Best Copywriting Books – The Top 10 Recommended Choices

The world of copywriting includes any type of call-to-action on a large scale. Copywriters create content to draw in customers, increase brand awareness, and get people to take a particular action. This type of writing, done to advertise or promote specific services, is all about psychology, persuasion, and influence.

With so much to learn about copywriting, finding a book to better help your grasp the components and gain the knowledge you need can be a great advantage. There’s many out there, so what are the best copywriting books? We’ve gathered them all right here!

Best Copywriting Books

Copywriters can reach out to customers all at once, whether through blogs, billboards, or magazines. Chances are, you’re a copywriter yourself. After all, copywriters can be anyone from a marketing manager to the owner of a startup. Below are the 11 best copywriting books that teach you how to draw in more customers and sell more products.

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

Since it was published, The Copywriter’s Handbook has become everyone’s go-to guide to copywriting. This newly updated 4th edition is a step-by-step handbook made for anyone who writes or edits copy. This can include marketing managers, creative directors, freelance writers, or even small business owners.

This book explains how to create copy that captivates the reader, keeps them reading, and keeps them coming back for more. Ultimately, the goal of creating excellent copy is to get people to buy. Robert Bly explains the reasons people buy and how to get them to do so. Ultimately, customers seek feelings of appreciation, comfort, and knowledge. Knowing what they look for will help you formulate the perfect copy that gets them on board with your mission.

2. Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples 

John Caples goes through all of the proven selling techniques in Tested Advertising Methods to remove the guesswork from creating copy that sells. To make copywriting a science of positive results, be sure to read up on these proven methods on advertising. In this book, he’ll teach you how to create eye-catching headlines, maintain a tone of optimism, and provoke curiosity.

Whether you’re a seasoned copywriter or just starting, this book will help your content stand out from the rest. He explains his successful marketing tactics and goes into famous examples of how the most prominent brands today have stood out. 

3. Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

Everybody Writes is a cohesive guide to creating content that sparks action. If you’re looking to create and publish content that allows your business to thrive, this is made for you. Handley teaches you how to attract initial customers and how to retain those customers through proven online communication tactics. 

In our modern, content-driven world, creating content that sells has never been more critical for a business to thrive. Even if you aren’t a writer, you write more than you think! Ann Handley explains the power of the written word and how you can use copywriting to leave a positive impact on your readers. Most importantly, she explains how you can turn those readers into long-time customers. 

4. How to Write a Good Advertisement by Victor O. Schwab 

While most great copywriters know the fundamentals of advertising, Schwab is sure to dig deep into what makes the greatest advertisements sell products. In this, he’ll teach you how to use SEO keywords, add humor to your writing, and create copy that’s empathetic toward your customer. Regardless of what type of copywriting job you’re engaged in, this book will help you get to the top. 

Schwab goes above and beyond to make this educational, not only speaking on his own copywriting experiences, but also on others who have had success in advertising. By reading How to Write a Good Advertisement, you’ll learn how to change the customer’s viewpoint and give them information that leads them to act. 

5. Words That Sell by Rick Bayan

Words That Sell is a thesaurus of words that sell to help you promote your services. With over 6,000 powerful words, slogans, and phrases, this is the ultimate reference for anyone looking to make a difference in the world of selling. According to Copyblogger, 80% of people just read the headline, making specific keywords and phrases more impactful than ever. 

In this fully revised, 4th version, Bayan includes selling words in specific categories, a course in basic copywriting techniques, and helpful lists of common copywriting mistakes. If you’re looking to create copy that grabs attention, wins over your customer, and seals the deal, Words That Sell is the perfect book for you. 

6. Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Made to Stick explains the idea of stickiness, what makes some ideas stick in people’s heads, and why some fail. Reading Made to Stick will allow you to understand the psychology of marketing and what makes an idea memorable. After all, to create copy that sells, it isn’t enough for your customer to be interested once; they must keep coming back.

To create memorable copy, you must promote ideas that your customers identify with. Thankfully, Made to Stick explains the six traits of ideas that stick and how you can learn more about your audience to create a message that caters to them. According to HubSpot, personalized calls to action are 202% more productive, making messages that cater to the audience most effective in the end. 

7. Scientific Advertising by Claude C. Hopkins

Written in 1923, Scientific Advertising is still just as relevant in the modern world of marketing. Claimed to be a “must-read†by multiple marketing personalities today, this book has sold over 8 million copies since it was first created. Here, Hopkins explains why advertising should be measurable to justify the results that it produces.

Known as the father of marketing, he also goes into the marketing principles that he’s discovered along the way. Later on, he teaches the reader how psychology trumps creativity, and why science remains a significant part of successful marketing. 

8. Breakthrough Copywriting by David Garfinkel 

In Breakthrough Copywriting, David Garfinkel explains how to generate cash through the written word. This book is perfect for direct marketers looking to generate as many sales as possible. While copywriting can be confusing, Garfinkel provides the reader with clarity through his step-by-step process to create breakthrough content.

New copywriters will get a complete guide from this book, and experienced marketers will benefit from never-before-seen copywriting strategies. You’ll discover how to create a powerful message, the secrets about headlines that grab attention, and how to create copy that holds emotional power. 

9. Web Copy That Sells by Maria Veloso

Web Copy That Sells elaborates on a revolutionary formula to create killer copy that compels readers to become customers. While technology is continuously evolving, Veloso approaches marketing communication with her newer and more effective techniques for the modern world of selling. 

In this, you’ll learn how to use psychological tactics to improve your marketing, create highly-targeted Facebook ads, and maximize your responses. 

10. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, expert on influence & persuasion Robert Cialdini explains what he’s learned in his 35 years of marketing research. Cialdini identifies the exact type of copywriting that leads people to change their behavior. Here, he elaborates on social proof, consistency, authority, and more concepts to consider while creating outstanding copy.

Later on, he elaborates on various psychological tactics used by salespeople, from car dealers to waitresses, that get us to say yes. By reading Cialdini’s classic masterpiece, you’ll be able to persuade others with your copy like never before.

Final Thoughts: Best Copywriting Books

Ultimately, improving your copywriting skills will allow you to draw in more cash, gain influence in your industry, and persuade others to act. Anyone who uses the written word to get their ideas across is a copywriter, making it more relevant and beneficial than ever to understand the marketing tactics that make meaningful copywriting. Use these best copywriting books and become a pro!