Words that Sell: More than 6000 Entries to Help You Promote Your Products, Services, and Ideas [Paperback]

Richard Bayan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2006

More than 6,000 words and phrases that make the difference between "yadda-yadda-yadda" and copy that sells

Looking for a better way to say "authentic?" Words That Sell gives you 57 alternatives. How about "appealing?" Take your pick from 76 synonyms. You'll even find more than 100 variations on "exciting." Fully updated and expanded, this edition of the copywriting classic is packed with inspiration-on-demand for busy professionals who need to win customers--by mail, online, or in person.

• More than 75 lists of powerful and persuasive words and phrases, including 21 new lists for this edition
• Cross-referencing of categories to jump-start creative thinking
• A crash course in basic copywriting techniques
• Helpful lists of commonly misspelled words, confusing words, pretentious phrases to avoid, and more

Roget's is fine for writing term papers and letters to the editor, but when it comes to the business of writing copy that translates into sales, there is no substitute for Words That Sell.

Find the perfect words and phrases to win over customers

Grabbers that get attention:
No-risk offer * One day only! * No strings attached! * What have you got to lose? * All the right ingredients * Inside information * Do you enjoy...? * Leap into...

Descriptions and benefits that create appeal:
Irresistible * winning * zesty * huggable * satisfying * You'll fall in love with...* Your ticket to... * king-size * Gives you the power * baby-soft *

Clinchers to win over your customer:
Reap the benefits today * Don't miss out! * No risk now, no risk later! * You can do it!* You be the judge * Send for our free catalog * 100% satisfaction guarantee

Special strategies that seal the deal:
Five-star quality * You're worth it * Don't fall for... * We make life easier * You're one of a select few... * discriminating * Your thoughtful gift

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Bayan spent over two decades as an award-winning advertising copywriter and copy chief. He is the author of three other books, including the companion to this book, More Words That Sell.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2 edition (March 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071467858
• ISBN-13: 978-0071467858
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.3 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Thesauruses
  • #4 in Books > Business & Investing > Marketing & Sales > Marketing > Direct
  • #8 in Books > Business & Investing > Skills > Business Writing

More About the Author

You can contact me directly via my professional website, richardbayan.com.

I was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and raised there during the idyllic 1950s and '60s. After graduating from Rutgers with a degree in history, I picked up a master's in journalism from the University of Illinois. I worked briefly for a couple of trade magazines and Time-Life Books, then found my professional calling as an advertising copywriter -- first at Barron's and later at Day-Timers, where I served as copy chief from 1985 through 1999.

While at Barron's I wrote my first book, Words That Sell, a copywriter's thesaurus that quickly became a standard marketing reference. The Cynic's Dictionary followed ten years later. In 2003 I was asked to write a sequel to Words That Sell, and the result was (surprise!) More Words That Sell -- actually a very different book with a more targeted approach to selling. In 2006 I completed a major revision and expansion of the original Words That Sell.

I quit my day-job in 1999 and have been busy since then establishing myself as a freelance writer-consultant. My clients have ranged from Louis Borders (co-founder of Borders Books) to a small art cinema in Allentown, PA. I've also launched a political blog called The New Moderate (http://newmoderate.com) to help fill the gap between the battling "red" and "blue" camps that dominate the political and cultural debate in the U.S.

I live in a quaint, tree-shaded, 115-year-old former livery stable in Philadelphia with my young son and a geriatric cat. I'm always available for freelance projects or contract work. Wish me luck (and buy my books!).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful February 6, 2007

By Roger Bauer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Recently I bought this book and immediately made some textual changes to my company website based upon the contents of this and "Hot Button Marketing" by Barry Feig. The two mixed together have already begun to pay dividends in terms of conversions of visitors into prospects which will lead to customers and/or partners.

The lessons I learned as I read some of the material:

1) You may believe you're using the right words to sell (as I did prior to reading over the book), but there are always improvements that can be made.

2) Have fun--if your current campaign isn't working as well as you'd like, tweak the copy by using some of the suggestions in this book to see if a different word sprinkled in here and there improves things. It's interesting to see what a little change can do as enough of them can add up to one big success over time.

In a nutshell, this book is a great reference to have handy regardless of what you're selling.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The most-used writing reference tool on my bookshelf May 29, 2006

By Janice King VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

"Words that Sell" has long been the most well-used reference on my bookshelf ... I use it more often than my thesaurus. It is particularly helpful for finding just the right adjective, which is key for any kind of promotional writing.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Words at your finger tips November 5, 2006

By Alistair Gray

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a help this was in writing direct marketing copy and in setting up a web site. Broken down into categories it enables you to find positive words and phrases to fit any situation.

Any copy writer, marketing manager who doesn't have this book by there side must have rocks in their head. It is a quick easy to follow guide that can safe you heaps of thinking time.

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