Content writing is a broad field that covers various types of writing like blog posts, articles, white papers, eBooks and more. To develop expertise in content writing, it’s helpful to learn from books written by experts in the industry. Here are some of the top books about content writing that provide invaluable guidance for writers at all levels:
Contently & Co.’s Content Strategy: Optimize Content for Today’s Audiences by Jeremy Gilbert and Jason Hreha (2018)
This book is a comprehensive guide to content strategy that addresses everything from planning and discovery to content organization, distribution and analysis. The authors cover how to align content with business goals, develop editorial calendars and understand the content needs of modern audiences. With practical examples and checklists, the book shows readers how to build and manage content as a strategic asset. It’s a must-read for anyone focused on content marketing or managing large content projects.
Blogging for Dummies by Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley (2016)
While not exclusively about content writing, this book offers invaluable guidance on blogging – one of the most popular forms of online content. It covers everything from choosing a blogging platform and domain name to optimizing posts for search engines and building an audience. Readers learn how to write useful, engaging blog content while growing their readership and expertise. Later chapters provide tips on generating traffic, monetizing a blog and using analytics to improve performance over time.
The Copywriter’s Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells by Robert W. Bly (2017)
Considered one of the best guides to copywriting, this classic text provides strategies for writing copy that converts and persuades. Bly covers fundamental concepts like benefits-driven writing, developing unique selling propositions and crafting engaging headlines and openings. Later chapters dive into writing direct response copy for various media like print, television, radio and emails. While targeted at commercial copywriters, the book is applicable to all types of content given its emphasis on strong communication.
Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses by Joe Pulizzi and Newfangled’s Content Marketing Dream Team (2016)
Written by the founder of the Content Marketing Institute, this book breaks down how to build a content-driven business in today’s digital world. Pulizzi and his team explain the modern content marketing landscape and outline a strategy for creating, distributing and measuring impactful content. Later chapters focus on developing inbound sales funnel tactics and monetizing content over time through various methods like information products, sponsorships and more. A valuable resource for any content-focused entrepreneur or marketer.
The Content Code: Six Essential Strategies to Ignite Your Content, Engage Customers, and Accelerate Growth by Mark Schaefer (2018)
Schaefer, another well-known thought leader in the industry, examines the six strategies that drive content success according to research. These “codes” are attractiveness, accessibility, applicability, amplification, action and analytics. The book explains each code in detail and provides best practices for using them to optimize content for audiences and business goals. Later chapters focus on advanced topics like visual storytelling and using the codes across different content formats and channels. A highly recommended read.
Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach (2016)
This foundational book offers a practical framework for developing web content strategically. Readers learn how to audit and analyze existing content, conduct user research, define content needs and map content to user goals and workflows. Later chapters provide guidance on writing for the web, content structure and taxonomy, content governance and workflows. The book also covers advanced topics like designing for different devices and platforms. Essential for anyone responsible for website or digital content.
Finally, many other books focus on the writing craft and best practices for specific types of content:
On Writing Well by William Zinsser is considered one of the best style guides for clear, engaging writing.
Writing White Papers by Michael A. Stelzner is the go-to resource for white paper development.
The Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth Buelow covers content writing from an introvert’s unique perspective.
SEO for Dummies by Peter Kent is helpful for optimizing any type of online content for search engines.
The Business Style Handbook by Helen Cunningham focuses on writing business communications clearly.
Reading books by experts continuously improves any content writer’s skills and strategies. The titles above represent some of the most comprehensive and respected resources for developing expertise in content strategy, various writing styles and tackling different content challenges. Browsing library shelves or bookstores is a great way for content professionals to stay on top of trends and enhance their craft.