Magical Worlds of the Wizard of Ads: Tools and Techniques for Profitable Persuasion (Paperback)

~ Roy Williams (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Wizard shares the secrets of business persuasion that are taught at his renowned Academy.

From the Publisher

To Whom It May Concern c/o Wizard of Ads Academy Somewhere near Austin, Texas 78610

Dear Reader,

What a response! I anticipated a big success in 1998 when I discovered and published the original collection of the Wizard's letters to his clients, but what has happened since then has surprised even me. The Wizard of Ads was named Business Book of the Year and has sold thousands and thousands of copies. Roy H. Williams's (a.k.a. the Wizard) second book, in the fall of 1999, was a #1 Wall Street Journal and New York Times business bestseller and reached a far larger audience.

In this book I have been able to persuade the Wizard to share the secrets that he teaches at his renowned Academy. Over the last few years, people from the world's largest corporations, universities, publications, and advertising agencies have traveled to Buda, Texas, to spend a few days with the Wizard. From Procter and Gamble to the University of Michigan, from USA Today to J. Walter Thompson, CEOs, professors, columnists, and account executives have learned from the Wizard.

Roy H. Williams is a most amazing explorer. He is constantly looking for new truths. In this new book, he draws from a wide range of disciplines — chaos theory, neuroscience, art, literature, and poetry among them. As graduates of the Academy know, these principles can be applied in all areas of our business and personal lives.

I know you will enjoy and benefit from this latest edition of the Wizard's powerful secrets and magnetic storytelling.

Ray Bard Publisher --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bard Press (September 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885167520
• ISBN-13: 978-1885167521
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #461,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wizard of Words Defies Classification, December 24, 2001

By	Henry Oliner "[e-mail]" (Macon, GA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As I read this book I had to remind myself it is classified as a book about advertising. Yes, he spends one of the four sections about many specific advertising concepts and measurements but the rest of the 101 short chapters cover so much more.

He combines quotes form eclectic sources, and stories that belong in human interest and motivational historical biographies. He digs deep into explanations of the human mind and neurology just to understand how to best impact it.

His observations are challenging to common beliefs and stimulating to new ideas. I would not limit my recommendation of this book to just business, marketing and advertising interests.

I would recommend it to writers looking for effective tips and improvement of their craft. I would recommend it to clergy who will find endless inspiring stories for sermons. I would recommend it to teachers for interesting and unique perspectives on historical and cultural figures and events. I would emphatically recommend it to business people who spend so much time looking for answers and so little time pursuing the questions.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs to stimulate his or her thinking. It would help break through writer's block and stimulate a new flow of creativity. It is a creative reference masterpiece.

If the title leads you to expect a bunch of advertising how to's and what to do's, you may feel a bit disappointed; it is a lot more about why. It is a book for those who cherish ideas and thinking. I love this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profit, Knowledge, Surprise and Secrets, all unlocked here!, December 23, 2002

By	Dave Lakhani "BoldApproach.com" (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Here it is almost Christmas and I'm reading through the reviews that have been written and find myself feeling bad for a couple of more souls this year . . . those poor people who didn't understand the essence of this book.

This book like all of Roy's books require that the reader suspend what is commonly known or believed for a moment and allow your unconscious brain to do a little thinking and then shove it forward for you to ponder and apply.

Magical Worlds provides instruction on many levels of advertising, at first it might seem it is about copywriting, then about radio advertising and not about print, however as you read into the rich detail that lives in each chapter, you realize it is really about motivating people to action, learning how our brains work and providing information to consumers in a way that their brain wants, no, demands it in order to be remembered or compelled.

And yes, it is about advertising, strategy, copywriting, writing and setting yourself apart in a meaningful way and profiting from it.

I encourage everyone in business to really read, ponder, excogitate and consume every concept here, your business, your family, your accountant and your wallent will appreciate the time you invest.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MorRifkie, December 31, 2002

By	"morrifkie2" (baltimore, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

What is branding? How do people really remember you? How do you build your brand? This book gets back to the basics. There really is a magical formula. For you. For your company.

I bought this book because it was different. It disagreed with everything I had previously learned. This book can change the way you think. Forever. My mind turns in a completely new direction. Seeing things from a complete new angle. How can anybody pass up such an opportunity?