Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in understanding the craft and business of copywriting. These books will teach you the fundamentals of persuasive writing, client management, and building a sustainable copywriting business. Reading these early will shape how you approach your work and save you from costly mistakes.
The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert Bly
This is the practical foundation for copywriting work. Bly covers direct mail, email, web copy, and sales letters with real examples and proven formulas. You’ll learn how successful copywriters think about their audience and structure arguments that actually sell. This book is referenced by professionals because it delivers usable techniques immediately.
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Hey Whipple, Squeeze This by Luke Sullivan
Focused on advertising copywriting and creative thinking, this book teaches you how to break through noise and make people actually pay attention. Sullivan’s writing is engaging and filled with case studies of campaigns that worked. If you plan to do creative or brand work alongside sales copy, this book will strengthen that skill.
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The Business of Copywriting by Nicki Krawczyk
Unlike books focused purely on craft, this one teaches you how to actually run a copywriting business—pricing, finding clients, setting boundaries, and managing your workload. Since you’re starting a business rather than just learning to write copy, this book bridges that gap. It’s written by someone who built a six-figure copywriting practice.
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Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This short, illustrated book teaches you how to build your creative practice by studying what works and making it your own. For copywriting, this means studying successful sales pages, emails, and advertisements to understand patterns and principles. It removes the guilt from copying structure and style from others—the foundation of learning any craft.
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Equipment You Need
Copywriting has one of the lowest equipment barriers to entry of any business. You don’t need expensive software, fancy tools, or a dedicated office. The equipment listed below covers the essentials to work professionally and efficiently. Many of these items you may already own.
Computer
- Laptop or desktop computer: You need a reliable machine that won’t crash mid-project. Windows, Mac, or Linux all work fine. A used business-class laptop (ThinkPad, MacBook Air, or Dell Latitude) often provides better durability than a new consumer model at similar price.
Writing and Productivity Software
- Microsoft Office or Google Workspace: You’ll use Word or Google Docs daily for drafting and client delivery. Most clients expect Word documents. Both services are inexpensive and essential.
- Grammarly Premium: This catches grammar, tone, and clarity issues in real time. It’s useful for client work where credibility depends on clean writing. The free version helps; the paid version is worth it for professional work.
- Hemingway Editor: A simple tool that highlights complex sentences and suggests simplifications. Copywriting demands clarity, and this app keeps you accountable.
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Business and Communication Tools
- Email service: Use Gmail or a professional email domain through services like Google Workspace or Zoho. Your email address is part of your professional brand—avoid free email if you’re contacting clients.
- Calendar and scheduling app (Calendly or similar): Clients need to book calls with you easily. A scheduling app eliminates back-and-forth emails and looks professional.
- Project management tool (Asana, Monday.com, or Notion): As you take on more clients, you need to track deadlines, revisions, and deliverables. Start simple; upgrade as needed.
- Time tracking software (Toggl or Harvest): Track how long projects actually take. This data informs your pricing and helps you identify inefficiencies.
Workspace Setup
- Desk: You’ll spend hours writing. A decent desk supports good posture and reduces fatigue. It doesn’t need to be expensive—even a simple table works if it’s the right height.
- Chair: A supportive chair matters more than the desk. Back pain kills productivity. Look for ergonomic chairs that adjust properly; they cost $150–$400 used or refurbished.
- Monitor: If using a laptop, add an external monitor for easier reading and editing. A 24-inch display costs $100–$200 and prevents neck strain from laptop screens.
- Keyboard and mouse: An external keyboard and mouse improve comfort and speed during long writing sessions. Mechanical keyboards appeal to many writers; standard models work fine too.
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Internet and Connectivity
- Reliable broadband: Your income depends on reliable internet. Budget $50–$100 per month for quality service. Mobile hotspot alone isn’t sufficient for client calls and large file uploads.
- Backup internet: As you earn more, consider a mobile hotspot or second internet provider to avoid losing client work due to outages.
- Video conferencing setup: A webcam and microphone for client discovery calls. Integrated laptop equipment works; upgrading to a USB microphone ($30–$80) improves call quality and professionalism.
What to Buy First vs Later
Prioritize purchases that directly impact your ability to work and sell. Avoid spending on tools that feel productive but don’t generate income.
- First: Computer, reliable internet, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and a basic chair. These are non-negotiable.
- Second: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, Grammarly, and a scheduling tool. These improve efficiency and client experience meaningfully.
- Third: Upgraded chair (if your current one is uncomfortable), project management software, and time tracking. Add these as your client load grows.
- Later: Fancy desk accessories, premium templates, advanced automation software, or any “productivity” app that costs money but doesn’t directly help you write or land clients. Resist these until you’re consistently profitable.
New vs Used Equipment
Copywriting equipment doesn’t require the latest technology. A used computer from 3–5 years ago works perfectly if it’s well-maintained. Business-class used laptops are often better quality than new consumer models at the same price. Avoid the absolute cheapest options, which tend to have hardware issues, but don’t overspend on premium brands either.
For a desk and chair, used is smart if you find quality pieces. Office liquidation sales, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist often have professional-grade furniture at 50% of retail. The exception: don’t skimp on your chair. A cheap chair causes back pain that will force you to upgrade anyway, so spend $150–$250 on something with good lumbar support from the start.
Software should always be legitimate and current. Use free tiers when available (Gmail, Google Docs, free Grammarly), then upgrade to paid versions as you earn. Never pirate software—it’s both unreliable and legally risky.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, returns, and variety for laptops, monitors, chairs, keyboards, and microphones.
- Best Buy: Good for computers and electronics with in-store support and return flexibility.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used furniture, monitors, and older computers at a fraction of retail. Inspect items in person before buying.
- Office furniture liquidators: When offices close or downsize, they sell quality desks and chairs cheaply. Search for “office liquidation [your city].”
- Direct from software companies: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and other tools often have better pricing or trials through their official websites.
- Refurbished electronics: Dell, Lenovo, and Apple all sell refurbished computers at 20–30% discounts with warranty protection. These are reliable and environmentally sensible.