One of the most important things you’ll need as a copywriter is a good collection of books to read. There are many different variables that can go into making a good copywriting book – from the format (e.g. hybrid, print on demand, audio book) to the style (e.g. advice, how-to, thriller etc.) – but what they all have in common is good storytelling through compelling literary works.
You’ll find a range of storytelling across all genres in the best copywriting books, from fantasy to science fiction, historical fiction to action thriller, which you can learn from and apply to your own work. Here are some of the best books to read if you’re looking to improve your craft as a copywriter.
The Art of Briefing
Clive Cook is a well-known journalist who founded the international briefing agency, Cook Associates Inc., in 1969. In his new book, The Art of Briefing (Wiley), he shares his secrets on how to write effective briefs for journalists. These can range from simple one-or-two-page articles to in-depth feature stories that can run thousands of words.
The Art of Briefing is a must-read for any copywriter who’s looking to beef up their journalistic skills. If you’re new to the world of briefing, this is a good place to start. You’ll learn the practical techniques that seasoned journalists use to create effective briefs that will propel your work to the next level.
The Art of Closing
The art of closing is the fundamental skill of a copywriter. This is the ability to craft the last sentence or two of an article or pitch to persuade the reader to take some kind of action. The Art of Closing (Creative Arts Press) is a how-to book by Annabel Karim Kassar, a writing tutor who also happens to be an experienced copywriter herself. In this book, she teaches you the craft of writing effective closings, whether you’re pitching an idea to a potential investor, inviting someone to join your team, or signing off on some critical corporate report. You’ll learn about the five most effective methods of storytelling in a closing, including the humble but effective “thank you” letter. This is one of the essential books for any copywriter who’s looking to polish their craft and learn how to write effective closings.
The Hollywood Writers’ Guide to Scriptwriting
If you’re looking to break into screenwriting, this is one of the best books to start with. The Hollywood Writers’ Guide to Scriptwriting (AMHERST MEDIA) is a how-to book for aspiring screenwriters, story editors, and producers who want to learn how to write for film and TV. Authored by Pat McCurry, the book teaches you the basics of screenwriting, including an introduction to the craft and how to get your script written, produced, and financed.
Pat McCurry is the author of the books On Writing Better Screenplays (Workman Books) and Storyselling (Prentice Hall). She’s also the co-founder (along with her ex-husband, Barry Cunningham) of the International Scriptwriting and Film Financing Association (ISFFA), which provides a global platform for screenwriters, producers, and companies to connect and collaborate.
The Hollywood Writers’ Guide to Scriptwriting is essential reading for anyone who’s looking to break into the screenwriting world. It’s filled with useful information on how to craft the perfect script, the best ways to get your work produced, and how to secure financing for your movie. If you’re a screenwriter who’s looking to improve their odds of selling a script, this is a must-read.
Thriller Writing: How to Craft the Perfect Crime Story
If you’re looking for inspiration, you won’t find a better book than Thriller Writing: How to Craft the Perfect Crime Story (AMSTER ORIENTED PICTRUNAULT) to help you along the way. This crime thriller tells the story of three generations of women battling to save their family’s honor after their father is wrongly accused of a crime and imprisoned. It was written by the husband-and-wife team of Patricia Cornwell and John Sandford, who also serve as co-executive producers of the popular true-crime anthology series, “Women Who Kill.”
After you read this book, you’ll know exactly what elements make up a solid thriller. You’ll discover the formulaic structure, the essential characters, and the essential plot points that appear in every Cornwell and Sandford novel. This is one of the most useful books for any writer – beginner or professional – who’s looking to step up their game and craft an effective crime thriller. You’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to any story you see fit.
Thriller Writing is filled with tips and advice on how to keep your writing fresh and exciting. You’ll learn how to structure your plot, develop your characters, and craft an ending that will leave your readers guessing until the next installment. You can also expect to learn a lot about creating suspense and building authentic characters who are easy to root for.
The Craft of Screenwriting: A Comprehensive Guide to Narrative Structure
The craft of screenwriting is all about planning, planning, and more planning. This is a difficult subject to break down simply, but it’s essential that you know what you’re doing before you begin pitching story ideas or writing your first draft. The Craft of Screenwriting (AMHERST MEDIA) is a comprehensive guide to screenwriting that will teach you the ins and outs of the craft, including how to develop a solid structure for your script that will serve as a blueprint for the entire movie. You’ll also discover how to break down your story and character into their essential components, and how to put it all together again in a way that makes complete sense. For anyone who’s looking to get into screenwriting, this is a must-read.
This book is filled with useful tips on how to write the perfect script, including a chapter on how to find the ideal location for your set, the best ways to pitch your story, and how to navigate the complex world of production. You’ll learn the fundamentals of story structure and how to apply them to your own work.
The craft of screenwriting can be difficult to break down into simple steps, but once you do, it’s easier to replicate. This book will teach you the basics of narrative structure so that you can begin applying these elements to your own screenplays. When you’re writing your first draft, ensure that you make constant notes of how you’re structuring your story, and how the different parts are working together. This will be an invaluable resource for revising and perfecting your script.
The Future of Film: Unlocking the Potential of New Technologies
If you’re looking to become a screenwriter, producer, or manager, this is one of the most useful books for you to read. The Future of Film (HARVARD LITERARY ACADEMY) is an in-depth study of how new technologies are changing the way we experience cinema and the effect this is having on the industry as a whole. The book examines the convergence of media, in which traditional forms of storytelling (i.e. cinema) are being disrupted by new technologies – from video to mobile phones.
The Future of Film is broken down into three parts. The first part, “Cinema 2020,” explores the rapidly evolving world of traditional cinema and how new technologies are disrupting the industry as we know it. This is followed by Part Two, “The Future of Storytelling,” which examines the effect that new technologies are having on the way we consume and create stories, and how the craft of writing is evolving along with it. The final part, “The Future of Distribution,” investigates the changing role of theaters in an age of online streaming and VR technologies, as well as how content is evolving to fit new platforms.
If you’re a cinephile who’s looking to keep abreast of the latest news and technological innovations regarding the film industry, this is a must-read. You’ll learn about everything from virtual reality headsets to online streaming platforms to 3-D films and the effect they’re having on audiences and the industry. It covers everything from film theory to the latest tech innovations, making it a great introduction to the world of cinema for anyone who’s looking to get into the field.