How do you decide what to read...and what to avoid?

5 replies
I'ma keep this short and sweet.


There are a LOT of books out there, in general. More to the point, there are a LOT of copywriting books, packages and courses out there - and more being developed every day.

As it turns out, everyone and their nan can write awesome copy. So they design a book, get it ghost-written, and get it out on the internet.


Awesome.


We all think "Ooh, more info!" and lap it up. But there lies the problem for me. I'm a big believer in taking care of yourself.

We're all very big on what we put in our mouths, and the consequences that has on our bodies, but we simply aren't the same when it comes to what goes into our brains.

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have time to read 5000 books this weekend on 'master copywriting secrets, that even the GREATS don't know about'.

My question is this: What is your process (if any) of eliminating the chaff from the wheat?

How do you decide what copywriting golden knowledge gets stored and used in that noggin of yours, and what doesn't?

Everyone recommends different books, and that's fine - if I was immortal, and didn't need sleep, food, chill time, and have friends, I'd be more than willing to buy stacks of books and bury myself in a room with them.


As it stands...I'm not immortal. So I'm VERY picky on how I choose to spend my time. Just a thought.

After all, if everyone is shouting and selling how good they are, we need to find the real players from the bullsh*ters.

Note: I know we have an amazing 'Best copywriting books...ever' thread, but I've not even bothered to read through it - it seems like every book ever written on the topic has been added.


I'm not saying that every copywriter should read THESE books and that's that - you're a copywriter, but there has to be a process of elimination.




Just a thought.




Ben.
#avoid #decide #readand
  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
    Originally Posted by CharismaticMannequin View Post

    Everyone recommends different books.
    Hi Ben.

    I read the books that successful Copywriters keep mentioning. These are the ones I've noticed that are recommended often.

    1. Scientific Advertising (Claude C. Hopkins)
    2. Breakthrough Advertising (Eugene M. Schwartz)
    3. How to Write a Good Advertisement (Victor O. Schwab)
    4. Tested Advertising Methods (John Caples)
    5. The Robert Collier Letter Book (Robert Collier)

    Also, listen to other recommendations from Copywriters that you know and trust.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Hill
    Originally Posted by CharismaticMannequin View Post

    I know we have an amazing 'Best copywriting books...ever' thread, but I've not even bothered to read through it - it seems like every book ever written on the topic has been added.
    I'm not saying that every copywriter should read THESE books and that's that - you're a copywriter, but there has to be a process of elimination.
    Not every book on copywriting has been added to that list, not by a long shot. Those are just the ones that Warriors have found useful. It's actually a good place to start, at least for reading the classics and mastering the basic structures of copywriting.

    Having looked up every book in that thread, I can say that most are quite good. But it's far from being a comprehensive list.

    Another good place to start on a well-rounded education is Gary Halbert's Getting Started in 30 Days list: The Gary Halbert Letter.

    After achieving solid background in copywriting 101, then there are still not enough days in the week to read every available copywriting resource, nor would you want to. That's where specialization and personal preferences come in.

    Every author or teacher has a style. Some will resonate with you, and some will grate on you. A good approach is to stick the recommended books or courses that appeal to you, and are most applicable to your niche. If specializing in B2B sales letters, for example, the list has been narrowed considerably.

    The education never ends, but at least the list can be made manageable in the beginning. However, echoing Halbert and Makepeace - be selective in your reading. There are many poorly-written references (especially e-books) with incorrect, misleading, or just plain bad information. Sticking with known experts in your particular area of focus is always a good strategy.

    That's just one viewpoint, and it will be interesting to see what others have to say on this subject.
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  • Cheers for the responses guys.


    I mean, I've been through plenty of material, up to and including the classics you suggested.

    Just wondered how you guys did it.


    Anyway, thanks!




    Ben.
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    • Profile picture of the author videolover7
      Just wondered how you guys did it.
      I started off only reading stuff by highly respected copywriters. Fortin, Makepeace, Carlton.

      Thankfully Fortin's Board was around then, and it was easy to find out who had industry respect.

      VL
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      • Profile picture of the author angiecolee
        If you want to get very, very particular, I started as a copywriter because I read a book by Peter Bowerman called The Well-Fed Writer. [no affiliation]

        In it, he mentions several big names, but Bob Bly stood out to me. So I read Bob's work, and I signed up for his newsletter. Slowly but surely, I heard about all the big names and I read up on them while they were top of mind - as soon as I heard of them. I have so many e-newsletters in my inbox that it's overwhelming, but I save the most relevant bits for days when I need something to read.

        For me, it was almost a social proof effect - if someone I respect recommends it to me as a resource, I will most assuredly check it out.
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