The 4 Best Books on Copywriting You Can’t Skip
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Easy reads that breed educated, clever copywriters.
You’re smart if you want to learn from the best copywriters in the business. Many writers who decide to teach themselves by Googling miss out on high-paying gigs. I know I sure did!
I tried the DIY route on how to start a freelance writing career. After a few years, however, I saw the value in reading books and taking a great online copywriting course.
Avoid missing out on great opportunities early on in your career, and get your hands on some great, no-fluff books about copywriting to get started. Here are 4 books I consider paramount to writing and talking like a copywriter beyond your years.
4 Books Every Copywriter Needs
These copywriting books are all exceptional in their own way. Sure, they show you how to write great copy. But, they also dive into the origin of advertising, the psychology of selling and how a medium controls what you write.
Knowing this stuff helps you craft copy that wows your clients and aces conversions — and maybe even creates some buzz too!
If nothing else, read these 4 books so you write knockout copy and impress creative directors in every interview. I mention these titles in all my interviews, and creative directors are really impressed, even if they’ve never read them themselves. Remembering a list of copywriting book titles to spark discussion makes you look like a pro!
#1 The Copywriter’s Toolkit
by Margo Berman
Looking for a complete workbook on how to write copy and practice writing? The Copywriter’s Toolkit does all that.
Highlights:
Copywriting exercises and prompts
Tactics for thorough brainstorming, concepting and execution
Guidance for every medium imaginable
It’s chock-full of exercises and prompts that cover everything from brainstorming to execution of great copy.
It also covers every medium you’ll ever write for: digital, print, email, webpages, social media… the list goes on and on.
Every copywriter needs this book in their arsenal.
#2 Hey Whipple, Squeeze This
by Luke Sullivan & Edward Boches
A perfect resource for when a creative director asks, “What are your favorite ad campaigns and why?”
Highlights:
Analysis of historical ad campaigns
Honest, no BS tone
In-depth history of advertising and why people hate it
I love how the authors share their first projects to show that we all have to start somewhere
It’s amazing to see tons of great ad campaigns and the analysis of each. If you’re looking for copy inspiration, this is the book to find it.
I sound like a senior copywriter anytime I bring up the award-winning Volkswagen or Avis campaigns!
#3 101 Things I Learned in Advertising School
by Tracy Arrington
Didn’t go to school for marketing or advertising? Me neither. Luckily, this book lets you save on tuition with this easy-to-read marketing cheat sheet!
Highlights:
Bite-size marketing lessons
Witty, clever tone
Design, copy, consumerism and media tips
I love this pocket book! Perfect for casual reading on vacation… or in the bathroom.
It’s just 101 need-to-know advertising tips. Just 1-page paragraphs and pictures that get to the point immediately.
You’ll get years of formal advertising education and consumer psychology whittled down into bite-size hacks to make your copywriting exceptionally effective.
#4 Ogilvy on Advertising
by David Ogilvy
An old-school copywriting book, but timeless in that the copywriting tactics still apply today. David Ogilvy has been known as a wizard in the business.
Highlights:
Tips to get jobs in advertising
Guidance for client pitching
History of advertising giants
It covers the basics of copywriting from headlines to body copy and how each plays a part in the process.
But you’ll also get strategies on how to take complex ideas and manipulate them into copy that drives action.
For anyone looking for copywriting jobs, you’ll find details about nailing the interview and landing big and small clients.
This book is the best teachings from an advertising legend!
Heads Up, Writers!
(Read Below)
Heads Up, Writers! (Read Below)
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