Start and Run a Copywriting Business, 2nd ed., Steve Slaunwhite, 2005, Self-Counsel Press

This bestselling guide to becoming a successful freelance copywriter has been endorsed by many of the top professionals in the industry. It covers all the basics from setting up your business and finding clients to handling various copywriting tasks and getting paid. The books also includes a CD of ready-to-use checklists and forms.

On Writing Well, 25th anniv. ed., William Zinsser, 2001, Harper Resource

Now a classic, this continually updated book is probably the bestselling nonfiction writing guide in history — with more than one million copies sold. Every copywriter needs to read this and absorb the lessons it teaches.

How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters, Mal Warwick, 2001, Jossey-Bass

If you want to write fundraising letters and other promotions for charities and other nonprofits this book is a must. It is recognized as the definitive guide on the subject. Even if you don't write for nonprofits, you'll find Warwick's advice indispensable for any kind of copywriting task you handle.

Tested Advertising Methods, 5thed., John Caples and revised by Fred E. Hahn, 1998, Prentice Hall

Caples is a pioneer in direct-response space advertising. He has written ads that have run for decades. This book is packed with tips, lists, and proven advice for writing headlines, that crucial first paragraph, body copy, and the close. It's the classic in creating promotions that sell. His chapter on headlines is priceless.

Write On Target, Donna Baier Stein and Floyd Kemske, 1997, NTC Business Books

This book has become a standard in direct-mail copywriting. It covers all the basics of writing effective sales letters, envelope teaser, DM brochures, self-mailers, order forms, and more. Perhaps the most helpful aspect of this book is that it contains dozens of real-world examples.