Book recommendation to improve copywriting skills?

[Justin Gesso]

Hi everyone, I'm ready for my next book and am interested in improving my copywriting skills.

I've gone through quite a few of the posts here and pulled out some ideas, but I'd be curious if there are any up-to-date recommendations you all have.

I've also browsed through Audible/Amazon, but nothing is really standing out as "the book."

And I should mention I'm not as interested in old-school copywriting books. While there's fundamental human psychology, I believe a lot has changed recently in the way people consume media (thanks to internet, social media, etc...). Is there a modern gem of a book?

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

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[Chris Veal]

Hi everyone, I'm ready for my next book and am interested in improving my copywriting skills.

I've gone through quite a few of the posts here and pulled out some ideas, but I'd be curious if there are any up-to-date recommendations you all have.

I've also browsed through Audible/Amazon, but nothing is really standing out as "the book."

And I should mention I'm not as interested in old-school copywriting books. While there's fundamental human psychology, I believe a lot has changed recently in the way people consume media (thanks to internet, social media, etc...). Is there a modern gem of a book?

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hey Justin,

I've attached a list of recommended books. Some old some new. I think some of the new ones you might be interested are by authors: Dan Kennedy, John Carlton, Clayton Makepeace; not exhaustive by any means. You might check out AWAI (awaionline.com)

 

[Chris Veal]

Hey Justin,

I've attached a list of recommended books. Some old some new. I think some of the new ones you might be interested are by authors: Dan Kennedy, John Carlton, Clayton Makepeace; not exhaustive by any means. You might check out AWAI (awaionline.com)

A new one you might be interested in is Cashvertising

 

[AndrewNC]

The best way to learn how to write copy...is to...start writing copy.

The books listed above are enough to get you started.

 

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[Chris Veal]

The best way to learn how to write copy...is to...start writing copy.

The books listed above are enough to get you started.

I second that. I've been copying the greatest ads by hand for several months now. You can get a swipe file off the internet (try swiped.co)
This will train your subconscious.

Also, I write 250 words every morning on any given topic.

 

[Justin Gesso]

Awesome stuff. Thank you both. I just purchased a couple off of your list, Chris.

And yes, I write plenty of copy...just looking for continuous improvement.

 

[Dolf112]

Hi everyone, I'm ready for my next book and am interested in improving my copywriting skills.

I've gone through quite a few of the posts here and pulled out some ideas, but I'd be curious if there are any up-to-date recommendations you all have.

I've also browsed through Audible/Amazon, but nothing is really standing out as "the book."

And I should mention I'm not as interested in old-school copywriting books. While there's fundamental human psychology, I believe a lot has changed recently in the way people consume media (thanks to internet, social media, etc...). Is there a modern gem of a book?

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Justin I read a GOLD post last night that had a long list of books to read, on copy. Here's the link to the page with the info on www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/learning-to-program-is-stupid-or-smart.41319/ post is by CryptO

 

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[Growth & Learn]

And I should mention I'm not as interested in old-school copywriting books. While there's fundamental human psychology, I believe a lot has changed recently in the way people consume media (thanks to internet, social media, etc...). Is there a modern gem of a book?

I used to have this attitude as well but it was an incorrect one and it cost me a lot of money. The human brain hasn't changed biologically in the last 100 years. We still respond to the same concepts.

So, you're leaving a lot of learning 'on the table' if you choose to not study the classic copywriters. Many of which wrote the book on selling. Literally and figuratively.

 

[Tom.V]

That defacto list posted up earlier hits the nail on the head. If you're looking for absolute MASTERY, read Breakthrough Advertising a few times. It really is a stellar book for copywriting, thought not exactly for the novice.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

I used to have this attitude as well but it was an incorrect one and it cost me a lot of money. The human brain hasn't changed biologically in the last 100 years. We still respond to the same concepts.

So, you're leaving a lot of learning 'on the table' if you choose to not study the classic copywriters. Many of which wrote the book on selling. Literally and figuratively.

So true!

Spoiler: John Carlton, "Kick-a$$ Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel"

"What I share with you here are the advanced salesmanship techniques that have
not changed since the beginning of time. Guys in togas were using these basic principles
to earn fortunes selling chariots in ancient Rome. You're seeing the same expert
techniques at work on late-night infomercials today, and in multi-million dollar mail
order campaigns and direct response ads that transform simple entrepreneurs into
fabulously wealthy moguls almost overnight."

 

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[Justin Gesso]

I used to have this attitude as well but it was an incorrect one and it cost me a lot of money. The human brain hasn't changed biologically in the last 100 years. We still respond to the same concepts.

So, you're leaving a lot of learning 'on the table' if you choose to not study the classic copywriters. Many of which wrote the book on selling. Literally and figuratively.

Makes sense. Thanks.

 

[Justin Gesso]

Hi Justin I read a GOLD post last night that had a long list of books to read, on copy. Here's the link to the page with the info on www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/learning-to-program-is-stupid-or-smart.41319/ post is by CryptO

Awesome...great stuff, thanks!

 

[Chris Veal]

I used to have this attitude as well but it was an incorrect one and it cost me a lot of money. The human brain hasn't changed biologically in the last 100 years. We still respond to the same concepts.

So, you're leaving a lot of learning 'on the table' if you choose to not study the classic copywriters. Many of which wrote the book on selling. Literally and figuratively.

3 words for that: Psychology! Psychology! Psychology!

 

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[Justin Gesso]

Boy, reading through "Scientific Advertising" sure makes me appreciate being in a world where we can use Google Analytics to run copy experiments. Hearing the author describe doing the same activities in mail-order only days is pretty brutal!