Cover via Amazon

Summer’s here, which means it’s time to break out the mojitos and relax by the pool with a good book– but who says you can’t improve your copywriting skills at the same time? From timeless classics to the quirky and unconventional, here’s your ultimate list of must-read copywriting titles. For you digital types, we’ve also included some of the most popular copywriting blogs on the Web. Happy reading!

The Classics

1. The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White.

Good writing never goes out of style, and neither does Elements. Here you’ll find just 78 pages of the best writing advice you’ll ever read. Make this classic the first book you pick up on your summer reading list. If you don’t have a copy already on your bookshelf, don’t let cost stop you from grabbing one: copies of The Elements of Style run as low as $3.99 on Amazon.

2. The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly.

The Copywriter’s Handbook is to writing what The Joy of Cooking is to home cooking. This timeless, advice-packed book was written by Bob Bly, one of the best and most experienced copywriters in the business. Don’t let this book’s elderly initial publication date scare you: the newer editions do cover internet writing, but the real meat of the book is found in both the copywriting skills sections and the tips on the business side of freelancing, whether it’s setting up your own business or writing your first sales letter.

For the Online Crowd

1. Persuasive Online Copywriting by Bryan Eisenberg, Jeffrey Eisenberg, and Lisa T. Davis.
–OR–

2. Net Words: Creating High-Impact Online Copy by Nick Usborne

Pick up either of these fantastic web-only content books for killer tips on how to write compelling and engaging content for the web crowd. You’ll also find tips on how to build customer loyalty, how to analyze web traffic, and how to practice good SEO copywriting skills without going overboard on the search engine front.

On the Marketing End

1. Zag by Marty Neumeir.

“When everybody zigs, zag,” argues marketing expert Marty Neumeir. Basically, there are two types of successful businesses: those who offer a product or service that’s better, faster, stronger, and cheaper than their competitors and those who offer something completely and purposefully different. Called the “GPS of marketing,” this book offers a step by step guide to help brands “zag” while your competitors are busy zigging.

2. The Irresistible Offer: How to Sell Your Product or Service in 3 Seconds or Less by Mark Joyner.

If you can get past the infomercial-esque title, you can learn a lot about marketing first impressions for Joyner’s Irresistible Offer. The Internet audience is a flighty bunch: you’ve got to grab their attention immediately or you’ll lose them. Joyner offers advice on how to make your brand “irresistible” in those crucial first few seconds.

Don’t Forget the Blogosphere

If you’re new to copywriting blogs, start with Copyblogger’s Copywriting 101 series. If you like cheeky, entertaining writing blogs, you may enjoy Mens with Pens; diehard traditionalists may prefer Bob Bly’s blog. Of course, you couldalways read up on past SEO Scribe posts– may we suggest For the Love of Good Web Content to start?

Image Source: Courtney Carmody via Flickr