Total Rip-Off
That’s exactly what I thought after finishing The Copywriter’s Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2005) by Robert W. Bly.
When comparing the crazy amount of value imbedded within these pages, to the small price tag I spent on it, I felt as though I had totally and completely ripped Mr. Bly off.
The cost to value ratio is so unbalanced, you’d be a fool not to immediately buy and devour this book.
The Copywriter’s Handbook will literally help you leapfrog the competition by accessing a treasure trove of Bly’s experiences through his many years of writing successful ads.
Seriously, this is one of the most practical and tactical books on copywriting that I have ever read.
In The Copywriter’s Handbook you will learn:
• 38 headline examples
• The 4 - “U’s” of great copy
• 15 ways to open a sales letter
• The 10 - point criteria of ads that sell
• 11 ways to make your writing more readable
• 22 reasons why people might buy your product
• The 7 questions you must ask about your audience
Whether you’re a novice to writing copy, a veteran of the craft, a small business owner looking to increase profits, or a solopreneur looking to start a side-hustle with the written word, you will find answers to your most relevant and pressing questions.
Additionally, Mr. Bly writes and speaks in a totally approachable and personal manner.
He’s wisdom gently rolls off the pages just like you would expect coming from a passionate master and caring mentor.
I’m buying and studying more of Bob’s books (several of which he personally recommended for my specific situation) to grow my business.
5 Stars all day.
Joshua Lee Henry, M.A. & MBA Essentials, Salesforce
Founder & CEO, Activate Advertising Agency, L.L.C
ActivateMyAdvertising.com
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The Copywriter's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells, 3rd Edition Paperback – April 4, 2006
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Robert W. Bly
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Robert W. Bly
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Print length432 pages
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LanguageEnglish
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PublisherHolt Paperbacks
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Publication dateApril 4, 2006
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Dimensions5.5 x 0.8 x 8.28 inches
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ISBN-100805078045
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ISBN-13978-0805078046
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“This book succeeds on two levels. For beginners, it offers a clear, comprehensive guide to the business of and techniques used in advertising copywriting. And for the professionals behind the typewriter, this book is a valuable back-to-basics tool that should be given a prominent slot on the bookshelf.” ―Los Angeles Times
About the Author
Robert W. Bly is a freelance copywriter specializing in business-to-business, high-tech, and direct advertising. He is the author of more than sixty books and has appeared on CNBC and CBS's Hard Copy. He lives in Dumont, New Jersey.
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Product details
- Publisher : Holt Paperbacks; 3rd edition (April 4, 2006)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 432 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0805078045
- ISBN-13 : 978-0805078046
- Item Weight : 11.9 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.28 inches
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#79,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #59 in Market Research Business (Books)
- #63 in Research Reference Books
- #76 in Business Writing Skills (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
554 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
102 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
I found myself nodding and sometimes pumping my fist in the air as I read this.
Clear. Concise. Relevant.
I wish someone had handed me this book 11 years ago and then I wouldn't have had to learn everything in it the hard way.
Clear. Concise. Relevant.
I wish someone had handed me this book 11 years ago and then I wouldn't have had to learn everything in it the hard way.
18 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
I love this book. I will go back to it over and over again. I have also taken notes for quick reference. This book is brilliantly written and felt like a mentor was having a conversation with me. As I read it, questions would come to mind and before I knew it I was reading answers to my questions. Is the author reading my mind? Of course not, but it sure felt that way. I am a very blunt and direct person and that is how this book is written. It does a fantastic job of giving you a clear picture of what copywriting is and how it differs from other types of writing.
I could go on all day about this book. If you need to understand copywriting and what is expected from copywriters, this book is a must-have!
I could go on all day about this book. If you need to understand copywriting and what is expected from copywriters, this book is a must-have!
20 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2019
Verified Purchase
Right from the first page, the book is chock full of practical knowledge on how to better pitch your services or ideas - across a variety of mediums. As an example, it reminded me once again how important Headlines are in everything we do. Whether it is to pitch an idea or draw attention to your advertisement or sell a product. The best headlines get attention, draw the right customer into knowing more about your service, and most importantly allow a marketeer to sell something in under 5 seconds. In the words of David Ogilvy, “If you haven’t done some selling in your headline, you have wasted 80 percent of your client’s money.”
The book is full of gems that have sharpened how I think about writing and presenting so I can work better with my marketing partners. It is now an essential part of my tool kit. I highly recommend it to all those interested in pitching services or ideas to their customers.
The book is full of gems that have sharpened how I think about writing and presenting so I can work better with my marketing partners. It is now an essential part of my tool kit. I highly recommend it to all those interested in pitching services or ideas to their customers.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
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I'm a copywriter, ghostwriter, and former journalist. I learned a ton of stuff from this I never knew. It's assembled in an easy to read format, casual but professional and anyone from a beginner to a pro can benefit from owning this. I gave away all my other copywriting books after I read this. I don't need any of the others. They had a few of the tricks of the trade, but this has them all. Truly the Bible of Copywriting.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2017
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This is phenomenally helpful! As an intern trying to figure out the copywriting world, this book has been on par with a human writing mentor. I get so much concrete advice that has everyday impact on my work.
