Top 10 Resources for Aspiring Copywriters
If you’re like me and love a bit (7 hours, give or take) of browsing on Amazon, then today is your lucky day. In a world where everything is at your fingertips, help to become a copywriter is no exception. Amazon has a pretty great selection of resources, both books and audiobooks, that can set you on the road to your chosen career.
So let’s have a look at 10 of the best resources for an aspiring copywriter (in my humble opinion!)
The Copywriter’s Handbook
1. ‘The Copywriter’s Handbook’ by Robert W. Bly
There’s something reassuring about a book with the word ‘handbook’ in the title. It automatically says that it will carefully guide you through every element that you need to understand the topic. And happily doesn’t expect any previous knowledge - so if you’re a beginner, you know it’s for you.
So if you have little to no knowledge about copywriting and are keen to learn all you need to know to do the job well, ‘The Copywriter’s Handbook’ by Robert W. Bly is well worth a read.
This is the fourth version, so it’s been updated for mastering copy in the digital age. It sets out very clear steps to take and even includes helpful checklists to make sure you follow every piece of guidance correctly. It’s very engaging writing which doesn’t dwell too much on the details and gives short, simple sentences to read. Perfect for busy copywriters who just want to get on with it!
2. ‘Everybody Writes’ by Ann Handley
For those who like their writing advice with a healthy dose of sarcasm and humour, this is the book for you. ‘Everybody Writes’ is a really engaging, funny and helpful book that makes you excited to begin your writing journey.
It’s full of advice on how to write content that sells, including how to attract customers, choose your words well and even a step-by-step writing framework so you can have confidence you’re on the right track. All written with clarity and plenty of reassurance that you can do it! It’s like having your own personal cheerleader sitting on your keyboard.
Read about writing well.
3. ‘On Writing Well’ by William Zinsser
This book is the perfect reference book for writers of all stages and experience. You can dip in and out of it when you like, gaining a nugget of wise advice each time. It’s split into four sections – ‘Principles’, ‘Methods’, ‘Forms’ and ‘Attitudes’ – so it’s easy and straightforward to find the particular area you’re interested in. It outlines how to improve your writing to make it clear and engaging for the reader, which is pretty much the magic formula to being a good writer.
The chapter on ‘Business Writing: Writing in Your Job’ is a great source of info and advice for aspiring copywriters and teaches the subtleties of the English language to help you write well for others.
Basically, if you were enrolled in a ‘How to write well so people will be impressed’ class – this would be the textbook.
4. ‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion’ by Robert B. Cialdini
As the purpose of copywriting is to persuade readers to act in whatever way you need them to – buy, join, share, think…knowing how persuasion works and how to do it is pretty vital.
‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion’ is an international bestseller, with over 5 million copies sold. The author is a New York Times bestselling author, has a PhD and is described as a seminal expert in influence and persuasion. So he really should know what he’s talking about.
Learning how to influence others doesn’t mean you’ll turn into Derren Brown, but it does mean that you’ll develop the skills to know how to connect with your target audience. Cialdini is an academic, so he delves deeper into the principles he’s writing about than others might. But if you’re fascinated by the psychology involved in copywriting, this is right up your street.
Writing more will make your writing better.
5. ‘Words That Sell’ by Richard Bayan
I do enjoy a thesaurus. There’s nothing quite as enjoyable to have a brief coffee break from your writing and a browse through a thesaurus. (No? Just me?) Finding alternative words to get your meaning across can change the tone of your writing and take you into new areas. There’s only so many times you can use the words ‘exciting’, ‘appealing’ and ‘engaging.’ Wouldn’t it be handy to have a resource that has 96 lists of other options, solely there to make your writing more powerful and persuasive?
So it’s perfect for when you’re looking for those words that will help you persuade, sell and convince your readers. Just a browse through the lists can turn those words that aren’t hugely noticeable into ‘Words That Sell.’
6. ‘Hey Whipple, Squeeze This’ by Luke Sullivan
Probably one of the most interesting book titles I’ve come across, ‘Hey Whipple, Squeeze This’ will grab your attention when you see it on the shelf. Which is pretty much the point.
