Need some advice

Keith Boisvert · 10-26-2009, 11:31 AM

I have been here 3 years and this is the first time I have posted in this section. Weird, but probably why I am asking....

Can anyone recommend me a decent copywriting source for education? Books, course etc?

I have avoided anything writing related for way to long, but one of my businesses is going good...but lacking in the copy department. I know I can outsource this, and I may, but it is something that I would like to at least understand more of before I begin outsourcing.

Thanks,
keith

Ross Bowring · 10-26-2009, 11:37 AM

Just buy this one book... for a complete beginners guide...

How To Write A Good Advertisement... by Vic Schwab

Amazon.com: How to Write a Good Advertisement...

Hope this helps.

Ross

Keith Boisvert · 10-26-2009, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross Bowring

Just buy this one book... for a complete beginners guide...

How To Write A Good Advertisement... by Vic Schwab

Amazon.com: How to Write a Good Advertisement (9780879803971): Victor O. Schwab: Books

Hope this helps.

Ross

Thanks. Just purchased. Anyone else?

keith

ryanmberg · 10-26-2009, 02:45 PM

Hey Keith,

Google 'Clayton Makepeace' and click on the top listing - The Total Package (sorry, forum won't let me post links because my account is new).

You'll get more out of this site for free than you'll get in most paid copywriting courses.

His products are excellent as well. Very straight forward, easy to understand style.

Hope that helps.

Ryan

ghyphena · 10-26-2009, 04:10 PM

Bencivenga Bullets - Marketing Bullets
The Gary Halbert Letter - Untitled Document
Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins - Claude Hopkins Scientific Advertising
Brian Keith Voiles on headlines - Killer Copy by Brian Keith Voiles

The non-free:
Joseph Sugerman's Adweek Copywriting Handbook - you should be able to pick it up on Amazon for around $20 (I paid $21.95 in a Borders in Manhattan).
I think Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman is a pretty good and usually overlooked resource - again, should be on Amazon for $15-$20.

There are plenty of other high quality books, courses etc but these should be a good start.

Gil-Ad

MikeHumphreys · 10-26-2009, 05:26 PM

Keith,

This thread should be of use to you:

Top Copywriting Books... Ever

I'd suggest take a look at more than one copywriter and find the one(s) that you connect with their copy. If you find yourself thinking "I really like how they write", then that could be someone you want to study from.

I could tell you who I've enjoyed learning copy from the most but it doesn't mean you'll have the same connection with their style as I have had.

The other thing is, plan on studying more than one book or course. Each expert teaches the same concepts from different styles and explanations so one expert could explain a concept and you won't get it... but another expert explains the same exact concept in a different way and you'll immediately get it.

Good luck,

Mike

Keith Boisvert · 10-27-2009, 06:56 AM

Thanks everyone!! Exactly what I was looking for.

@Mike: I understand that I need to study multiple books/course, thanks!

keith

katiepanton · 10-27-2009, 07:40 AM

Hi Keith,

- Hypnotic writing by Joe Vitale
- The Ultimate Sales letter by Dan Kennedy
are fantastic copywriting books. What's important is that you study different copywriters to get the basics understood, but develop your own style of writing that feels natural to you and portrays your own personality. By making your copy personal it becomes relatable to the reader because they catch glimpses of your personality, and people buy from who they like. It's much warmer than a standard letter with no character!

MikeHumphreys · 10-27-2009, 09:29 AM

Okay, someone else PM'ed me and told me they thought I was giving Keith some "weak-a$$ advice". They're entitled to their opinion, but my original post had more to do with being pressed for time but still wanting to give a short answer rather than no answer at all.

I'll share some of my favorite recommended copywriting reading.

Again, these are the people who write copy that I enjoy reading and want to learn from. All of them offer really good free content... but their paid products are pure gold or even platinum. You won't get their paid products for cheap, but you'll get exponential value IMHO for every dollar that you're paying.

In no particular order of preference:

Michel Fortin - anything he shares about copywriting is rock-solid. His paid products are even better. I own all of his paid products.

Doug D'Anna - the only thing missing from his A-List newsletter is a price tag. Doug doesn't publish much but when he does, it's great content. His clients pay him $50K plus royalties per project... so obviously, writing a free ezine takes a lower priority for his work time.

Clayton Makepeace - Thanks to winning Clayton's contest last year and what I had bought before, I pretty much own everything that Clayton sells. I would recommend any of his paid write better copy-related products.

