How to Be Creative in Writing: 37 Books Every Copywriter Needs to Read

Many copywriters at some point in their career ask themselves about how to be creative in writing.

And that’s a normal question we couldn’t blame anyone for. Considering the great number of content copywriters have to produce on a daily basis, it’s logical that they can run out of ideas.

The same applies to blog owners who create content on their own. They are also on the search for skills and techniques to upgrade to provide better content for their readers.

So, today we’d like to talk about creative writing inspiration. We’ve gathered some classic books about copywriting and some books that will boost your creativity.

1. Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy

That’s an iconic book for every copywriter. It will give you tips on how to compose a successful copy and find your place in advertising.

2. The Copy Book by D&AD

Some call this book a “bible for creative directors.” It’ll bring you 53 pieces from top professionals to improve your copy for marketing and advertising.

3. Tested Advertising Methods by John Caples

This book from industry guru Caples will help you with your creative writing skills. Learn approaches tested by time and apply them to wow your clients.

4. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook by Joseph Sugarman

Check this book to learn more about creative methods of convincing people to buy. You will get insights on how to motivate people to shop with your ads.

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

Read this book to learn how to be good at writing engaging headlines, making your ads or posts more readable, and so much more. Plus get advice on email copywriting.

6. Hey Whipple, Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan

That’s one of the best books for mastering creative writing for the digital, social, and traditional copy. You’ll learn how to turn your ideas into a strong copy to attract clients.

7. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

This book proves high-class writing is still essential in the digital era. Ann Handley shares how to use words as tools for showing your brand and engaging clients.

8. How to Write Seductive Web Copy by Henneke Duistermaat

Well, many books tell how to write a web copy and offer detailed guides. A book by Duistermaat does this job too. But on top of this, you’ll learn exactly what to write + get templates.

9. The Idea Writers by Teressa Iezzi

Are you working for an agency and finding it hard to stay creative in the high-paced online environment? Composing creative content for brands is what you’ll find in this book.

10. Scientific Advertising by Claude Hopkins

Another cornerstone of copywriting that everyone in the industry should check. Learn what stands behind creating compelling advertisements, from psychology to advanced techniques.

11. Content Rules by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman

This book will help you find your voice to engage customers across modern digital channels. Get ready to take a deep dive into composing great copy for the company's online coverage.

12. From Blag to Blog by Jo Watson

If you are tired of guides or cliches on how to improve your writing, check this book by Jo Watson. It’s full of humor, so in a fun way, see how to write blogs people love reading.

13. Making Your Website Work by Gill Andrews

No big words are in this book. Only practical approach on how to make your website shine with an outstanding copy. A perfect choice for brands that sell services.

14. How to Write Magnetic Headlines by Copyblogger Media

This free ebook will show you the magic behind creating appealing headlines that are also a vital part of your content. Remember, you can’t live without creative headlines.

15. Copy Logic! by Mike Palmer and Michael Masterson

Do you dream of writing an A-level copy? Then this book is for you. Learn about fast, working, and top approaches that help you take your content to the next level.

16. Content Marketing For Traffic And Sales by Daniel Daines-Hutt

Writing a copy in a modern digital world has its particularities. No fake promises in this book - only steps to better writing, viral triggers, emotional connection, and more.

17. CA$HVERTISING by Drew Eric Whitman

With this book, find the inspiration behind top-class sales texts. You will learn how to create a copy based on consumers’ behavior and habits.

18. On Writing by Stephen King

Here Stephen King himself tells you how to be more creative in writing. Learn writing tips from one of the most renowned modern authors and what should shape your work and habits.

19. On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Regardless of what topics you cover - from science to marketing - this book will tell you about the basics of successful writing. It’s another iconic book you should consider.

20. The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Learn how moments influence our lives and get to know how to work with them. As a result, you’ll discover how to create better experiences for your clients.

21. Read Me: 10 Lessons for Writing Great Copy by Roger Horberry and Gyles Lingwood

Make creative writing less challenging, thanks to this book. You’ll dive deep into lessons and pieces of advice from top copywriters alongside tasks pumping your creative thinking.

22. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Learn more about the idea of The Golden Circle - a part of the famous Sinek’s TED talk. Discover what differs average from innovative to create better texts.

23. Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk

Are you creating content for social media? Then get inspired by this book. You’ll learn the well-worth tactics and learn how to work with content.

24. They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan

With this book, you learn how to become the one who answers questions. See how to create stunning content that solves users’ problems and outlines your company.

25. This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin

Write texts that base on empathy, connection, and interest in your customers. This book will help you create content you are proud of, and that helps to connect with people.

26. The Advertising Effect by Adam Ferrier

Psychology is a must-have element in modern marketing texts. This book will tell you about ten techniques based on customers’ psychology and some examples of top brands.

27. The Boron Letters by Gary C. Halbert

Are you working with a direct response or email marketing? Then this timeless classic is for you. Proactive techniques are ready to be implemented straight away with 100% results.

28. Wired for Story by Lisa Cron

Nowadays, creative writing also should deal with science. This way, if you know what makes a brain want to learn more, you can easily win readers’ attention and hearts.

29. Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Make your ideas last and get noticed by readers. This book will teach you how to create curiosity gaps to attract people to your content.

30. The Ode Less Travelled by Stephen Fry

Even if you write prose, poetry may become an inspiration for writing a story. And a book by Fry will become a recourse book for you full of amazing poetry insights.

31. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Are you struggling when writing your texts? Then learn how to write everything b̶i̶r̶d̶ ̶b̶y̶ ̶b̶i̶r̶d̶ word by word. This heartwarming and hilarious book is classic among pro & beginner writers.

32. The Tall Lady with the Iceberg by Anne Miller

Copywriters should write not only with passion but also with the ability to persuade. This is exactly the book to learn catchy metaphors and get experience from modern businesses.

33. Copywriting: Successful Writing for Design, Advertising and Marketing Paperback by Mark Shaw

Copywriting is communicating in an original way. That’s what this book is about. You’ll learn how to write outstanding copies for digital - from design pieces to blogs.

34. The Organised Writer by Antony Johnston

Believe it or not but being organized is another way of how to improve creative writing. This book will teach you how to stay on schedule, take effective notes, write more, and so on.

35. Shut Up And Write by Mridu Khullar Relph

Procrastination can kill your creativity and aspirations. Thanks to this book, you’ll learn how to get rid of excuses and demonstrate your creative mind.

36. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Either you are searching for inspiration for writing a book or a short post, learn more about creative thinking from renowned authors like Elizabeth Gilbert.

37. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Regardless of how long you are writing, this is a must-read book. It will support you in your endeavors and help you get back on track and find inspiration.

Conclusion

Each book we’ve mentioned will give you perfect advice on creative writing. Yes, exactly creative as only this way you can stand out in the noisy world of contemporary content.

Creativity for a copywriter should have no boundaries. Digital, ads, traditional marketing - every single direction needs a professional, engaging, strong copy.

With these books, you can become a better writer, get more ideas, learn working approaches, and fuel your creativity.

Tell us, have you read some of these books? Do you have any favorite ones, and which ones you’d like to read? Share your thoughts in the comments!