“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors and the most patient of teachers.” Charles W. Eliott
Reading allows us to take a trip into the worlds of knowledge, empathy, and imagination—it’s more than just a way to pass the time. No wonder good copywriters read copywriting books.
Every page gives an opportunity to discover new realms, acquire interesting viewpoints, and evolve into a more refined version of yourself.
In this article, I’ll be showing you the best 15 copywriting books to read this year. I’m not just bringing the best sellers or books based on my own bias and opinion.
I have taken time to research and find out about copywriting books that amazing copywriters have either written or have in their libraries.
Who is a copywriter?
A copywriter is pretty much any person who writes for the sole purpose of selling a business or service and educating potential customers. Copywriters write materials like landing pages, product descriptions, sales letters, emails, newsletters, and ad copy.
Copywriters are trained to write in a way that connects with their audience emotionally. They also provide solutions to the audiences pain points.
A copywriter is different from a content writer and even a creative writer and is required in every field, organization, and business as long as a deal is to be closed or a sale is to be made.
Why You Should Learn From A Copywriting Book
Learning from a copywriting book can be highly beneficial for several reasons:
Acquiring Essential Skills
Copywriting books provide valuable insights and practical advice that can significantly enhance one’s copywriting abilities, such as crafting compelling headlines, creating persuasive calls-to-action, and understanding consumer psychology.
Creating Relevant Content
Copywriting skills are essential for creating relevant and persuasive content, whether for online or offline marketing. A good copywriter knows how to convey a clear and concise message to persuade readers, which is crucial for driving consumer action.
Enhancing Marketing Effectiveness
Copywriting is a form of persuasive marketing that is vital for businesses to attract customers, sell products, and engage with their target audience. By learning copywriting, individuals can contribute to the success of marketing efforts.
Expanding Career Opportunities
Proficiency in copywriting can open up various career opportunities, from freelance work to in-house marketing positions. It is a valuable skill that is in high demand across different industries.
Continuous Improvement:
Copywriting is a skill that requires ongoing development and improvement. By learning from established copywriting books, individuals can stay updated with the latest techniques and best practices in the field.
15 Best Copywriting Books
#1 Copywriting book – Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
Ogilvy’s, the father of copywriting, provides a guide for aspiring advertisers in this book, where he discusses tips on copywriting.
This classic book explores the fundamentals of successful advertising, emphasizing persuasive copywriting, market research, positioning, and crafting impactful copy that keeps a reader hooked to their seats.
For anyone looking to become an expert in the field of persuasive writing for advertising, this is a good read. Its about a 200-page swipe file.
#2 Copywriting book –The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman
My favourite thing about this book is that it is a handbook. This means it gives a step-by-step guide to becoming a better copywriter.
The legendary copywriter Joseph Sugarman offers his vast experience in “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook.”
“The Adweek Copywriting Handbook is based on a $2,000 course Sugarman taught back in the ’70s (you might be interested to note that this fact makes him the godfather of the $2,000 course price point). “– Jacob Mcmillen Blog
This book explores the psychology of effective copywriting and provides useful tips for making ads that connect with consumers.
Sugarman’s approachable writing style and tried-and-true methods make this guidebook easy to read. If you’re just starting to copywrite, you should check this book out.
#3 Copywriting book – Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Content writing has become a sought-after skill in these times. Everyone creates some sort of content for brand presence, to make sales, and for educational and entertainment purposes.
Ann Handley’s book “Everybody Writes” stands out as a thorough manual for writing online in the digital age.
It teaches the effective use of grammar, the craft of telling stories, and how to find your unique writing style.
Handley’s book is recommended for copywriters, marketers, and business professionals who are navigating the technicalities of digital communication since it offers helpful guidance on creating captivating and engaging content.
#4 Copywriting book – The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert
This book is a bit different from the rest. It wasn’t really a book at first. Gary Halbert wrote these letters to his son Bond while serving jail time for tax fraud. It was his fatherly advice to his son regarding life lessons he had learned in his career in copywriting and life.
With its conversational tone and practical examples, Halbert’s book is both entertaining and educational, offering insightful insights from an experienced copywriting master. Bond also shares some of his insights in the book.
Legend says that if you read this book a hundred times, you will be an amazing copywriter.
#5 Copywriting book – This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
This book offers a game changing approach to sales, marketing, and advertising. Godin questions traditional thinking and advocates for a change from mass marketing to an audience-focused, more sympathetic strategy.
The idea of creating goods and services that actually satisfy the needs of a particular market is discussed in the book.
It highlights how crucial it is to create a sense of community, trust, and connection when establishing long-term relationships with clients.
#6 Copywriting book – How to Write Seductive Web Copy by Henneke Duistermaat
If you want a hands-on and practical guide for writing landing page copy, this is a must-read.
Duistermaat offers doable strategies and pointers for crafting online content that draws visitors in and encourages them to interact with you.
Topics covered in the book include using persuasive language, empathy, and clarity to keep users on your site and motivate them to take the desired actions.
#7 Copywriting book – Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan
This book is a guide to modern advertising. It is a must-read for people in advertising.
An expert in the field, Sullivan guides readers through the process of developing memorable and successful advertising campaigns.
