15 Best Copywriting Books to Elevate Your Writing Game

Are you looking to take your copywriting skills to the next level?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced copywriter, the right books can provide you with valuable insights, techniques, and strategies to improve your writing and generate better results.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best copywriting books that will help you elevate your writing game and become a more successful copywriter.

From classic works to modern guides, these books cover a wide range of topics and offer practical advice you can apply to your own writing.

So, let’s dive in and discover the best copywriting books to add to your reading list!

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Why Investing in Copywriting Books is Essential

Before we get into our list of the best copywriting books, let’s take a moment to discuss why investing in these resources is crucial for your growth as a copywriter.

Copywriting is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and strategies is essential for success.

By reading copywriting books, you can learn from the experiences and insights of successful copywriters who have already navigated the challenges you may face.

These books provide a wealth of knowledge and practical examples that you can apply to your own writing, helping you to improve your skills and create more compelling content.

Moreover, investing in your education as a copywriter can help you stand out in a competitive market and attract higher-paying clients.

By demonstrating your commitment to learning and improving your craft, you’ll be better positioned to succeed in your career as a copywriter.

1. “The Copywriter’s Handbook” by Robert W. Bly

“The Copywriter’s Handbook” is a classic among copywriting books that has been helping writers improve their skills for over three decades.

Written by Robert W. Bly, a renowned copywriter and marketing consultant, this book covers the fundamentals of copywriting and provides practical advice for crafting effective sales letters, advertisements, and other marketing materials.

One of the key strengths of this book, which sets it apart from other copywriting books, is its focus on the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your writing to their needs and desires.

Bly emphasizes the importance of research and offers tips for gathering information about your target market.

He also provides guidance on how to create compelling headlines, write persuasive copy, and use storytelling techniques to engage readers.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced copywriter, “The Copywriter’s Handbook” is an essential addition to your collection of copywriting books.

2. “Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy

Among the many copywriting books available, “Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy, often referred to as the “Father of Advertising,” is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of copywriting and marketing.

In this book, one of the most influential copywriting books, Ogilvy shares his insights and experiences from his decades-long career in the advertising industry.

He covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of research and testing to the art of crafting compelling headlines and body copy.

One of the key takeaways from this book is the importance of focusing on the benefits of a product or service, rather than just its features.

Ogilvy argues that consumers are more interested in what a product can do for them than in its technical specifications.

He also stresses the importance of using simple, clear language and avoiding jargon or overly complex sentences.

Whether you’re working on print ads, television commercials, or digital marketing campaigns, “Ogilvy on Advertising” provides valuable insights that can help you create more effective and persuasive copy, making it an essential addition to your collection of copywriting books.

3. “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene Schwartz

“Breakthrough Advertising” is a classic among copywriting books that has been praised by many of the world’s top marketers and copywriters.

Written by Eugene Schwartz, a legendary copywriter who worked on campaigns for some of the biggest brands of the 20th century, this book is a dense and challenging read, but one that is well worth the effort.

Schwartz’s main focus in “Breakthrough Advertising,” which sets it apart from other copywriting books, is on the concept of “stages of awareness.”

He argues that effective copywriting must take into account the reader’s current level of awareness and understanding of the product or service being sold.

By tailoring your message to the reader’s stage of awareness, you can create copy that resonates with them and motivates them to take action.

Another key concept in the book is the importance of tapping into the reader’s emotions and desires.

Schwartz provides examples of how to use storytelling, imagery, and other techniques to create an emotional connection with the reader and persuade them to buy.

While “Breakthrough Advertising” is not an easy read, it is one of the essential copywriting books that every serious copywriter should study and learn from.

4. “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” by Joseph Sugarman

Joseph Sugarman, a copywriting legend, has created some of the most successful direct response campaigns in history, and his book “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” is one of the essential copywriting books for anyone looking to improve their skills.

In this book, Sugarman shares his secrets for crafting compelling copy that drives sales and generates leads, making it stand out from other copywriting books.

