What Is The Best Book?

by reapr
15 replies
I have read Cash Copy by Lant several years ago as was immediately captivated and impressed. I use many of his ideas in my copy and they do seem to work when I do split tests.

I have read several of Dan Kennedys books the latest being The Ultimate Sales Letter and find it interesting but less organized and cohesive but came away from it with a few gems.

These are the only two books I have read on copywriting most of everything else I get in forums.

Is there really anything out there that is much better and written more in the style of Lants book? I also like books that are more of a reference type.
#book
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  • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
    I've never read Lant's book, but I think the best book on writing sales letters is Drayton Bird's 'How to write sales letters that sell'.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Sanchez
    I'm still working on the one's I have to read!

    The above link for best copywriting books is your best source for materials.

    Until I've gone through about half of them, then I'll feel good enough to suggest something. Too many people give recommendations without being truly educated in the topic. Look at those who are true professionals at copy and notice their suggestions in particular when going through that thread.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rezbi
      Originally Posted by Danniboy View Post

      I'm still working on the one's I have to read!

      The above link for best copywriting books is your best source for materials.

      Until I've gone through about half of them, then I'll feel good enough to suggest something. Too many people give recommendations without being truly educated in the topic. Look at those who are true professionals at copy and notice their suggestions in particular when going through that thread.

      True. Too many people try to give the impression they're copywriters when, in fact, they know nothing about the subject.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Originally Posted by reapr View Post

    Is there really anything out there that is much better and written more in the style of Lants book? I also like books that are more of a reference type.
    Absolutely. Joseph Sugarman's book, "The Adweek Copywriting Handbook" would be perfect for you as a next book.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Kris Turner
    Check out Spin Selling too - Amazon.com: SPIN Selling (9780070511132): Neil...Amazon.com: SPIN Selling (9780070511132): Neil...
    It's not about copywriting directly, but many of the ideas in there will help you in that area too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ricci Cox
    Originally Posted by reapr View Post

    I have read several of Dan Kennedys books the latest being The Ultimate Sales Letter and find it interesting but less organized and cohesive but came away from it with a few gems.

    These are the only two books I have read on copywriting most of everything else I get in forums.

    Is there really anything out there that is much better and written more in the style of Lants book? I also like books that are more of a reference type.
    I too have read Dan Kennedy's The Ultimate Sales Letter, so I know exactly what you mean...

    The only 2 other books I have read on copy writing are 'How To Turn Words Into Money' By Ted Nicholas which is a great book - full of gems.

    And just recently 'Outrageous Advertising, That's Outrageously Successful' by Bill Glazer (Dan Kennedy's business partner) That was an excellent book with some really cool and unique ideas in. Definitely recommend that...

    Ricci
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  • Profile picture of the author tyroneshum
    Copywriting isn't only about writing a content and making a sale but it should also provide enough value to be considered a "reliable" source.

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  • Profile picture of the author MikeHumphreys
    Originally Posted by reapr View Post

    I have read Cash Copy by Lant several years ago as was immediately captivated and impressed. I use many of his ideas in my copy and they do seem to work when I do split tests.

    I have read several of Dan Kennedys books the latest being The Ultimate Sales Letter and find it interesting but less organized and cohesive but came away from it with a few gems.

    These are the only two books I have read on copywriting most of everything else I get in forums.

    Is there really anything out there that is much better and written more in the style of Lants book? I also like books that are more of a reference type.
    What's your intended media to write copy for? Offline marketing like direct mail? Online copy like the long copy salesletters or autoresponder emails?

    Your answer will dictate which book is best to study next.
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  • Profile picture of the author Loren Woirhaye
    Drew Eric Whitman's "Ca$hvertising" runs along similar lines to
    Lant's "Cash Copy" - though it's less verbose and doesn't have
    Lant's trademark oscillations between misanthropy and
    empathy towards customers.

    Brian Keith Voile's "Advertising Magic" is a method of writing
    copy clearly based on Lant's book.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
      Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye View Post

      Drew Eric Whitman's "Ca" runs along similar lines to
      Lant's "Cash Copy" - though it's less verbose and doesn't have
      Lant's trademark oscillations between misanthropy and
      empathy towards customers.
      I second Cas$hvertising as a valuable read. Nothing really new there. But lots of timeless fundamentals expressed in fun ways.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    I'm really not fond of "Cash Copy" by Lant. In fact, for those who haven't read it, let me summarize the entire book for you...

    "Write client-centered, benefit-oriented copy."

    There you go. That's it. I just saved you 400+ pages of reading.

    The single, best, copywriting book available is -- hands down -- "How To Write a Good Advertisement" by Schwab. It presents a complete picture of the copywriting process.

    Some will claim it's too old -- but that's not a valid argument. Why? Because the principles of selling never change. People still respond to the same basic needs, wants, and desires they always have.

    Regards,

    Johnny
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  • Profile picture of the author TheMagicShow
    Joe sugarman has some killer books on copy, that should be picked up. A real gem for advertising/copywriting...is a book by Eugene Schwarts "Breakthrough Advertising". This book costs a bit of money, but all top copy experts agree that, it's a must have in your reference library.

    If you want to read some good stuff online, cruise over to clayton makepeace's site, it's filled with valuable stuff that can enhance anyone's copy game.

    These are only a few of the vast amount of resources,that are out there for those that seek it!

    Cheers,
    Magic!
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    " You can either give a man a fish and feed him for a day OR teach him how to catch a fish and it will feed him for a lifetime"

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