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2017
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I must say that I am pleased with this copywriter's handbook. I wasn't sure what to expect from the content as it was purchased based on the reviews I read. I took a chance and i feel it was a good investment for my marketing library. It gives recommendations and structure to make sale letters (copy). It could use an update but is still super relevant for writing sales copy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about learning how to be a marketer and on selling with words.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2019
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I bought this book as my first copywriting book. I thought it was pretty good, especially the first few chapters, and then the chapter on writing to sell and writing for web content. I did feel that some aspects of the book felt slightly outdated, but it doesn't really take away from the overall message.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Paul Simister
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good guide for someone who wants to be a freelance copywriter
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2015Verified Purchase
This is considered to be a modern classic. Advertising legend David Ogilvy wrote "I don't know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book. And that includes me."
I bought it after a recommendation from a client who was a copywriter and because of the rave reviews on Amazon.com. The back cover says that it is for anyone who writes or approves copy including entrepreneurs. I see it more for beginners and aspiring freelance copywriters.
It is well written and very easy to read. The scope is very broad with chapters on print advertisements, direct mail, brochures, public relations, commercials and multi-media, websites and emails. It also covers the issues of how to get as a job as a copywriter and how to hire and work with copywriters. The final chapter is an introduction to graphic design issues.
There is a good chapter on headlines which is often the most essential element of copy since it is the "ad for the ad". However the book is short of wows. I didn't find myself rushing to update my notes or reaching for the highlighting pen too often.
It is recommended for anyone wanting to become a freelance copywriter since it has such a wide scope. However I would also encourage you to spend time reading the direct response classics from Joe Sugarman, Claude Hopkins, Gary Halbert, David Ogilvy, Victor Schwab, Dan Kennedy etc.
About my book reviews - My goal is to help you to find the best business advice. I aim to be a tough reviewer because the main cost of a book is not the money to buy it but the time needed to read it and absorb the key messages. 4 stars means this is a good to very good book.
Paul Simister, a business coach who helps business owners who are stuck, get unstuck.
I bought it after a recommendation from a client who was a copywriter and because of the rave reviews on Amazon.com. The back cover says that it is for anyone who writes or approves copy including entrepreneurs. I see it more for beginners and aspiring freelance copywriters.
It is well written and very easy to read. The scope is very broad with chapters on print advertisements, direct mail, brochures, public relations, commercials and multi-media, websites and emails. It also covers the issues of how to get as a job as a copywriter and how to hire and work with copywriters. The final chapter is an introduction to graphic design issues.
There is a good chapter on headlines which is often the most essential element of copy since it is the "ad for the ad". However the book is short of wows. I didn't find myself rushing to update my notes or reaching for the highlighting pen too often.
It is recommended for anyone wanting to become a freelance copywriter since it has such a wide scope. However I would also encourage you to spend time reading the direct response classics from Joe Sugarman, Claude Hopkins, Gary Halbert, David Ogilvy, Victor Schwab, Dan Kennedy etc.
About my book reviews - My goal is to help you to find the best business advice. I aim to be a tough reviewer because the main cost of a book is not the money to buy it but the time needed to read it and absorb the key messages. 4 stars means this is a good to very good book.
Paul Simister, a business coach who helps business owners who are stuck, get unstuck.
11 people found this helpful
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Mr. C. Gaynor
5.0 out of 5 stars
Your Copywriting Success Starts Here
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2017Verified Purchase
Lots of juicy actionable nuggets in this book. Dip into it when you want, where you want, how you want.
Useful tips on writing headlines, formatting sales letters and general tips on what to say in different types of copy...
It's all broken down into organised chapters so you don't get information overload...
Just a great book that will get you eager to test out your copywriting skills straight after reading first three chapters!
Awesome!
Useful tips on writing headlines, formatting sales letters and general tips on what to say in different types of copy...
It's all broken down into organised chapters so you don't get information overload...
Just a great book that will get you eager to test out your copywriting skills straight after reading first three chapters!
Awesome!
One person found this helpful
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James M Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic book for new copy writers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2015Verified Purchase
I bought this book to try and improve my sales copy, overall it's a great read and I love how there are inspiring quotes throughout the book. When I read the book I was a complete novice to copy writing and needed to work on writing headlines. Some great insights and case studies, very useful for anyone starting out or even someone who's been writing copy for a while.
james callander
2.0 out of 5 stars
Basic for learners
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2019Verified Purchase
No clear examples from the writer which I think you need , most of what was said I knew or was common sense. The world has moved in since 1985. Direct response and SEO barely covered.
Thing Reviewer
3.0 out of 5 stars
Has nice checklists though
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2017Verified Purchase
Interesting. A little low of facts and high on opinion, but such is the nature of this field.
Has nice checklists though.
Has nice checklists though.
One person found this helpful
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