Top copywriting books to help you become a better copywriter and business owner

When I first started copywriting, I didn’t even know I was actually copywriting—I fell into it by accident. I thought “freelance writer” encompassed it all, and wow was I wrong… Once I realized what my job title really was, I poured myself into studying all things copywriting. I even went back to university for continuing education in marketing and public relations. Because I’m the type of person, who likes those fancy pieces of paper on the walls. Beyond formal education, I bought all the books. After years of self-study and on-the-job experience running my 6-figure copywriting studio, here are my recommendations for the best copywriting books for beginners.

The best books for copywriters aren’t all about writing

A disclaimer: All the other newbie copywriters are going to be reading top copywriting book lists like this and buying mostly books about how to write good copy. Those books will walk you through frameworks and formulas that other successful copywriters have developed over the years… And they work. But like most things, there’s more nuance to consider.

My relationship with reading top copywriting books for beginners

From my experience, what separates okay copywriters from amazing ones that really get it… They explore outside of these books. I often read about things like:

• Psychology
• Decision making
• Philosophy
• Why people are the way they are (this should be a formal category)
• Business building
• Creative writing

And all that comes together to deliver good work to clients, but also be a better business owner.

Because when you’re a freelance copywriter, you need to understand the business side of things as well as how to write good copy. So you should be reading more than just the top copywriting books.

That’s why my recommendation is that you go straight to the source for a lot of the above and read the following. You’ll see there are more than just copywriting books for beginners in this list.

Prefer to watch? Top Copywriting books for beginners video here…

If you prefer to watch or listen to this book chat, check out the YouTube video here.

Develop the habit of reading top copywriting books for beginners

Like anything in life, you need to dedicate yourself and focus if you want to grow. If you want to improve and grow as a freelance copywriter, you need to take intentional time to learn. Reading the top copywriting books for beginners is a good way to do that. You can also explore online courses, or even formal education like I did in the beginning of my freelance business.

Relying on a range of resources will help you become a well-rounded copywriter and business owner.

Top books for freelance copywriters: Decisions and marketing

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

This book is all about how and why people make decisions. Often people think they’re being rational in their choices, but they’re not. Ariely breaks down the brain science behind that. It’s a really interesting read for all who work in the marketing world.

Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? Because when copywriters understand why people make decisions, it will be easier to influence the buying choices they make in relation to your client’s offers. That means no more following a framework step by step. With this knowledge, you can start to shape your own custom strategies to maximize conversions.

The ability to create custom strategies for your copywriting clients will help you level up from average to premium level services. High-level copywriters don’t just regurgitate what others are doing, but have the understanding required to develop a strategy from scratch, and intentionally experiment with the goal of increasing conversions.

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

This book explains how there are tipping points in all movements. Whether that’s a product, a message, a viral idea, or a literal virus. The point where the scale tips in favour of widespread adoption (or infection). I think this knowledge should be a mandatory baseline for anyone working in the world of marketing. As marketers and copywriters, your job is to facilitate those tipping points for clients.

Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? Because, this theory applies to marketing, and the best copywriters understand big-picture marketing too. Sure, you could stick to just writing copy for clients, but when you can also wear a consultant hat for the larger marketing strategies, you by default bring more value to your clients.

Top books for freelance copywriters: Mindset

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Being an entrepreneur who puts yourself out in the digital world often requires equal attention to personal development. We have the power to shape the perception of others. Often, we also have Inner wounds and beliefs that make us think who we are isn’t something to be proud of—not worth sharing. This book helps you start to accept your authentic self. Your imperfections are what make you human, and that humanness is attractive to others.

Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? The best copywriters have empathy for others. They truly understand what the reader is thinking and feeling, and it shows. Unfortunately, that deep rooted empathy can’t be learned—it comes from your lived experiences. But by doing the work on yourself first, you’ll likely improve as a writer.

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

This one is more personal development but a bit of woo. But I think that freelancing—or entrepreneurship in general—requires a journey into yourself as well. Always improving and growing because most of business success is mindset. What you think shapes your reality.

This book is a good intro into the world of trusting that there’s a bigger plan for you. Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? Because the best freelance copywriters learn how to run thriving businesses too. And I believe that professional development is intertwined with personal development. If you start by working on yourself, that will reflect into your freelance copywriting business.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

This book is an introduction to the laws of attraction. You’ll have to read it for yourself to find out more!