This is the sixth edition of this book as it’s been through 5 different editions since it was first written 20 years ago. It focuses on the creativity in advertising through your words and has been updated for the digital-first industry. It’s written in a great conversational way and plunges straight into an explanation of the title, which makes perfect sense in relation to copywriting, I promise.
If you want some advice and tips on how to be as creative as you can with your copywriting, you can’t go far wrong with this book. And it’s amusing to read it in public and watch as people try to figure out exactly what you’re reading from the title!
How to incorporate AI into copywriting.
7. ‘Copywriting with AI’ by Sam Bars
And we’re back to the rise of the machines. AI is fast becoming the alternative to quick content writing. But thankfully, it’s content that is obviously created by robots, with most of it sounding like it’s written by Yoda. So human writers are not likely to be usurped by AI, as we are the only way to add empathy, creativity and proper humour and sarcasm into great writing.
But there is still a place for AI. ‘Copywriting with AI’ explains how you can write good prompts so AI stays on the right path when creating usable content. See it as the tool you’re using to create engaging content that persuades and sells what you’re writing about. Remember, no matter how many times you watch ‘Terminator’, realistically, AI can only do what you tell it to do. This book is a good resource in helping you use AI to your writing advantage.
8. ‘Copywriting: The Definitive Beginner's Guide: 5 Crucial Rules & 7 Mistakes to Avoid to Write Captivating Copy That Compels Readers to Take Action’
Audible Audiobook by Adam Richards
With the longest title I’ve seen in a book that’s not written by Vityala Yethindra (Guinness World Record Holder with 3,777 words), this audiobook is a great start for those who are new to copywriting. It can be intimidating when starting a new venture and not being quite sure how to begin without feeling as though you’re automatically failing.
‘Copywriting: The Definitive Beginner’s Guide’ covers what every beginner copywriter needs to know - from the ABCs of writing compelling copy to rules that will strengthen your writing, to copywriting ethics and how to stay true to your values.
And having it in audiobook form means you can listen to it anywhere, any time. Hearing the words can make it more engaging and entertaining, as well as help you remember the content better.
But don’t worry, for those who like something tangible they can scribble notes on, it also comes in paperback.
Be positive and be successful as a copywriter.
9. ‘How to Launch a Freelance Copywriting Business: Creative Writing for a Living: Method Writing, Volume 1’
by Jules Horne
So now you have the confidence and practice to step out and launch your freelance copywriting career. And if you have no clue how to go about it, fear not! That’s what this book is all about.
‘How to Launch a Freelance Copywriting Business’ can safely guide you through every element of becoming the copywriter you’ve always wanted to be. It covers every element you need to get your freelance career off to the best start, including: how to write creatively for business, the legal nuts and bolts, how to launch and grow your business and the best way to get starter projects.
It’s such a good reference book that you’ll go back to it over and over again. And as a bonus, you can download free templates from the linked website and read the blogs to help you get started.
10. Copywriting mugs
Not actually classed as a resource, but still essential to your copywriting journey. How can you write effectively without an endless supply of tea/coffee in a mug with a humorous or sarcastic message? During your next break from crafting compelling copy, why not have a browse for the perfect mug to assist you in your career?
Whether you like the sound of ‘I’m a grumpy copywriter, my level of sarcasm depends on your level of stupidity’ a simple ‘Trust me, I’m a copywriter,’ or even a ‘…and I will write 500 words and I will write 500 more’, (a homage to The Proclaimers) – there are plenty of witticisms to choose from. And when you reach the inevitable writer’s block, your witty mug will help to inspire you back to the right path. Complete with caffeine. It’s a win-win!
Get started on your new career today!
Are you feeling inspired enough to launch your copywriting career? Go for it and with the help of the plethora of copywriting resources out there, you’ll always have backup and support to keep you heading in the right direction.
If you’d like a qualification to help you start your career, why not consider a course with the Comprehensive Copywriting Academy? With easy-to-follow training, you can learn how to build your copywriting career through online, self-paced training. And if proofreading’s your thing, why not check out the Proofread Anywhere course to help you refine your eagle eye? Both courses are invaluable when it comes to starting your exciting new copywriting career with confidence.
