Read Me: 10 Lessons for Writing Great Copy

by Roger Horberry, Gyles Lingwood

If you've ever struggled to craft a powerful message that really hits the spot, you'll know it's harder than it looks. Wouldn't it be helpful to have an expert on hand to explain how the professionals really do it? Better still, how about a whole range of writers ready to pass on their trade secrets?

Well that's exactly what you'll find in the pages of this book. Think of it as a rocket-assisted launch for your writing career, structured over ten distinct lessons and illustrated with classic and contemporary international examples of the best copywriting. Designed to help anyone who works with words improve their writing, this book is packed with practical techniques and features effective exercises to pump up your persuasive powers.

Includes inspiring contributions from professional writers, an in-depth look at the challenges involved in writing copy for brands and worked examples that cover writing for digital, brand storytelling, and packaging copy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Business

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2014

Reviews

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a young person who wants a career as a copywriter, this book is probably pretty useful. It's full of exercises so you can practise and improve your skills, and it includes tips on getting into the industry and how to succeed. I don't know if any of it works, but it makes sense.

If you just want to read about good writing, it's still a useful book. Much of it is focused on 'brandwriting' (as they call it), which consists of researching the brand, finding its voice, and then using that voice to clearly state why customers should be interested in the product/service.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With most books about copywriting, it's a case of "I'll know most of this, please give me some additional insights and some great examples."

Well, Read Me doesn't disappoint. Depending on where you are in your career, you'll be aware of much of what you're being taught. But it doesn't matter. It's presented in a thought provoking way, it's packed with additional insights, and it's full of brilliant examples.

In fact, it's worth the purchase just to kick-start your swipe file of great advertising ideas.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty great examples of packaging and some great general tips for someone just starting out in copywriting.

[Steph Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about various copy techniques. Probably geared towards writers starting out, but has lots of great tips and examples for all levels as well. Great for designers to also have up their sleeves.

It's one of those books you know you'll refer back to again when you need some offline inspiration.

[Aidaras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What might seem trivial at first glance, offers in-depth knowledge, if you decide to dive in deeper. Great, witty and vivid examples sparking imagination and motivation! I'd say it's a must-read for beginners ;)

[Džiugas Babenskas]

Skaityk. Knygoje daug eilučių apie rašymą, kviečianti atlikti veiksmą.

[Thomas Crockford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Joe Emery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clunky and horrible to read.

[Neringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every copywriter or a person who wants to write should read this book! It feels that author talks for you.

[Obii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enriching.

A necessary reminder of the basics of what makes copywriting and advertising great. Handy tool no matter your level. Must-read for anyone serious about a job in copywriting.