, I wrote a "Teddy Bears" - a humorous take on antique stuffed toys. The book was an international hit and publishing rights were sold for editions in German, Italian and Japanese.
"For 8 years I worked in Hollywood as the Official Photographer for BAFTA"
Under the HOBERMAN brand, the first major book I wrote was "Namibia" (1999) at 19 years old. To this day it remains the best-selling coffee table book in the country. Shortly after, I wrote a "Teddy Bears" - a humorous take on antique stuffed toys. The book was an international hit and publishing rights were sold at The Frankfurt Book Fair for editions in German, Italian and Japanese.
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I continued to write, photograph, design and publish coffee table books with wild passion. My reputation allowed me to have the most incredible and rare experiences, just to name a few (very few)...I went on holidays with Elton John as his private photographer, I had tea with two Presidents, I was invited to the British House of Lords, a dessert was named after me at the legendary French Laundry in Napa Valley, I gave a talk on writing at the prestigious Tattered Cover in Denver, after buying my full book collection, I was invited to dinner by actor Samuel L. Jackson, I received a letter of praise from Bill and Hillary Clinton, I borrowed a bowtie from James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) for an award ceremony in London...
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"I was honoured to give a talk about writing at the legendary Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado"
"Each year I had to become an expert on a new niche to write industry-leading books"
In 2020, at 40 years old, I decided to make a career change and become a full-time writer. The publishing house is still operating and as busy as ever, but having put in so much work for so many years, I wanted to pursue my true passion.
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I wanted to do absolutely anything to do with writing. As a copywriter, I began to offer my services on the freelancing website Upwork.com. I discovered that I had a natural talent for copywriting and within my first year I had gained the coveted "Upwork Plus" status. I loved the creative challenge and worked on everything from corporate voice identities to websites, advertising, blogs and social media content to professional bios, video scripts and sales funnels.
"I discovered that I had a natural talent for copywriting and within my first year I gained the coveted "Upwork Plus" status"
At the same time I began ghostwriting books for clients. Within a few months I had six book projects on the go - a wide range of subjects and all fascinating. I loved helping people realise their dream of becoming a published author. I had walked this road so many times and I realised I had a special gift to give people. I've ghostwritten memoirs, fiction, children's stories, books on business, psychology...even a book on Dad Jokes!
"I love helping people realise their dreams of becoming a published author"
So that's my little story, thanks for reading it! If my story resonates with you and you'd like to be part of my journey (and for me to be part of yours!) please don't hesitate to get in touch!