John Carlton - Go with his Simple Writing System. At this time, you also get (as a bonus) one of his most popular copywriting courses which sells for $300-400 by itself. SWS does a great job of breaking down alot of the core fundamentals like U.S.P. that 95% of other products ignore or gloss over.

For the light in the pocket, aspiring copywriters...

If you're looking at picking up copywriting education on the cheap, then grab Dan Kennedy's Ultimate Sales Letter and John Caples Tested Advertising Methods. Joe Sugarman's Adweek Copywriting Handbook is another one that I frequently recommend. Study all 3 of them... practice the exercises they give you and you should have a good copywriting foundation to build upon.

Hope that helps,

Mike

Raydal · 10-27-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert

I have been here 3 years and this is the first time I have posted in this section. Weird, but probably why I am asking....

Can anyone recommend me a decent copywriting source for education? Books, course etc?

I have avoided anything writing related for way to long, but one of my businesses is going good...but lacking in the copy department. I know I can outsource this, and I may, but it is something that I would like to at least understand more of before I begin outsourcing.

Thanks,
keith

Hi Keith,

This is a great attitude to have that's lacking in a lot of
business owners. You don't have to be a Jack of all
trades or try to spread yourself to thinly, but it's always
good to know about a very important part of your
business even if you don't plan to do the work yourself.

After you've studied those recommended books you'll
be a better judge about how to choose a copywriter
to work with or become your own copywriter in the
process--who knows?

Only yesterday I was doing some reading on programming
so I could make a good choice of a programmer for a
project I have in mind. I won't become a programmer
overnight, but at least I could sound intelligent when
I communicate with one.

-Ray Edwards

10-26-2009, 11:31 AM	#1
Keith Boisvert Offline Freak War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Taxachusetts Posts: 1,843 Blog Entries: 6 Thanks: 61 Thanked 118 Times in 49 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Need some advice I have been here 3 years and this is the first time I have posted in this section. Weird, but probably why I am asking.... Can anyone recommend me a decent copywriting source for education? Books, course etc? I have avoided anything writing related for way to long, but one of my businesses is going good...but lacking in the copy department. I know I can outsource this, and I may, but it is something that I would like to at least understand more of before I begin outsourcing. Thanks, keith
	Offline Niche only forum-www.localbizbuilders.com Total Transparency-An inside look into my offline biz Offline Wealth Vol I-Setting up blogs for customers

10-26-2009, 11:37 AM	#2
Ross Bowring Former Stutterer War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Philadelphia, USA Posts: 120 Thanks: 23 Thanked 26 Times in 26 Posts Social Networking	Re: Need some advice Just buy this one book... for a complete beginners guide... How To Write A Good Advertisement... by Vic Schwab Amazon.com: How to Write a Good Advertisement... Hope this helps. Ross
	Former Stutterer Finally Spits Out The "Sale Closing" Secret Smooth Talking Copywriters Will Never Know! Discover more at BowringMarketing.com

10-26-2009, 02:45 PM	#4
ryanmberg Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Need some advice Hey Keith, Google 'Clayton Makepeace' and click on the top listing - The Total Package (sorry, forum won't let me post links because my account is new). You'll get more out of this site for free than you'll get in most paid copywriting courses. His products are excellent as well. Very straight forward, easy to understand style. Hope that helps. Ryan

10-26-2009, 04:10 PM	#5
ghyphena Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 98 Blog Entries: 8 Thanks: 6 Thanked 20 Times in 16 Posts Contact Info	Re: Need some advice Bencivenga Bullets - Marketing Bullets The Gary Halbert Letter - Untitled Document Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins - Claude Hopkins Scientific Advertising Brian Keith Voiles on headlines - Killer Copy by Brian Keith Voiles The non-free: Joseph Sugerman's Adweek Copywriting Handbook - you should be able to pick it up on Amazon for around $20 (I paid $21.95 in a Borders in Manhattan). I think Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman is a pretty good and usually overlooked resource - again, should be on Amazon for $15-$20. There are plenty of other high quality books, courses etc but these should be a good start. Gil-Ad
	Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur

