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The Copywriter's Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells, 3rd Edition Paperback – April 4, 2006
Robert W. Bly (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
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The classic guide to copywriting, now in an entirely updated third edition
This is a book for everyone who writes or approves copy: copywriters, account executives, creative directors, freelance writers, advertising managers . . . even entrepreneurs and brand managers. It reveals dozens of copywriting techniques that can help you write ads, commercials, and direct mail that are clear, persuasive, and get more attention―and sell more products.
Among the tips revealed are:
• eight headlines that work―and how to use them
• eleven ways to make your copy more readable
• fifteen ways to open a sales letter
• the nine characteristics of successful print ads
• how to build a successful freelance copywriting practice
• fifteen techniques to ensure your e-mail marketing message is opened
This thoroughly revised third edition includes all new essential information for mastering copywriting in the Internet era, including advice on Web- and e-mail-based copywriting, multimedia presentations, and Internet research and source documentation, as well as updated resources. Now more indispensable than ever, The Copywriter's Handbook remains the ultimate guide for people who write or work with copy.
"I don't know a single copywriter whose work would not be improved by reading this book." ―David Ogilvy
- Print length432 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHolt Paperbacks
- Publication dateApril 4, 2006
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.8 x 8.28 inches
- ISBN-100805078045
- ISBN-13978-0805078046
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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: #393,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #274 in Market Research Business (Books)
- #346 in Direct Marketing (Books)
- #347 in Business Writing Skills (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Robert W. Bly (Montville, NJ) is a professional writer, speaker, and marketing consultant with over 3 decades of experience in business-to-business, high-tech, and direct response marketing. He became a self-made multi-millionaire while still in his 30s. Bob is the author of more than 90 published books including Careers for Writers (McGraw-Hill/VGM), Secrets of a Freelance Writer (Henry Holt), The Copywriter's Handbook (Henry Holt), and The Elements of Business Writing (Alyn & Bacon). McGraw-Hill calls Bob Bly "America's top copywriter," and he was named 2007 Copywriter of the Year by American Writers and Artists, Inc. Bob writes a column for Target Marketing magazine. The Direct Response Letter, Bob Bly's free e-newsletter, has over 60,000 subscribers.
Check out Bob's blog at http://bly.com/blog or contact him at www.bly.com/contact
Follow Bob:
E-newsletter: www.bly.com/reports
Twitter, http://twitter.com/Robertbly
LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbly
Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Bly/535042603
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2021
Top reviews from the United States
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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
To supplement this book, I recommend a framework for advertising such as Seducing Strangers: How to Get People to Buy What You're Selling by Joshua Weltman (the creative director behind Don Draper in Madmen).
(I'm not a fan of the classic tomes on advertising, they're a pain to acquire or take energy to translate to our modern situation).
I'm a copy writer for a small company serving businesses across the country. I learned the ad writing business "on the fly via Bly" after miraculously landing a copywriting job when a very brave Pacific Northwest employer decided to take a chance and hire me -- even though I didn't have a single day's worth of "in the trenches" experience beforehand!
My resume documented that I had written four books and dozens of articles for magazines and newspapers, but writing advertising copy is a whole 'nuther animal!
Because of Bly's excellent books (he has several -- none of them will steer you wrong) and a few others by Joe Vitale, I was able to jump into the new job and truly wow diverse clients from the get-go. The information and insights in The Copywriter's Handbook saved my bacon!
Kristine M Smith, Author
DeForest Kelley: A Harvest of Memories : My Life and Times With a Remarkable Gentleman Actor
I found it to be a great read as it has a WEALTH of information within its pages. It's well-written and very easy to understand and absorb. It was a nice prelude for the copywriting course offered by the American Writers & Artist's, Inc. (AWAI) course in copywriting, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in copywriting and even those who are already working as copywriters!
This book is stuffed with top-notch content, "how to," and "why to." A book to refer back to over and again.
Top reviews from other countries

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.

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!

Has nice checklists though.