Why is this on the copywriting books for beginners list? You’ll see that so many of the big names in biz that you follow believe in the power of something else. Mindset, the universe, whatever. Personal development (and spiritual exploration) has a place in your business-building journey.

Top books for freelance copywriters: Business and leadership

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

I will recommend this book to the end of time, especially to beginner freelancers. Yes, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is about personal change. But I’ve said many times before that business is human. Entrepreneurship is a journey into personal growth as well. You need to become the person who’s willing to live and work like this. The lessons you’ll learn are classics that are true STILL years later.

Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? Again, because being a good business person requires being the best version of yourself. It was recommended to me by the CEO of a large mining company that I interviewed once for a magazine in a past life. Listen to the people at the top of their industries—they know something.

This book will help you become a better leader, and good freelance copywriters know how to lead. Not necessarily grow and lead a team, but you do need to know how to lead a project. You need to know how to guide your clients through a workflow, and this book will help you gain the tools to do that.

Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters

Reading Rocket Fuel was pivotal for me in hiring a team for my copywriting business. It helped me finally realize that I couldn’t do it all on my own. Yes, systems are great and helped me hit 6-figures, and now help the team function better. But you really need people who compliment you. The most successful businesses have a Visionary and an Integrator who work together to drive momentum forward. There are things each individual isn’t best suited for (even if they can technically do it).

Rocket Fuel ultimately helped me accept that I don’t have to do it all, even though I can. I can lean into what I am good at and have others help me to accelerate growth. That’s why it’s on the top copywriting books for beginners list! Even as a solopreneur, in the beginning, you can grow from there.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich is an oldie in the money-making world with still very relevant lessons. It’s part money stuff. Part mindset stuff. All helpful if you’re building a copywriting business and want it to really grow. This book inspired me to jump into the first mastermind I joined, even though it was a scary investment at the time. That turned out to be the best money I ever spent in my business—you need to surround yourself with a community that gets it.

Top copywriting books for beginners: Creative writing

Stephen King’s On Writing

You thought I was going to recommend a copywriting classic or a popular framework book, somewhere in this post, right? Sure, I can share some more of those in a different blog post (and there’s one coming here). But the way that I’ve been able to separate my style from other copywriters is drawing from other practices and areas of study.

On Writing teaches you how to be a better writer. I don’t care how many people preach that copywriting is a science because while yes, it is that first… Style separates your copy from meh copy that sounds like everyone else. So read writing books that aren’t just about copy formulas.

Your strength as a writer will directly impact your strength as a copywriter. Now, I don’t mean you need to be the most poetic writer. But you do need to understand language. I always preach that you need to know the rules in order to confidently break them, and copywriting involves breaking a lot of writing rules in favour of a more conversational style. I can always tell when copy was written by someone who knows how to write versus someone who relies on the formulaic side of copywriting.

Top copywriting books for beginners: Copywriting

The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert R. Bly

Finally! A copywriting-specific book. If you’re going to buy any top copywriting book for beginners, make it this one. It’s a classic on every good copywriter’s bookshelf. While I haven’t opened this one in years because a lot has become second nature at this point, I referenced this a lot when I was just starting out.

Why is this on the top copywriting books for beginners list? Because it’s nice to be able to reference copywriting rules and other details easily without having to google for all the answers. Keep this book near your desk as you work and watch how quickly you improve.

The top copywriting books for beginners list you weren’t expecting…

Putting these books in front of your eyes is going to help you learn… As long as you implement the things inside them. They aren’t the only thing you can do to level up, though. Building a freelance copywriting business isn’t just about learning copywriting techniques, which is why this list is more about personal development and business building than anything.

Become a better freelancer with the top copywriting books for beginners, and more…

When you focus on building the solid foundations of a sustainable and profitable business, then when you’re ready, you can grow and scale from there. Practicing your craft is one of the best ways to make more money as a freelance copywriter.

Reading has been one of my non-negotiables. More specifically daily learning. I try to learn something new every day, whether that’s by listening to a podcast, reading a book, or taking a course. Another way to grow as a copywriter, freelancer, and business owner is journalling. I credit a lot of my business growth to these habits.

Become a sought-after freelance copywriter

Those foundations are exactly what you need when you first get started. If you want to learn more of the unexpected lessons needed to build, grow, and scale a sustainable and profitable freelance business, check out 4 Steps to Profit. This free guide and workbook will help you take the first steps toward success.