What books have been the most helpful to you in copywriting?

I have a few that have been helpful to me in writing in general, and more that I've recently read that may be helpful in understanding the psychology of copywriting. Right now, I'm reading "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser, which is more of a guide to writing in general. About a month ago, I read "Blink, The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcolm Gladwell. That was about how people form first impressions. I've also recently read "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini. This is a book that would be extremely helpful in writing good copy.

What books are you reading to improve your writing?

I'm currently reading The Copywriter's Handbook by Robert Bly. It's something I recommend to anyone interested in this craft. It really is a step-by-step guide to writing copy that sells.

Here's a book you'll LOVE!

It's called The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.

It links creativity with spirituality, shows you how to tap into your higher power, and spurs your imagination to capture new ideas and express them as wisdom and inspiration.

There are so many books I can't even remember the names of those I've read. I do know that I try to to read everything I can by Robert? Bly. Apparently he is the best copywriter in the business. He also offers an online course which I hope to be able to afford soon. If you can afford it it would probably be worth your while.

I just started reading The Copywriter's Handbook. That one seems pretty helpful, but I think some of the information in it may be out of date. Anyone read the more recent one that's written for writing on the internet?

Yes, that's the one I've got -- and it's definitely worth getting ... because it really helps you get clarity on how to market online.

This sounds like a very good place to start. I'm getting an Amazon order together this week anyhow, so I think I'll add this book. I'll also watch here for other recommendations. I've been using up most of my time for actual writing but I think it would be beneficial to get some new perspectives.

Yes, it will definitely give you a good grasp of how copywriting is different from other kinds of writing. I'd love to hear your opinion once you've read it.

Cheers,

Sal

Hi.

I have so many favorite copywriting books that it would be
nearly impossible to list them all here. So instead, I've
decided to make a list of my top 10 all-time favorites and
post it over at the blog.

Here's the link:
My top 10 all-time favorite copywriting books!


All the best!
Miguel Alvarez
Copywriting.com

I am quite new to the world of copywriting. So I am currently reading "The Copywriter's Handbook" and also one of my friend suggested "Tested Advertising Methods" to me, so i am thinking of ordering this one too.

Aw, Miguel! You've totally blown my book budget for the next two years!
Thank you for the list, it looks like a great one! I've heard that Stephen King did
a book on writing but I was never sure I'd get anything from it so never read it.
Maybe I'll have to take a look at it.

Now I have more books I need to read! Good thing my kids still take naps! The Movies in the Mind looks especially interesting to me.

I've said this elsewhere in the forum, but his books are so good I think It's worth saying again.
For beginners, Peter Bowerman's 'The Well Fed Writer' and its sequel 'Back for Seconds' (I think; I've lend both books to a friend) are inspirational - they show, in his can-do America way, that you can make a decent living at the craft, mixed in with, I should think, almost anything else you might want to know about doing the job.
I spread the word about these books (including an Amazon - uk - review) because Bowerman is so generous with what he knows, and so obviously keen that you too should profit from it.

While I was looking these books up this morning, I see that he also has a third
called The Well-Fed Self Publisher. I really could use all three of them so either
I'll get them all or have a really hard time choosing. Oh, I guess I
should look to see if Amazon have any of them used, come to think of it. I'm
often amazed at the books and movies I can get for a nickle or dime. Seriously!

Word of advice here for anyone looking for these books... they were all a few
cents near $18 when I found them on Barnes & Noble... BUT I just looked on
Amazon and they're $13.57 there... not even worth paying the $9 or $10 they
want for used. That's a pretty big difference and I don't usually see such a
change between the two places.

Katerina,
I am sure you'll find it money well spent. I'll be interested to hear what you think of them when you've finished reading' If you go to his site (Googling in Peter Bowerman) he also has a regular newsletter.
What a difference in price! How on earth can B£N justify that?
Happy and constructive reading.
Peter.

Hiya Katerina.

I used to buy a gob of books from BN but have recently switched
many of my book purchases to Amazon. Used is no big deal to me.
Plus, I have had a membership at BN since the beginning but have
trouble with getting the discount. I pay membership online then
don't get a card in the mail. Then I request my card for local stores
and my online disount goes away. Too frustrating.

I buy a lot of other things at Amazon too (we all do) and personally
know (holy crapola) over a 100 vendors who have partnered with Amazon
over the past few years. They swear to me that I should jump on board.
Large corporations are just not my thing though. Too many rules and
hoops to jump through. I don't do that to folks who work for me and
don't like being dictated to when it comes to my own web sites. 'Nough
said on that issue! LOL.

Blessings.

Verb