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How to Write Better Copy
Whether you're a writer in need of inspiration, a one-woman-band drumming up work from new clients, or simply want to persuade your colleagues to adopt your view, this book will help you write better copy. It starts with thinking before writing, and the all-important Brief, then takes you step-by-step from writing a headline to getting the response you want from readers.
160 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2017
64 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 16, 2017
Always a bit skeptical with these short (160 pages or so) self-help type howto books. However really positive surprise. Particularly since I as an engineer only every now and then have to write proposals and sales-type emails or stuff for our company web page, the book gave a clear structure and tips how to avoid the usual mistakes, which sadly I found many in my writing (long fancy words, too many ideas in one email...). Probably not even meant for a seasoned professional, but for me this was great.
December 24, 2023
A 3.5! The book is filled with a lot of interesting and actionable info. It’s great for anyone looking to start or get a refresher on some of the basics but I found the book a bit lacking because visual support from images would have been so much better than just referencing ads and whatnot. That and there was a lot of quoting other writers that felt a bit too much as I approached the end of the book. Small stuff to look pay for the value this one will bring.
Edit: I also wish there was a focus on writing for social media. Websites and ads are great but 2016 wasn’t so early that social media copywriting couldn’t have been taken into account.
Edit: I also wish there was a focus on writing for social media. Websites and ads are great but 2016 wasn’t so early that social media copywriting couldn’t have been taken into account.
January 28, 2018
A solid intro to copywriting with thoughtful tips. I wish it followed the structure of Jake Knapp's Sprint though; the tips would have been a lot easier to retain if Harrison summarized all his points as checklists at the end, rather than let them get lost in the mountains of paragraphs. Copywriting is a very particular and purposeful task to nail down, so I wouldn't want the reader/learner to fish through several pages to find out what they should do.
April 28, 2018
How To Write Better Copy
By Steve Harrison
A short guide on improving the persuasiveness of your writing, I found this book helpful and packed full of useful information. Anyone who writes for a living will probably find a few parts quite basic. The guide would really shine for someone who is only just starting out or hasn’t been able to progress in their writing due to lack of feedback/training.
The author’s background and most examples are in advertising. However, I think almost all the guidance given can be used in just about any writing (whether it is policy briefs, a book or even just an email).
As you’d expect from a book on this topic; the author’s grasp of language is excellent and it really gets fun as he plays around with examples of poor copy, good copy and excellent copy. There is also some good humour. A joy to read.
As a guide however, I would have to caution that the book lacks summaries and checklists. These wouldn’t be hard to add or do yourself (as I read through, I highlighted key parts to refer back later to). But the work could have been done quicker on the author’s end. Surprisingly, Harrison touches on how he personally doesn’t like dot point lists so perhaps that is why! Although he does acknowledge such lists can be very helpful.
4/5 stars
P.S. If you’ve never written copy before and want an easy and short introduction to start, I recommend this book.
By Steve Harrison
A short guide on improving the persuasiveness of your writing, I found this book helpful and packed full of useful information. Anyone who writes for a living will probably find a few parts quite basic. The guide would really shine for someone who is only just starting out or hasn’t been able to progress in their writing due to lack of feedback/training.
The author’s background and most examples are in advertising. However, I think almost all the guidance given can be used in just about any writing (whether it is policy briefs, a book or even just an email).
As you’d expect from a book on this topic; the author’s grasp of language is excellent and it really gets fun as he plays around with examples of poor copy, good copy and excellent copy. There is also some good humour. A joy to read.
As a guide however, I would have to caution that the book lacks summaries and checklists. These wouldn’t be hard to add or do yourself (as I read through, I highlighted key parts to refer back later to). But the work could have been done quicker on the author’s end. Surprisingly, Harrison touches on how he personally doesn’t like dot point lists so perhaps that is why! Although he does acknowledge such lists can be very helpful.
4/5 stars
P.S. If you’ve never written copy before and want an easy and short introduction to start, I recommend this book.
March 15, 2019
You won't write the same way after this
As a copywriter, you know about marketing's Problem and Solution. Your job is to tell your readers how the product you're selling will solve a problem they have. You will have learned this from either your mentors, or if you're less blessed, on listicles like "5 Ways to Engage Consumers with Your Copywriting"
You do understand the concept. It's an easy one, right? Maybe it's not. Maybe laying out Problems and selling their Solutions is easier said than done. You might have understood it, but you don't know how to do it. HOW? you sigh as you chase your 2 hour deadline.
