Which Copywriting Books Should You Read First to Make Money in 2026?
Over the last 20 years, I’ve read well over 100 copywriting and marketing books, so you don’t have to. And here’s the truth that no one else will tell you.
You only really need to read TEN BOOKS to write better than 90% of copywriters out there.
After putting everything these books teach into practice in real campaigns that have generated MILLIONS OF DOLLARS in revenue over the last few years.
I can tell you these 10 books contain every copywriting secret you’ll ever need.
Along with my YouTube Channel of course, so if you’re new to my corner of the internet, welcome! I’m Alex, an award-winning marketer, copywriter and founder of the Copy Posse, where I teach hundreds of thousands of rad humans around the world how to make more money with modern marketing.
And if you want real talk copywriting advice that actually works, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Then keep reading because I’m about to save you YEARS of wasted time and thousands of dollars.
Why Most Copywriting Advice Sucks
Listen, you have heard me say it before, but I’m gonna say it again.
Most copywriting education is dirt-cheap content dressed up as premium advice.
And now that AI has made it possible for literally anyone on the planet to produce generic watered-down content at the touch of a finger, how are we supposed to actually learn anything valuable out here on these Internet streets?
Well, this is where real copywriting education comes in. I consider copywriting to be an art form that requires time, practice, repetition and empathy to master, and your clients, customers and bank account will reflect that.
So instead of looking for the perfect “AI prompt” to “pretend” to be a copywriter.
Start learning the foundational marketing training that actually elevates your copywriting skills and helps you stand out.
While many so-called copywriters will continue to hop on the AI bandwagon, this creates a golden opportunity for you because there is an ever-rising premium on your empathy, humanity and critical thinking as a copywriter.
And these are the books you need to take those god gifted qualities all the way to the bank. Ready? Let’s dive into my must-read list.
The Foundations (Books 1-3)
Book 1: Influence by Robert Cialdini
I’m going to quote the legend himself here. Robert Cialdini spent 3 years going undercover to figure out WHY people say yes.
Not just WHAT makes them say yes, but WHY they say yes. And if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.
You can learn tactics and strategies all day long. But if you don’t understand the underlying reason behind WHY they work, you won’t be very successful.
Now, listen, I’m not saying you need a PhD in psychology. But if you want to write copy that connects, you at least need to understand the six principles that make people say yes.
Book 2: Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
Rory Sutherland, who’s the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather, proves that the most effective marketing often defies logic.
Because humans make decisions as much on subtle external signals as they do on objective qualities.
Based on thirty years of fieldwork, this book decodes human behavior – blending scientific research with real case studies from Roy’s career.
Book 3: Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath
Remember when marketers used to think that being clever was more important than being clear?
Okay, I am guilty of that. I have written copy that was so ‘creative’ that the actual POINT of the message was lost entirely.
Clever doesn’t stick. Clear does. And the Heath brothers analyzed everything from urban legends to Super Bowl ads to prove it.
This book breaks down the principles behind WHY some ideas thrive while others die.
And teaches you how to craft messaging that is simple AND memorable.
The Writing Craft (Books 4-6)
Book 4: Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
You know what’s officially out in 2025? Hiding behind templates and swipe files because you never learned how actually how to write.
Ann Handley built MarketingProfs into a $20 million company, and she did it by writing emails that people actually wanted to read. Not just tolerate – but actually look forward to reading.
This book will teach you how to do the same thing. No fancy formulas, no psychological manipulation – just good writing that treats your readers like real human beings.
And btw – if you want to see how I apply Ann’s principles in REAL emails that convert, I’m running a FREE WORKSHOP where I break down my 3-Step Storytelling Email Framework.
Book 5: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
All right, so far we’ve just talked about copywriting techniques and understanding the principles behind WHY THEY WORK.
But now we need to talk about the thing that kills more copywriting careers than bad advice ever could.
Steven Pressfield calls it ‘The Resistance’ – that voice in your head that says your copy isn’t good enough, that you should wait until tomorrow to write, that you’re not qualified to sell anything.
I always turn to this book when I’m facing creative blocks or lack motivation.
And honestly? It has saved my career more than once.
Because sometimes the best copywriting advice has absolutely nothing to do with your copywriting skills or knowledge.
Sometimes it has EVERYTHING to do with the little gremlin in your own head.
Book 6: Identity Marketing by Veronica Romney
So remember when marketers would focus entirely on features and benefits?
Well, that’s officially dead too.
My good friend and brilliant marketer Veronica Romney worked with Harmon Brothers – you know, the Dollar Shave Club guys – and she figured out something way more powerful than selling products.
She learned how to sell IDENTITY.
The most successful campaigns don’t just get people to buy something. They get people to see themselves as the type of person who buys that thing.
It sounds subtle, but it’s actually a HUGE driver of trust, which we know is EVERYTHING in marketing today.
This book finally put into words something I’ve known to be true for a long time, with science to back it up, and the Copy Posse is even featured as a case study in the book.
The Legends (Books 7-10)
Book 7: Breakthrough Advertising by Eugene Schwartz
You knew this was coming. I couldn’t NOT include it on this list. Eugene Schwartz is someone I frequently reference in my work.
Eugene Schwartz is most well known for writing ads that have generated hundreds of millions in revenue, but here’s what makes this book different than any other book on this list – he doesn’t teach you what to say or how to communicate.
He teaches you how to THINK about what your customer is already thinking.
Now this is definitely NOT a light read. It’s scientific and strategic and can make your brain hurt a little bit.
But I’m not exaggerating – this book will single-handedly change how you approach copywriting. It’s on almost every marketing and copywriting book list for a REASON and you gotta read it!
But whatever you do, do NOT buy this book on Amazon, where it’s currently selling for $400.
Grab your copy from Brian Kurtz, who owns the exclusive rights to this book and you can get it on his site for half the price.
Book 8: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Do you know what happens when businesses try to be the hero of their own story? They lose customers because nobody wants to hear about how amazing they are.
Donald Miller’s framework flips this completely. Your customer is the hero, you’re the guide. And when you position yourself correctly, everything changes.
In this book, Donald teaches marketers and business owners to use the seven universal elements of powerful stories to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
Book 9: This Is Marketing by Seth Godin
Seth Godin has been writing about marketing longer than most YouTube creators have been alive, and this book is his masterpiece.
While everyone else is chasing the latest growth hack, Godin teaches you how to build something that actually lasts – a community of people who don’t just buy from you, they believe in you.
The goal isn’t to market to everyone. It’s to market to someone so specifically that they feel like you’re reading their mind.
If you want your business and marketing to STAND OUT from the crowd, you need to read this book.
Book 10: Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy
And last but definitely not least, we have the godfather of marketing himself – David Ogilvy.
This man built the most successful ad agency in the world using principles that still work today.
While modern marketers are obsessing over viral content and growth hacks, Ogilvy’s timeless principles still are quietly generating billions in revenue.
And here’s his most important lesson: the best copy doesn’t feel like copy at all.
It feels like a conversation with someone who genuinely gets you.
This book is REQUIRED READING for anyone who is serious about learning copywriting.
And if you want A QUICK AND EASY way to start applying these principles, there is no better place to start than with your EMAILS.
Make sure you check out my Storytelling Workshop, where I’ll show you how to write a conversion story that turns emails into income.
So which book are you going to read first?
And if you want to stay ahead of what’s actually working in copywriting right now, make sure to check out my next blog post where I break down the 5 copywriting trends that are working RIGHT NOW. I’ll see you over there.
Then I’ll be back next week with a brand new blog post. Until then, I’m Alex. Ciao for now!