One of the key concepts in the book is the importance of creating a “slippery slide” that leads the reader from the headline to the call to action.

Sugarman provides a step-by-step formula for crafting headlines, subheads, and body copy that work together to keep the reader engaged and moving towards the sale.

He also emphasizes the importance of using storytelling and other techniques to create an emotional connection with the reader.

Another valuable aspect of “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” is its focus on testing and optimization.

Sugarman argues that even the best copy can be improved through testing and provides guidance on how to set up and run effective tests.

Whether you’re working on direct mail campaigns, email marketing, or other forms of direct response advertising, “The Adweek Copywriting Handbook” is an essential addition to your collection of copywriting books for improving your skills.

5. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini

While not strictly one of the traditional copywriting books, “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of persuasion.

Written by Robert Cialdini, a professor of psychology and marketing, this book explores the key principles of influence and how they can be applied to marketing and sales, making it a valuable resource alongside other copywriting books.

Cialdini identifies six key principles of influence: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity.

He argues that by understanding and applying these principles, marketers can create more persuasive messages and drive better results.

One of the strengths of “Influence” is its use of real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the principles of persuasion in action.

Cialdini draws on research from psychology, sociology, and anthropology to show how these principles have been used throughout history and across cultures.

Whether you’re a copywriter, marketer, or business owner, “Influence” provides valuable insights into the science of persuasion that can help you create more effective marketing messages and drive better results, cementing its place among the essential copywriting books.

6. “How to Write a Good Advertisement” by Victor O. Schwab

“How to Write a Good Advertisement” is a classic copywriting book that was first published in 1962 but remains relevant today.

Written by Victor O. Schwab, a successful copywriter and advertising executive, this book provides a comprehensive guide to creating effective advertising copy.

Schwab’s approach to copywriting emphasizes the importance of understanding the reader’s needs and desires and crafting messages that speak directly to those needs.

He provides a five-step formula for creating effective headlines and offers guidance on how to write compelling body copy that keeps the reader engaged.

One of the strengths of “How to Write a Good Advertisement” is its practicality.

Schwab provides numerous examples of successful advertisements and analyzes what makes them effective.

He also includes exercises and worksheets that readers can use to practice their copywriting skills.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced copywriter, “How to Write a Good Advertisement” is a valuable resource that can help you improve your skills and create more effective marketing messages.

7. “The Boron Letters” by Gary Halbert

“The Boron Letters” is a collection of letters written by Gary Halbert, one of the most successful copywriters of all time, to his son Bond while serving time in Boron Federal Prison Camp.

The letters cover a wide range of topics related to copywriting, marketing, and life in general.

One of the key themes of “The Boron Letters” is the importance of understanding human psychology and using that understanding to create persuasive copy.

Halbert emphasizes the need to tap into the reader’s emotions and desires and to use storytelling and other techniques to create a connection with the reader.

He also stresses the importance of testing and measuring the effectiveness of your copy and provides guidance on how to set up and run effective tests.

Another valuable aspect of “The Boron Letters” is Halbert’s emphasis on the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success as a copywriter.

He argues that success in copywriting (and in life) comes from putting in the time and effort to develop your skills and knowledge.

While “The Boron Letters” is not a traditional copywriting book, it is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their copywriting skills and gain insights into the mind of one of the greatest copywriters of all time.

8. “Scientific Advertising” by Claude C. Hopkins

“Scientific Advertising” is a classic book on advertising and marketing that was first published in 1923.

Written by Claude C. Hopkins, a pioneer in the field of advertising, this book lays out the fundamental principles of effective advertising that are still relevant today.

One of the key concepts in “Scientific Advertising” is the importance of testing and measuring the effectiveness of your advertising.

Hopkins argues that advertising should be approached as a science, with clear objectives, measurable results, and a focus on continuous improvement.