This is where this book helps. Besides sharing absolutely valuable pointers, the author also shows you how you can follow each one. He guides you step by baby step. And what's more, he does this while remaining engaging in his prose. You'll feel like you can't put the book down. His sentences show you you're in the presence of someone who knows what he's doing.
As a copywriter, you know about marketing's Problem and Solution. Your job is to tell your readers how the product you're selling will solve a problem they have. You will have learned this from either your mentors, or if you're less blessed, on listicles like "5 Ways to Engage Consumers with Your Copywriting"
You do understand the concept. It's an easy one, right? Maybe it's not. Maybe laying out Problems and selling their Solutions is easier said than done. You might have understood it, but you don't know how to do it. HOW? you sigh as you chase your 2 hour deadline.
This is where this book helps. Besides sharing absolutely valuable pointers, the author also shows you how you can follow each one. He guides you step by baby step. And what's more, he does this while remaining engaging in his prose. You'll feel like you can't put the book down. His sentences show you you're in the presence of someone who knows what he's doing.
October 12, 2020
„How To Write Better Copy” — viena tų iki-kaulų-smegenų praktinių knygų.
Steve Harrison skaitytojui pateikia išsamų reklaminių tekstų rašymo gidą — nuo tikslinės auditorijos išsigryninimo, įtaigios antraštės elementų iki pirmųjų juodraščių bei nušlifuoto galutinio teksto.
Skaitę Stephen King „On Writing”, ras pasikartojančius patarimus:
⚪ vengti dviprasmybių,
⚪ pamiršti prieveiksmius,
⚪ nenustoti trumpinti teksto tol, kol liks tik esmė.
Man ši knyga – praktiškiausia iki šiol skaityta santrauka apie reklaminius tekstus. Neabejoju, kad karts nuo karto atsiversiu ją kaip žemėlapį, padėsiantį rasti teisingą kryptį.
Steve Harrison skaitytojui pateikia išsamų reklaminių tekstų rašymo gidą — nuo tikslinės auditorijos išsigryninimo, įtaigios antraštės elementų iki pirmųjų juodraščių bei nušlifuoto galutinio teksto.
Skaitę Stephen King „On Writing”, ras pasikartojančius patarimus:
⚪ vengti dviprasmybių,
⚪ pamiršti prieveiksmius,
⚪ nenustoti trumpinti teksto tol, kol liks tik esmė.
Man ši knyga – praktiškiausia iki šiol skaityta santrauka apie reklaminius tekstus. Neabejoju, kad karts nuo karto atsiversiu ją kaip žemėlapį, padėsiantį rasti teisingą kryptį.
August 20, 2021
Tyrimų ir pavyzdžių „prisotinta“ tekstų rašytojų maldaknygė.
Kitaip tariant, knygos autorius Steve Harrison savo mintis ne šiaip sau išsako, bet pagrindžia.
Kokios mintys pasiliko su manimi?
▪️Rašykite ne klientui, o vartotojui.
▪️Nustokit romantizuoti rašymą. Rašyti reikėtų ne tik tada, kai aplanko gera nuotaika ar mūzą pagaunat. Kur kas sudėtingiau laikytis disciplinos ir rašyti, kai reikia.
▪️Dar kartą įsitikinau, kad rašymas neatsiejamas nuo psichologijos.
▪️Rengiant planą, pasąmonė atlieka didžiulį darbą. Kai tekstui renki informaciją ir giliniesi į temą, pasąmonė sudėlioja teksto struktūrą. Galvojau, kad šį dalyką išgalvojau ir tik man taip nutinka, bet pasirodo – ne.
▪️Vidinį kritiką girdi net Stephen King, tad metas atsipalaiduoti.
▪️Pradėję rašyti nieko netaisykit ir jokiu būdu nepradėkit ieškoti daugiau informacijos. Tekstą taisyti suspėsit, o informacijos rinkimo laikas jau praėjo. Sunkiuoju keliu suprasta tiesa.
Keletas įstrigusių citatų:
▪️I'm sorry I wrote you such a long letter, I didn't have time to write you a short one.
▪️Getting ignored is easy. Getting noticed is much harder, but it is possible.
▪️People read what interests them, and sometimes it's an ad.
Ar verta skaityti patyrusiems rašytojams? Verta. Net jei knygoje nuskambėjo nemažai žinomų aspektų, vis tiek pravertė pakartoti.
Dabar jaučiu, kad pirštai daug užtikrinčiau galės lakioti klaviatūra. Knyga How To Write Better Copy – tai paguoda, postūmis judėti pirmyn ir savotiška tekstų kūrėjų maldaknygė.
