Out of the hundreds of books professing unique knowledge of the PR industry, only a handful are truly worth exploring. Here are some titles that warrant a second look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. \u201cContagious: Why Things Catch On<\/a>\u201d by Jonah Berger<\/p>\n\n\n\n This New York Times bestseller takes a stab at explaining why certain products and ideas go viral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Author and Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger argues that, contrary to popular belief, advertising isn\u2019t what makes something popular, but rather the secret science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission of ideas. This book provides a set of actionable techniques for helping information spread, perfect for any PR pro hoping their story will catch on.[RELATED: <\/strong>Keep your skills sharp with the comms industry\u2019s most comprehensive online training. Learn more<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. \u201cEverybody Writes<\/a>\u201d by Ann Handley<\/p>\n\n\n\n Author Ann Handley believes that everyone is a writer, whether you\u2019re posting on social media, publishing a blog post or crafting a media pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In her guide to creating \u201cridiculously good content\u201d she offers lessons and rules that apply across all digital platforms, from websites to blog posts to emails and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. \u201cSpin Sucks: Communication and Reputation Management in the Digital Age<\/a>\u201d by Gini Dietrich<\/p>\n\n\n\n Known throughout the industry for running one of the most popular PR blogs in the world (and one of our favorites<\/a>), Gini Dietrich has collected all of the cutting-edge tips and tools for effective and ethical communications she\u2019s learned into an actionable guide for business leaders and PR pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In her book, you\u2019ll learn how to share your story more powerfully, humanize your organization, create fresh content and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. \u201cThe New Rules of Marketing and PR<\/a>\u201d by David Meerman Scott<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our digital world creates a whole new set of rules for professional communicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this book, David Meerman Scott shows you how to leverage the potential of online communication, including how to use it to speak directly with customers or clients and build long-lasting relationships with those who make your company work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. \u201cWriting Tools: 55 Essentials for Every Writer<\/a>\u201d by Roy Peter Clark<\/p>\n\n\n\n An oldie-but-goodie, Roy Peter Clark\u2019s Writing Tools whittled down 30+ years of experience in journalism, professional writing and teaching into a series of short essays on different aspects of writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although not necessarily published as a book about PR, Writing Tools has become a classic for writers of all industries since its original publication in 2008. Get a copy of the revamped 2018 edition, which includes five never-before-shared tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. \u201cThe Business of Persuasion<\/a>\u201d by Harold Burson<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lauded as the \u201cmust-read book on public relations,\u201d The Business of Persuasion is a business memoir of the 96-year-old founder of Burson-Marsteller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In its pages, readers will learn what public relations really entails through personal and professional examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. \u201cThe Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Business Noticed<\/a>\u201d by Jennefer Witter<\/p>\n\n\n\n A successful PR pro can help a business gain attention from potential customers and build brand credibility, and this book helps to give eager communicators the tools to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Written for small business owners and entrepreneurs not fluent in the art of PR, this book still has plenty to share with novices and experts in the field, from how to craft the perfect pitch to tips for dealing with reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. \u201cKnown<\/a>\u201d by Mark Schaefer<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perfect for PR pros looking to break out on their own, \u201cKnown\u201d is a collection of case studies, exercises and personal branding stories from some of the world\u2019s most successful people spanning industries like banking, education, fashion and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although not necessarily written for public relations professionals, \u201cKnown\u201d provides a path to establishing a personal business and experiencing success in the digital age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n