He provides guidance on how to set up and run effective tests and how to use the results to optimize your advertising efforts.

Another important concept in the book is the importance of understanding your target audience and crafting messages that speak directly to their needs and desires.

Hopkins emphasizes the need to focus on the benefits of your product or service, rather than just its features, and to use clear, concise language that is easy for the reader to understand.

While some of the specific examples in “Scientific Advertising” may be dated, the underlying principles of effective advertising that Hopkins lays out are still highly relevant today.

Whether you’re a copywriter, marketer, or business owner, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create more effective advertising and marketing campaigns.

9. “Cashvertising” by Drew Eric Whitman

“Cashvertising” is a modern copywriting book that focuses on the psychology of persuasion and how to use it to create effective advertising and marketing messages.

Written by Drew Eric Whitman, a veteran copywriter and advertising executive, this book provides a comprehensive guide to creating copy that drives sales and generates leads.

One of the key concepts in “Cashvertising” is the importance of understanding the customer’s “life force 8” desires and how to tap into those desires to create persuasive copy.

Whitman identifies eight key desires that drive human behavior, such as the desire for survival, the desire for love and companionship, and the desire for power and status.

He argues that by understanding and appealing to these desires, copywriters can create messages that are more likely to resonate with their target audience.

Another valuable aspect of “Cashvertising” is its focus on the importance of headlines and other attention-grabbing elements in advertising.

Whitman provides a wealth of examples and templates for creating effective headlines, subheads, and other copy elements that can help to capture the reader’s attention and drive them to take action.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced copywriter, “Cashvertising” is a valuable resource that can help you to create more persuasive and effective marketing messages.

10. “The Ultimate Sales Letter” by Dan S. Kennedy

“The Ultimate Sales Letter” is a classic copywriting book that focuses specifically on the art of writing sales letters that generate leads and drive sales.

Written by Dan S. Kennedy, a successful copywriter and marketing consultant, this book provides a step-by-step guide to creating effective sales letters that get results.

One of the key concepts in “The Ultimate Sales Letter” is the importance of understanding your target audience and crafting a message that speaks directly to their needs and desires.

Kennedy emphasizes the need to focus on the benefits of your product or service, rather than just its features, and to use clear, concise language that is easy for the reader to understand.

He also provides guidance on how to create a sense of urgency and scarcity in your sales letters, which can help to motivate the reader to take action.

Another valuable aspect of “The Ultimate Sales Letter” is its focus on the importance of testing and measuring the effectiveness of your sales letters.

Kennedy provides guidance on how to set up and run effective tests and how to use the results to optimize your sales letters for maximum impact.

Whether you’re a copywriter, marketer, or business owner, “The Ultimate Sales Letter” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their sales letter writing skills and generate more leads and sales for their business.

11. “Persuasive Online Copywriting” by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffrey Eisenberg, and Lisa T. Davis

“Persuasive Online Copywriting” is a modern copywriting book that focuses specifically on the art of writing persuasive copy for the web.

Written by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffrey Eisenberg, and Lisa T. Davis, this book provides a comprehensive guide to creating online copy that drives conversions and generates revenue.

One of the key concepts in “Persuasive Online Copywriting” is the importance of understanding the customer’s journey and crafting copy that speaks to their needs and desires at each stage of that journey.

The authors provide a framework for mapping out the customer journey and identifying the key touchpoints where persuasive copy can have the greatest impact.

Another valuable aspect of “Persuasive Online Copywriting” is its focus on the importance of testing and optimization.

The authors provide guidance on how to set up and run effective A/B tests and how to use the results to continually improve the performance of your online copy.

They also discuss the importance of using data and analytics to inform your copywriting decisions and to measure the impact of your efforts.

Whether you’re a copywriter, marketer, or business owner, “Persuasive Online Copywriting” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create more effective online copy and drive better results from their website and digital marketing efforts.

12. “The Copywriter’s Toolkit” by Margo Aaron

“The Copywriter’s Toolkit” is a comprehensive guide to copywriting that covers a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of persuasive writing to advanced techniques for crafting compelling sales copy.

Written by Margo Aaron, a successful copywriter and marketing consultant, this book is designed to be a practical, hands-on resource for copywriters of all levels.

One of the key strengths of “The Copywriter’s Toolkit” is its emphasis on the importance of research and preparation in the copywriting process.

Aaron provides guidance on how to conduct effective research, gather customer insights, and use that information to craft copy that resonates with your target audience.

She also discusses the importance of understanding the competition and positioning your product or service in a way that sets it apart from the rest of the market.

Another valuable aspect of “The Copywriter’s Toolkit” is its focus on the craft of writing itself.

Aaron provides tips and techniques for crafting compelling headlines, writing engaging body copy, and using storytelling and other persuasive techniques to hold the reader’s attention and drive them to take action.

She also includes exercises and prompts throughout the book to help readers practice and improve their copywriting skills.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into the field of copywriting or an experienced writer looking to take your skills to the next level, “The Copywriter’s Toolkit” is a valuable resource that can help you achieve your goals.

13. “Write Like You Talk” by John Caples

“Write Like You Talk” is a classic copywriting book that emphasizes the importance of writing in a conversational, natural style that connects with readers on a personal level.

Written by John Caples, a legendary copywriter who worked on campaigns for some of the biggest brands of the 20th century, this book provides practical advice and examples for crafting copy that engages and persuades.

The central idea of “Write Like You Talk” is that effective copywriting should sound like a conversation between the writer and the reader.

Caples argues that by writing in a natural, conversational tone, copywriters can create a sense of rapport and trust with their audience, making them more receptive to the message being conveyed.

He provides numerous examples of how to use simple, straightforward language and avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.

Another key concept in the book is the importance of focusing on the reader’s needs and desires, rather than simply listing the features of a product or service.

Caples emphasizes the need to highlight the benefits of a product and show how it can solve the reader’s problems or improve their life in some way.

He also stresses the importance of using strong, attention-grabbing headlines and subheads to draw the reader in and keep them engaged.

While “Write Like You Talk” was first published in 1962, its insights and techniques are still highly relevant to copywriting today.

Whether you’re working on print ads, email marketing, or other forms of copywriting, this book provides valuable guidance on how to write copy that connects with readers and persuades them to take action.

14. “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley

“Everybody Writes” is a modern copywriting book that emphasizes the importance of writing in all aspects of marketing and business communication.

Written by Ann Handley, a successful marketer and writer, this book provides practical advice and examples for crafting compelling copy across a wide range of formats, from social media posts to email newsletters to blog articles.

One of the key themes of “Everybody Writes” is that

writing is a critical skill for everyone in business, not just professional writers or marketers.

Handley argues that in today’s digital age, everyone is a writer to some extent, whether they realize it or not.

From crafting emails to creating social media posts to writing reports and presentations, writing is a fundamental part of how we communicate and share ideas in the modern workplace.

Another valuable aspect of “Everybody Writes” is its emphasis on the importance of creating content that is both useful and engaging for the reader.

Handley stresses the need to focus on the needs and interests of your audience and to create content that provides value and solves problems for them.

She also provides guidance on how to use storytelling, humor, and other techniques to make your writing more compelling and memorable.

Throughout the book, Handley includes practical tips and examples for improving your writing skills, from developing a clear writing process to editing and proofreading your work effectively.

She also discusses the importance of finding your own unique voice and style as a writer and provides guidance on how to develop your writing skills over time.

Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or simply someone who wants to improve their writing skills for personal or professional reasons, “Everybody Writes” is a valuable resource that can help you communicate more effectively and create content that resonates with your audience.

15. “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” by Luke Sullivan

“Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” is a classic copywriting book that provides a humorous and irreverent take on the art of creating effective advertising copy.

Written by Luke Sullivan, an award-winning copywriter and creative director, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of advertising and marketing.

The title of the book is a reference to the classic Charmin toilet paper commercials featuring the character Mr. Whipple, who would always admonish customers not to squeeze the Charmin.

Sullivan uses this example to illustrate the idea that sometimes the most effective advertising goes against conventional wisdom and takes risks in order to stand out and grab the audience’s attention.

Throughout the book, Sullivan provides a wealth of examples and case studies of successful advertising campaigns, analyzing what makes them effective and providing insights into the creative process behind them.

He also offers practical advice on how to come up with fresh ideas, write compelling headlines and body copy, and create ads that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.

One of the key themes of “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” is the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries in advertising.

Sullivan argues that the best ads are often the ones that challenge conventional thinking and take a fresh, unexpected approach to promoting a product or service.

He encourages copywriters and marketers to be bold and innovative in their work, even if it means going against the grain of what’s been done before.

Whether you’re a seasoned copywriter or just starting out in the field, “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” is a fun and informative read that will help you think more creatively about your work and develop the skills you need to create truly effective advertising copy.

Conclusion

Copywriting is a critical skill for anyone in marketing, advertising, or business communication.

Whether you’re creating ads, writing website copy, or crafting email newsletters, the ability to write compelling, persuasive copy is essential for engaging your audience and achieving your goals.

By reading these 15 best copywriting books, you can gain valuable insights, techniques, and strategies for improving your writing skills and creating more effective marketing materials.

From classic works like “Ogilvy on Advertising” and “The Copywriter’s Handbook” to modern guides like “Everybody Writes” and “Persuasive Online Copywriting,” these books cover a wide range of topics and offer practical advice that you can apply to your own work.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced copywriter, investing in your education and continually learning from the best in the business is essential for staying ahead in a competitive industry.

So if you’re serious about elevating your copywriting game, be sure to add these books to your reading list and start putting their insights into practice today.

FAQ

What is the best book to learn copywriting?

There are many great books on copywriting, but some of the most highly recommended include “The Copywriter’s Handbook” by Robert W. Bly, “Ogilvy on Advertising” by David Ogilvy, and “Breakthrough Advertising” by Eugene Schwartz.

These books cover the fundamentals of copywriting and provide practical advice and examples for crafting effective copy.

Ultimately, the best book for you will depend on your specific goals and level of experience, but these titles are a great place to start.

What do copywriters read?

Copywriters read a wide range of materials to stay informed and inspired in their work.

In addition to books on copywriting and marketing, many copywriters also read fiction and non-fiction books to improve their storytelling skills and expand their knowledge of different subjects.

They also read industry publications, blogs, and articles to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in copywriting and marketing.

Some popular publications among copywriters include Copyblogger, Content Marketing Institute, and Ad Age.

What are the 3 C’s of copywriting?

The three C’s of copywriting are:

Clear: Your copy should be easy to understand and free of jargon or complex language. Use short sentences and paragraphs, and break up your text with headings and subheadings to make it more readable.
Concise: Get to the point quickly and don’t use more words than necessary. Avoid filler words and phrases that don’t add value to your message.
Compelling: Your copy should be interesting and engaging, and it should persuade the reader to take action. Use strong headlines, powerful words, and emotional appeals to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more.

By focusing on these three C’s, you can create copy that is effective, engaging, and persuasive.

How do I start learning copywriting?

If you’re interested in learning copywriting, there are several steps you can take to get started:

Read books and articles on copywriting to learn the fundamentals and best practices.
Study successful examples of copywriting, such as ads, sales letters, and landing pages, to see what works and what doesn’t.
Practice writing your own copy, even if it’s just for fun or personal projects. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
Consider taking a course or workshop on copywriting to learn from experienced professionals and get feedback on your work.
Join online communities and forums for copywriters to network with others in the field and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Remember, learning copywriting takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and keep working at it.

With dedication and effort, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a copywriter.