Visa apžvalga: https://kemsynai.lt/steve-harrison-ho...
Kitaip tariant, knygos autorius Steve Harrison savo mintis ne šiaip sau išsako, bet pagrindžia.
Kokios mintys pasiliko su manimi?
▪️Rašykite ne klientui, o vartotojui.
▪️Nustokit romantizuoti rašymą. Rašyti reikėtų ne tik tada, kai aplanko gera nuotaika ar mūzą pagaunat. Kur kas sudėtingiau laikytis disciplinos ir rašyti, kai reikia.
▪️Dar kartą įsitikinau, kad rašymas neatsiejamas nuo psichologijos.
▪️Rengiant planą, pasąmonė atlieka didžiulį darbą. Kai tekstui renki informaciją ir giliniesi į temą, pasąmonė sudėlioja teksto struktūrą. Galvojau, kad šį dalyką išgalvojau ir tik man taip nutinka, bet pasirodo – ne.
▪️Vidinį kritiką girdi net Stephen King, tad metas atsipalaiduoti.
▪️Pradėję rašyti nieko netaisykit ir jokiu būdu nepradėkit ieškoti daugiau informacijos. Tekstą taisyti suspėsit, o informacijos rinkimo laikas jau praėjo. Sunkiuoju keliu suprasta tiesa.
Keletas įstrigusių citatų:
▪️I'm sorry I wrote you such a long letter, I didn't have time to write you a short one.
▪️Getting ignored is easy. Getting noticed is much harder, but it is possible.
▪️People read what interests them, and sometimes it's an ad.
Ar verta skaityti patyrusiems rašytojams? Verta. Net jei knygoje nuskambėjo nemažai žinomų aspektų, vis tiek pravertė pakartoti.
Dabar jaučiu, kad pirštai daug užtikrinčiau galės lakioti klaviatūra. Knyga How To Write Better Copy – tai paguoda, postūmis judėti pirmyn ir savotiška tekstų kūrėjų maldaknygė.
Visa apžvalga: https://kemsynai.lt/steve-harrison-ho...
February 25, 2020
A Complete Guide from a True Expert
Steve Harrison covers nearly every aspect of copywriting in an easy to follow guide. This book spells it out so well that I would suggest it to anyone starting in copywriting. But I would still get something out of it as an intermediate copywriter.
Steve Harrison covers nearly every aspect of copywriting in an easy to follow guide. This book spells it out so well that I would suggest it to anyone starting in copywriting. But I would still get something out of it as an intermediate copywriter.
December 16, 2025
I think that my mistake was that this is not the book I was expecting, I totally misunderstood the synopsis.
I mean, it gives good tips and it gives what promises, but it was written in a boring and repetitive way.
Maybe my mistake was not understanding what this was about, but even when I changed my mind, it wasn’t that good on its purpose (neither it was bad), it was just plain.
I mean, it gives good tips and it gives what promises, but it was written in a boring and repetitive way.
Maybe my mistake was not understanding what this was about, but even when I changed my mind, it wasn’t that good on its purpose (neither it was bad), it was just plain.
May 25, 2020
It works!
The lessons presented in this quick read deliver on the title’s promise. Steve Harrison proves that he’s not only a master of his craft and a talented author, but also an excellent teacher. Grab this book and read it a dozen times! It will make you a better copywriter.
The lessons presented in this quick read deliver on the title’s promise. Steve Harrison proves that he’s not only a master of his craft and a talented author, but also an excellent teacher. Grab this book and read it a dozen times! It will make you a better copywriter.
July 24, 2022
Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to improve its copy writing.
Straight to the point, practical, with a touch of humour and most importantly backed up with examples, studies.
I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to get better at copy writing applying his process and tips!
Straight to the point, practical, with a touch of humour and most importantly backed up with examples, studies.
I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to get better at copy writing applying his process and tips!
December 29, 2018
I actually liked it. Surprised? Me too. Found it quite helpful and realistic. Great hints with practical examples. Will be re-reading some parts for my next couple of assignments.
June 17, 2019
Definitely better for people who have very little experience writing copy, otherwise it’s a bit basic! A good read for those wanting to understand copywriting better.
July 29, 2020
Can't be improved.
August 27, 2020
A basic primer on copywriting. If you're starting out, the book can be helpful, otherwise, there is nothing new in it.
September 25, 2021
This book covers all the basics of copywriting, which is similar to tips on writing and storytelling.
October 1, 2024
Read for work, really useful. Would recommend for other copywriters who find it really hard to grasp lol
May 4, 2021
Once you get into this, it’s a great guide to copywriting.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews