What is the one print book that is still in print or if not in print that can be purchased, that best prepares new copy writers for a successful carreer?

There are so many courses and copy guru's out there that I need some guidance from people I trust.

Your feedback is appreciated,

Mark

Hi Mark,

I'm afraid your seeking an answer that's very subjective.

Since every person learns in a different way, a course or book that blasts away the fog to reveal the 'light' for one upcoming copywriter might be deemed bland and unhelpful by another...

So the following is base purely on my own personal experience and opinion...

If you want to learn the deep, underlying concepts - the enlightenment behind the machine - then classic books by the Masters (Hopkins, Caples, Oglivy, Collier, etc.) and Clayton's free Total Package ezine are great.

If you're looking to focus on the basic writing mechanics for now (promotion construction, bullet writing, structuring the close, etc.) then I'd say the AWAI course is the best around.

NOTE: That may SOON change though - word has it Clayton is getting ready to release one of the most comprehensive, in-depth copy courses ever seen so you may want to keep an eye out for it. If it holds true to the character of his other products then I'd bet a year's worth of income that it'll blow away anything else on the market...

However, if you've already got the basics down and now want to get into the mechanics at a master level to kick the power of your writing and promotions up a notch then Clayton's EasyWriters club is phenomenal (the newletters alone are worth Kirstie Ally's weight in gold) as is his Kick It to the Curb package.

I hope I'm not sounding too biased here but, having read and used all of the products above - books by the classic masters, the AWAI courses, and Clayton's stuff - I've come to personally feel like I get the most honest, open, straightforward, and useful info from Clayton's material, hands down.

In the end, the best thing you could probably do is sample a few of these (most have satisfaction guarantees meaning you can return and item if you're not pleased with it) to see which one works best for you...

Best of luck,
John

__________________
Yours for Sales Copy that Sizzles,

John McCrea

www.copybymccrea.com

John's so right -- there's no ONE book or course.

This is an exciting, dynamic business and you'll need to read and study broadly to be successful. There's far too many aspects of this business to rely on one resource.

AWAI's basic course is great for orienting you in the field and giving you a basic solid structure for writing copy.

If you just absorbed all the Free info available you'd be well on your way. Here's three sites that'll teach you more than most:

The Gary Halbert Newsletter Archives Startat the bottom and work your way up -- there's an entire book on there, The Boron Letters that's fantastic.

Gary Bencivenga's archives

And of coures,The Total Package Archives

Then read Bob Stone's Successful Direct Marketing Methods

I guess, the point is that no one resource is going to give you everything you need to succeed but there's plenty of resources available to get you what you need.

Hope that helps,
John

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Build your six-figure Freelance Copywriting Business
And go here to find: Oodles of killer copywriting techniques

Well, to add to the already substantial amount of excellent reading recommended to you, I'd offer....

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
(not really about copywriting but he deals with the psychology associated with selling. I think it's very enlightening in terms of crafting your appeals.)

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
(again not really about copywriting but will get you on the road to a successful career whichever way you head.)

My .02. Good luck!

Gentlemen,

Many thanks, your professional guidance is much appreciated and have not only answered my question but educated me as well.

Thanks again,

Mark

I'd also add the classic "How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carnegie should be required reading for every copywriter (Eugene Schwartz recommended re-reading it every couple of years).

And reading successful sales copy.

You can see a huge swipe file of the most successful sales copy in history at http://www.hardtofindads.com and Clayton's "Steal These Secrets" is also excellent.

Reading great copy is a shortcut to writing great copy.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh