Must-Read Books for Business Copywriters
Like most of my #copywritersofinstagram associates, I plead guilty of indulging in All The Books on copywriting, marketing and business I can lay my inky little fingers on (amongst splurging on needlessly beautiful children’s picture books that I don’t let the children touch, of course).
So, it won’t come as a surprise to you that I have developed a particular fondness for my personal curated selection of the many thousands of titles floating around on Amazon - and I’m delighted to share my top titles with you here.
But only on the understanding that I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours…
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
This was one of the first books I read after finally taking the plunge and printing myself a business card saying ‘Copywriter’.
And, that may be why I have a little corner of my heart set aside for Handley’s offering, but it certainly nails the brief in providing a light hearted and engaging read, packed with great insights on striking the balance between ‘good and proper writing’ and informal mediums like social media and the blog-o-sphere.
Highly recommend.
The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
This is a super ultimate handbook and a must-have for every copywriter’s desk-side. In fact better get one for your bedside too as there’s plenty to take on board. With everything from model headline templates to insights on the psychology of persuasion through copy, you’ll find everything you need to write with confidence and style for your business.
Copywriting Made Simple by Tom Albrighton
In this book, I think Albrighton absolutely nails a style of writing which is easy and efficient to read and yet packed with information and knowledge. Not dissimilar to The Copywriter’s Handbook in terms of content covered, but another experienced and engaging perspective on the subject matter in hand.
This is Marketing by Seth Godin
You can’t not have a well-thumbed Seth Godin book on your desk if you’re working in the marketing arena and this is a great choice to start with.
With Godin’s signature wry anecdotal style packing a punch and the sheer hard thwack of massive experience and influence to boot, there’s no way to emerge from this read without a slightly sense of overwhelm and a massive helping of motivation to get going.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
This is one of those Classic publications that you’ll hear referenced in every marketing podcast you listen to - the ultimate in detailed exploration of the psychology of why the human brain is ripe for manipulation and how we can make the most of this knowledge. The studies referenced will make you gasp and the insights drawn make you scribble down notes at a pace. A must-read.
You and I both know that there’s plenty more where these came from - and I’d love to hear your recommendations and thoughts in the comments below, so please do let me know which books are looking the most bedraggled, well-thumbed and scribbled on in your collection.
Wondering what to listen to on your next dog walk? Check out my recommendations of the best podcasts for marketeers, copywriters and knowledge-seekers here.
Happy reading!