Best Copywriting Books to Read in 2025
If you’re just starting out in copywriting, you know it can feel overwhelming. You want to be persuasive, but you don’t want to come off too pushy, or worse, cheesy. Luckily, there are a ton of amazing copywriting books filled with proven formulas so you can go from guessing to using what actually works. In this post, I’ll review the best copywriting books for beginners to sharpen their writing skills and grow their business. These are the texts that helped me rewire how I think about writing, and helped me land my first clients.
What is Copywriting?
Copywriting is persuasive writing used in marketing and advertising to encourage your target audience to take a desired action. A copywriter works on sales pages, email sequences, ad headlines, and website banners that encourage you to click, buy, or sign up—fast. Whether you want your TA to “book now” or “join the challenge,” the right words can convert casual readers into loyal customers or engaged community members.
On the other hand, content writing is long-form writing that’s more focused on educating, informing, or entertaining your audience. Think blog posts, newsletters, articles, and social captions that build trust and connection over time. While it’s not as direct as copywriting, good content writing still needs a clear voice and strategy behind it.
In short? Copywriting sells. Content writing tells. And the best brands know how to blend both.
Mastering the Art of Storytelling
Good copywriters are storytellers. Becoming a copywriter requires you to unlearn a lot of what you were taught in school about writing. As an English teacher turned copywriter, I had to deprogram writing concepts I spent years teaching. While academic writing values a formal tone and complex sentences, copywriting is all about conciseness. It's less five-paragraph essay, more say it in as few words as possible.
When Writing Less Says More
In the classroom, I loved to teach memoir writing to my high school students. To kick off our personal narrative unit, I asked students to craft 6 word memoirs. Their task? Write a compelling personal story in just 6 words. This was usually met with groans, “that’s going to be hard!”
The model I used for the assignment was written by Ernest Hemingway. We would spend an entire class period discussing his story, “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”
Students would voice their opinions on what the story could mean. “Did the baby die?” “Could the baby have been adopted or given away?”
The best writing evokes emotions. And if you can do that in 6 words, copywriting might be the career for you.
Top 5 Copywriting Books for Beginners (2025)
If you’re looking to become a copywriter or just want to write better copy for your business, start by studying the craft. At the beginning, you’ll want to read more than you write!
Here are the top 5 copywriting books I recommend to get you started:
1. Very Good Copy by Eddie Shleyner
Very Good Copy not only inspired me professionally, but had me writing creative vignettes just for fun. Shleyner breaks down big copywriting lessons into digestible reads you can knock out over a morning coffee. I loved how he connected his family life into writing lessons throughout the book. Real and relatable. I find myself going back to it when I need a spark or reminder that simple is powerful.
2. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
If you ever struggle with clarity in your messaging, Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen is the book to grab. Miller’s framework helped me see how important it is to make your customer the hero, not your brand. It’s less about clever lines and more about clear communication. Isn’t that what great copy is all about?
Bonus: The Marketing Made Simple podcast comes out with weekly episodes. I’m always learning something new from the pod.
3. The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly
The Copywriter’s Handbook is an old-school classic, and for good reason. It’s like a manual for writing sales copy that converts. Bly covers headlines, emails, product pages, you name it. I don’t follow everything Bly suggests (the tone can lean a bit more traditional), but the foundational advice is solid.
4. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Okay, not technically a copywriting book, but hear me out. The Creative Act: A Way of Being is a mindset shifter. It’s about nurturing your creativity and learning to trust your voice, which is something every writer (especially freelancers) needs. I read the entire book cover to cover on my honeymoon. When I’m feeling stuck or imposter-y, I turn to this book.
5. How to Write Short by Roy Peter Clark
As a copywriter, you learn quickly that every word counts. How to Write Short will teach you how to say more with less. It’s packed with practical strategies for trimming the fluff and keeping things tight, which you can take and apply to email and social media copy.
Final Thoughts
The best copywriting books aren’t just full of formulas, they help you rethink how you write, communicate, and connect with your audience. Whether you’re building a freelance career or just trying to write better copy for your business, starting with the right books can make all the difference.
Remember, becoming a great copywriter isn’t about perfection. It’s about practicing, learning, and refining your voice along the way. And if you’re ready to take your skills even further, I’ve curated my favorite courses, templates, and resources here to help you grow faster.
I encourage you to check out these tools designed to help you launch your freelance writing career. Happy writing!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. I only recommend books I’ve personally read and loved. Thanks for supporting my work!
