6+ Favorite Books on Copywriting and Advertising (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on copywriting and advertising (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Cashvertising by Drew Whitman
$15.85

In Cashvertising, Drew Whitman shares over 100 strategies from ad-agency psychology to help anyone sell anything without breaking the bank on ads. He breaks down how we make buying decisions and offers practical tips for crafting ads that actually convert. I appreciate how concise and actionable the book is, making it a useful resource for businesses. However, the tone can feel a bit over-the-top, which might turn some readers off. Overall, it’s a solid guide for those looking to sharpen their marketing skills, just be ready for some exaggerated claims.
Pros:
Teaches practical ad-agency psychology secrets
Concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary wordiness
Tactical and applicable for various businesses with plenty of examples
Cons:
Over the top and ridiculous at times, making it hard to take seriously and recommend.
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01/27/2026 02:02 am GMT
All Marketer Are Liars by Seth Godin
$10.59

In All Marketers Are Liars, Seth Godin digs into the marketing world, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling to build real connections with customers. He emphasizes that businesses should focus on sharing stories that resonate rather than just listing product features. I found his insights spot-on, especially his points about how consumers already have their own worldviews and how first impressions kick off the narrative. Overall, this book is a refreshing take that challenges old-school marketing tactics. Honestly, I’m a fan of Godin’s work, and I didn’t find anything to dislike here!
Pros:
The book emphasizes the importance of meaningful and authentic storytelling in marketing.
It provides useful takeaways that challenge traditional marketing practices.
Seth Godin's work is consistently useful and approachable.
Cons:
Nothing - really enjoy all his work.
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01/27/2026 02:01 am GMT
AdWeek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman
$15.49

The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman is all about teaching you how to write compelling copy that drives sales. I found it packed with practical advice that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned writers. Sugarman covers everything from crafting headlines to understanding your audience's needs, and he really stresses the importance of clear communication. There’s a lot of useful tips on effective copywriting principles, making it a solid resource for anyone interested in advertising. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike—it’s just a great reference for mastering the art of persuasion.
Pros:
Provides proven guidelines and expert advice
Covers essential topics in copywriting
Offers valuable insights and practical tips
Excellent reference book for anyone
Cons:
Nothing - solid reference book to learn about copywriting.
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01/27/2026 08:00 pm GMT
Copywriter's Handbook by Bob Bly
$24.11

In The Copywriter's Handbook, Bob Bly lays out a practical guide to mastering copywriting for both print and online platforms. He offers a wealth of techniques aimed at helping writers craft clear and persuasive ads, emails, and websites. I appreciated how systematic and user-friendly the book is, making it a great starting point for beginners. However, it does feel a bit overwhelming at times, and some examples are starting to show their age. Overall, it's a valuable resource, but you might need to sift through the dense content to find the gems.
Pros:
Comprehensive guide to copywriting
Offers numerous techniques for persuasive writing
Systematic and approachable resource for beginners
Cons:
A bit too comprehensive and dense
Many examples are dated
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01/26/2026 11:02 pm GMT
How To Write A Good Advertisement by Victor Schwab
$24.99

In How To Write A Good Advertisement, Victor Schwab offers a solid guide on crafting effective ads. He breaks down essential elements like grabbing attention, highlighting advantages, and driving action, dedicating a chapter to each. I appreciate his insights into human psychology and how to connect desires to products, which makes the advice feel relevant. The book is packed with useful examples, though some might feel a bit dated. Overall, it’s a classic I’d recommend to anyone serious about advertising, despite its old-school vibe.
Pros:
Comprehensive guide to writing effective advertisements
In-depth exploration of core advertising elements
Provides good and bad examples for better understanding
Teaches how to get attention and build credibility
Covers effective split-testing and ad effectiveness
Timeless classic and must-read for ad writing principles
Cons:
A bit old-school with old examples
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01/27/2026 01:01 am GMT
22 Immutable Laws of Marketing by Al Ries
$8.41

In The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, Al Ries lays out 22 essential rules for effective marketing, emphasizing that success hinges on customer perceptions. I found the insights on being first in the consumer's mind and the importance of creating a unique category particularly striking. The book is packed with relatable examples and delivers its messages clearly, making it feel timeless. While the authors' tone can come off as a bit arrogant, you can easily take what resonates and leave the rest. Overall, it's a smart, quick read that feels like a mini MBA for anyone in business.
Pros:
The book is concise and to the point.
The Laws make sense and are relatable.
It hasn't aged at all and remains relevant.
It's a great resource for business owners and professionals.
Cons:
There is cynicism and arrogance throughout.
The authors have a know-it-all tone.
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01/27/2026 01:01 am GMT
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath
$12.42

In Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath explore what makes ideas memorable through six key traits: simplicity, unexpectedness, concreteness, credibility, emotional appeal, and storytelling. The book offers practical tips for distilling messages to their essence and engaging audiences effectively. I found it not only fascinating but also super easy to read and apply. It’s packed with insights that can help anyone communicate their ideas better. Honestly, I can't think of anything I didn't like—this one’s a must-read for anyone wanting to make their ideas stick! Five stars!
Pros:
The book is fascinating and engaging.
It is easy to read and understand.
Provides practical advice that is easy to implement.
Cons:
Nothing at all - must read.
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01/27/2026 01:02 am GMT