Recommended Copywriting Books 

By Herbert Watson

This is the most comprehensive copywriting book I know. It goes from a high level overview about what you're actually doing, right down to the details of how to actually write individual sentences and teaches you how to influence in between. The legendary copywriter Robert Collier begins his book by saying 'I learnt everything I know about letter writing from this book'. On top of that, the AWAI still teach concepts from this book at seminars and in courses today. It goes beyond sales letters and can be used as a framework to influence for any purpose. It's not a short read, but if you can stomach it, I would highly recommend it. 

By Robert Collier 

Speaking of Robert Collier.. you may have heard the timeless advice 'enter the conversation already taking place in their head'. That came from this book. I am one of the many people who consider this essential reading for anyone hoping to write influential copy that actually sells. It only covers what you have to know and has no filler in-between. 

By Joe Sugarman

Joe Sugerman single handedly changed the way copywriters structure copy forever with this book. That's not to say he invented the use of short sentences and the concept of 'the greased shoot' (starting at the top and not getting off till the bottom) but he is by far the most sited teacher of it. The book is a condensation of a copywriting seminar he gave for $2,000 a ticket and its contents are worth far more than the price of the book. There is a lot learn from this insightful book but the main takeways involve emotional triggers, structuring sentences the right way and selling your concepts not your product.

By Eugene Schwartz

This book has a cult like following in the marketing and advertising world and for good reason. To give an idea about the depth of the book, the entire first half of the book talks exclusively about headlines. The second half goes into things like understanding the market and tools to present ideas. I have seen it described over and over again as 'advanced' and It is a must have for anyone taking themself seriously as a copywriter. 

By Gary Halbert

This book is a collection of letters written by Gary to his youngest son during his time in prison. From prison he aims to teach his son all he knows about Direct Marketing and Copywriting in a well paced and bare bones style. He covers all the  fundamentals from putting together a mail order campaign to all the essentials of a sales letter. This books will guide you through all the essential parts an a very unique and interesting way.

By Victor Schwab

If you've been learning to write copy for any amount of time you will have already come across 'AIDA'; Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. This is by far the most used framework in Copywriting and this book teaches this formula in the most comprehensive way you will find anywhere. A perfect place to start for anyone starting out and an important reminder for veterans.

By Drayton Bird

This no nonsense book is sure to answer any questions you might have about sales letters. It sets straight the mindset and perspective you need to take when writing a sales letter and the advice throughout is always relevant. A must have for writers of sales letters looking for real results.

By Drayton Bird 

Another book by Drayton Bird. If you want to go beyond the writing of copy and understand the most important parts of Direct Marketing you won't do better than this book. It's focus is on direct marketing (as all copywriters should) and will make clear why brand advertising is a wasted effort for smaller companies.

By Bob Stone

This is another book on Direct Marketing that teaches the nuts and bolts of the process. This not a small book. If you want real education this book crosses into all areas of Direct Marketing and it will be impossible for you to come away from it without being a better Marketer. A word of warning: it is very academic and a lot less humorous than Drayton Bird's book above.