Writing good marketing copy isn’t simply about placing words on a page. There’s a lot of psychology in copywriting. It’s about persuasion, building trust, and creating a genuine connection with your readers.
Over the years, I’ve dipped into more marketing and copywriting books than I can count. Some were useful, others less so but a handful have stood out. These are the ones I keep coming back to when I need a dose of creative inspiration or help overcoming writer’s block.
So, with autumn creeping in (perfect season for fireside reading), here are five books that can help you improve your writing skills.
1. Write to Sell by Andy Maslen
Write to Sell is hands-down one of my favourites. It’s aimed at anyone who needs to write copy – not just professional copywriters.
Andy Maslen digs into the psychology behind why people buy and shows you how to connect with readers by tapping into their motivations and emotions. The book is short, sharp, and incredibly practical.
Why it’s worth reading:
• Packed with actionable tips you can put into practice straight away.
• Written in a direct, punchy style (exactly what you’d expect from a copywriter of Andy Maslen’s calibre)
• It’s funny too – Andy doesn’t shy away from poking fun at boring corporate jargon.
If you enjoy this one, check out Andy’s Persuasive Copywriting and Copywriting Sourcebook as well.
2. Content DNA by John Espirian
These days, we’re all drowning in content. To stand out, you need a voice that feels unmistakably yours. That’s where John Espirian’s Content DNA comes in.
Drawing on his years as a copywriter and LinkedIn trainer, John explains how to create content that reflects your values and personality – consistently. It’s about being recognisable, memorable, and authentic so the right clients come knocking.
Key points John covers:
• How to build a distinctive brand presence online
• Why attracting the right clients matters more than attracting everyone
• Practical advice on building trust and familiarity with your audience.
• Plenty of real-world examples to bring the learning to life.
3. Hook Point: How to Stand Out in a 3-Second World by Brendan Kane
Attention spans are shorter than ever. If you don’t hook someone in seconds, you’ve probably lost them. Marketing strategist Brendan Kane knows this better than most – he’s worked with big names like IKEA, Warner Brothers, and even Taylor Swift.
In Hook Point, he shows how to cut through the noise and grab attention fast, whether you’re writing a social post, ad, or email subject line.
Why it’s valuable:
• Teaches you how to craft irresistible hooks
• Offers strategies for standing out in crowded online spaces
• Helps you adapt your writing for an audience that’s scrolling at lightning speed.
Yes, a lot of the examples are US-focused, but the advice is universal. If you need your words to stick, this book offers invaluable advice.
4. How to Write Clearly by Tom Albrighton
Writing clearly sounds simple…but it’s often the hardest thing to do. In this no-nonsense guide, Tom Albrighton shows you how to strip away clutter, cut jargon, and make your writing more reader-friendly.
Whether you’re working on emails, reports, or web copy, his tips help you sharpen your style and make every word count.
What you’ll love about How to Write Clearly:
• Straightforward, down-to-earth advice.
• Practical guidance on sentence length, grammar, and breaking the ‘rules’.
• A strong case for ditching officialese and fluff.
It’s a brilliant starting point for anyone who wants their writing to be clearer, sharper, and more effective. And if you like Tom’s style, check out Copywriting Made Simple and AI Can’t Write (But You Can) too.
5. Read Me: 10 Lessons for Writing Great Copy by Roger Horberry and Gyles Lingwood
Read Me takes a slightly different approach from my other recommended reads. Each chapter is a standalone lesson covering everything from tone of voice to storytelling and branding. It’s visually engaging (with lots of real-life examples), practical, and packed with inspiration.
Why it stands out:
• Real-life marketing campaigns illustrate the key points
• Includes tips from some of the world’s leading commercial writers
• Practical exercises to put your learning into practice
It’s one of those books that’s perfect for sparking ideas when you’re feeling stuck or you’re facing a touch of writer’s block.
Improve your writing skills: final thoughts
Each of these five books has helped me improve one or more aspects of my own writing, and I often find myself dipping back into them for a refresher.
Of course, books alone won’t make you a brilliant writer; practice is what really counts. But what these reads give you is a fresh perspective: new ways of thinking about clarity, persuasion, and how to keep readers hooked.