It gives insight into how to write effective ads and handle clients. Sam Benneth also made some contributions to this book.
These two men shared their trials and joys of working for an advertising agency. This book is a valuable tool for anyone trying to become an expert copywriter.
#8 Copywriting book – The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
Robert W. Bly’s “The Copywriter’s Handbook” is regarded as a thorough manual that is essential reading for novices and seasoned pros alike.
The principles of copywriting are covered in the 400 pages of this book, along with tips for crafting effective copy for print and digital media.
Bly’s knowledge is evident in the exercises, examples, and helpful advice he offers to help you improve as a copywriter.
#9 Copywriting book – Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins
Hopkins thought that advertising ought to be quantifiable and support the outcomes it produces.
He outlines exactly how to achieve it in “scientific advertising,” and the ideas he found and recorded remain valid now just as they did when they were originally published.
Copywriters looking for a historical perspective on their industry should study this book because, although it was created in the early 20th century, the principles it explains are still applicable today.
#10 Copywriting book – Cashvertising by Drew Eric Whitman
In this book, Eric Whiteman teaches effective advertising techniques to increase sales and profits.
He uses psychological triggers and proven copywriting formulas. For anyone seeking a book that blends psychological perspectives with useful copywriting advice, Drew Eric Whitman’s “Cashvertising” is a highly recommended option.
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in copywriting and marketing.
#11 Copywriting book – Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene M. Schwartz
In Eugene’s best seller, “Breakthrough Advertising,” he teaches us how to craft advertising that persuades the customer to buy your products.
He moves on further to talk about techniques to write captivating headlines and how to write copy that converts. People regard his book as one of the most insightful books on copywriting and marketing.
Schwartz, a master at comprehending consumer psychology, delves into the complexities of creating messages that specifically address the requirements and wants of the intended audience.
#12 Copywriting book – Copy Logic by Michael Masterson and Mike Palmer
Written by two seasoned pros in the world of direct response copywriting, Michael Masterson and Mike Palmer, “Copy Logic” is an extensive manual.
The book talks about the psychological and strategic elements of writing action-oriented copy that persuades readers to take action.
It offers helpful advice on how to understand the intended audience, identify important emotional cues, and communicate effectively with them.
This book is for you if find yourself searching for the deeper and hidden rationales behind a copy that converts.
#13 Copywriting book – Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
You don’t need to be born with the ability to write interesting stories that keep readers on edge and expecting more. Lisa Cron, in her book “Wired for Story,” shows us that this skill of storytelling can be learned.
Cron explores the thought processes that make people naturally drawn to storytelling and uncovers the elements that make stories compelling.
The book highlights the relationship between storytelling and the brain, emphasizing how stories engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Her book is a masterpiece for copywriters who want to incorporate storytelling into their craft. By recognizing the science behind storytelling, copywriters can improve their ability to craft narratives that captivate and influence.
#14 Copywriting book – The Idea Writers by Teressa Iezzi
This book is quite a unique one. Teressa doesn’t just share her insights alone; she also includes small bits of experience and wisdom from other copywriters.
Her book “The Idea Writers” analyzes the creative process used in the advertising sector. The book also provides an insider’s viewpoint on how ideas develop, how creative teams collaborate, and how technology and creativity interact.
For anyone curious about the processes involved in coming up with ground-breaking and memorable ideas in the advertising industry, “The Idea Writers” is a great place to start.
#15 Copywriting book – The Copywriter’s Guide to Getting Paid by Ray Edwards
Renowned copywriter Ray Edwards offers helpful guidance on the business side of copywriting.
This book is a helpful resource for copywriters who want to properly manage the financial side of their job, from setting rates to negotiating contracts.
Reading This Copywriting Books
These copywriting books are invaluable allies on the path to becoming a skilled and persuasive copywriter, from the fundamental ideas presented by Ogilvy and Schwartz to the modern insights of Handley and Whitman.
The knowledge contained in these books is still relevant today, as the marketing industry changes, and it serves as a guide for anyone who wants to become a copywriting guru.
FAQs
What are the 3 C’s of copywriting?
The 3 C’s of copywriting commonly referenced framework that stands for clear, concise, and compelling. Good copy should be clear in its message, concise in its delivery, and compelling to the audience. Additionally, the 4 Cs framework, which includes clear, concise, compelling, and credible, can be a useful guide for testing and optimizing copy to ensure its effectiveness.
Can I learn copywriting by reading books?
Yes, you can learn copywriting by reading books. There are several recommended books available that provide a step-by-step system for writing persuasive copy that sells. Additionally, these books can help you learn how to write copy that is not overly “salesy” but still attracts and persuades the audience.
How can a beginner start copywriting?
Beginners can start copywriting by educating themselves on the key skills required, such as basic writing proficiency, persuasion, the ability to research, and an understanding of human nature. It’s also important to practice writing conversational and engaging copy, and to spend time researching and planning before actually writing.
Related Resources
What is Copywriting? 5 Tips For Writing Copy That Converts
SEO Writing for Beginners: A Step-By-Step Guide to SEO Copywriting
Copywriting Business – How To Start A Copywriting Business
Digital marketing jobs in Nigeria: Is digital marketing a good career path?
How to Build A Conversion Funnel That Will 10x You