10-26-2009, 05:26 PM	#6
MikeHumphreys Copywriter and Marketer War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philly Suburbs, USA Posts: 2,014 Thanks: 130 Thanked 177 Times in 105 Posts Social Networking	Re: Need some advice Keith, This thread should be of use to you: Top Copywriting Books... Ever I'd suggest take a look at more than one copywriter and find the one(s) that you connect with their copy. If you find yourself thinking "I really like how they write", then that could be someone you want to study from. I could tell you who I've enjoyed learning copy from the most but it doesn't mean you'll have the same connection with their style as I have had. The other thing is, plan on studying more than one book or course. Each expert teaches the same concepts from different styles and explanations so one expert could explain a concept and you won't get it... but another expert explains the same exact concept in a different way and you'll immediately get it. Good luck, Mike
	Are You Kidding?!? $5 For Your Own Secret Conversion-Boosting Weapon... Now On Clickbank: Earn 60% Affiliate Commisions On My Offline Consulting Secrets! Revive Your Sales Letter FAST! \| Offline Consulting Secrets \| Market Your Copy Six-Figure Producing Copywriter For Hire \| Easy Referral Systems \| Easy Multi Tracking

10-27-2009, 06:56 AM	#7
Keith Boisvert Offline Freak War Room Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Taxachusetts Posts: 1,843 Blog Entries: 6 Thanks: 61 Thanked 118 Times in 49 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Need some advice Thanks everyone!! Exactly what I was looking for. @Mike: I understand that I need to study multiple books/course, thanks! keith
	Offline Niche only forum-www.localbizbuilders.com Total Transparency-An inside look into my offline biz Offline Wealth Vol I-Setting up blogs for customers

10-27-2009, 07:40 AM	#8
katiepanton katiepanton War Room Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: lincolnshire Posts: 6 Blog Entries: 22 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Social Networking	Re: Need some advice Hi Keith, - Hypnotic writing by Joe Vitale - The Ultimate Sales letter by Dan Kennedy are fantastic copywriting books. What's important is that you study different copywriters to get the basics understood, but develop your own style of writing that feels natural to you and portrays your own personality. By making your copy personal it becomes relatable to the reader because they catch glimpses of your personality, and people buy from who they like. It's much warmer than a standard letter with no character!

10-27-2009, 09:29 AM	#9
MikeHumphreys Copywriter and Marketer War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Philly Suburbs, USA Posts: 2,014 Thanks: 130 Thanked 177 Times in 105 Posts Social Networking	Re: Need some advice Okay, someone else PM'ed me and told me they thought I was giving Keith some "weak-a$$ advice". They're entitled to their opinion, but my original post had more to do with being pressed for time but still wanting to give a short answer rather than no answer at all. I'll share some of my favorite recommended copywriting reading. Again, these are the people who write copy that I enjoy reading and want to learn from. All of them offer really good free content... but their paid products are pure gold or even platinum. You won't get their paid products for cheap, but you'll get exponential value IMHO for every dollar that you're paying. In no particular order of preference: Michel Fortin - anything he shares about copywriting is rock-solid. His paid products are even better. I own all of his paid products. Doug D'Anna - the only thing missing from his A-List newsletter is a price tag. Doug doesn't publish much but when he does, it's great content. His clients pay him $50K plus royalties per project... so obviously, writing a free ezine takes a lower priority for his work time. Clayton Makepeace - Thanks to winning Clayton's contest last year and what I had bought before, I pretty much own everything that Clayton sells. I would recommend any of his paid write better copy-related products. John Carlton - Go with his Simple Writing System. At this time, you also get (as a bonus) one of his most popular copywriting courses which sells for $300-400 by itself. SWS does a great job of breaking down alot of the core fundamentals like U.S.P. that 95% of other products ignore or gloss over. For the light in the pocket, aspiring copywriters... If you're looking at picking up copywriting education on the cheap, then grab Dan Kennedy's Ultimate Sales Letter and John Caples Tested Advertising Methods. Joe Sugarman's Adweek Copywriting Handbook is another one that I frequently recommend. Study all 3 of them... practice the exercises they give you and you should have a good copywriting foundation to build upon. Hope that helps, Mike
	Are You Kidding?!? $5 For Your Own Secret Conversion-Boosting Weapon... Now On Clickbank: Earn 60% Affiliate Commisions On My Offline Consulting Secrets! Revive Your Sales Letter FAST! \| Offline Consulting Secrets \| Market Your Copy Six-Figure Producing Copywriter For Hire \| Easy Referral Systems \| Easy Multi Tracking