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The business of sales is one that’s difficult to enter on one’s own. Where do you start? Wheredo you end? How do you get customers? These questions swarm the minds of beginner salespeople all over the world. Those who understand sales would still benefit from you a lesson ortwo on how to perfect their craft.
What are the Best Sales Books to read?
There are many sales books out there that do just this. They help beginner salespeople enter the field. They help sales professionals manage their time and money. Books on sales range in experience from beginners to advanced. Some of these books are beneficial for everyone. There are many sales books out there to help anyone get started in this field. Here are 20 reviews on sales books on Amazon.
Best Books on Sales: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best sales books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. The Seven Levels of Communication
The Seven Levels of Communication by Michael J. Maher is a direct title that speaks for itself. But it’s so much more. Through this book, Maher tells the story of a struggling real estate agent, and how his life changes upon meeting a mortgage professional with a successful business. This is where the seven levels of communication come in to play.
While completing the seven steps, the real estate agent overcomes obstacles that ultimately make him a better salesman. This sales book could be read as a charming story. It’s entertaining, and it includes seven important lessons. This is a very creative sales book, and one many could benefit from reading.
- Authors: Michael J. Maher (Author)
- Publisher: BenBella Books; Reprint Edition (April 5, 2016)
- Pages: 192 pages
2. To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others
Daniel H. Pink introduces an interesting theory in his book, Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us . Pink believes that instead of being motivated by money, people are motivated by their need to create and be the pioneer of their own lives. Pink proves this theory with scientific research that spans over forty years.
This book is well-researched, and provides worthwhile examples. Pink himself interviews a lottery winner who still works a day job. He doesn’t do it for the money, he does it to give his life purpose. The book is unlike any other, but it does become repetitive quickly. This book could easily be condensed into 100 pages instead of 242. The book itself is worthwhile reading for the examples on their own. Pink does an incredible job of researching his topic, and translating it to the page.
- Authors: Daniel H. Pink (Author)
- Publisher: Riverhead Books; Reprint Edition (December 3, 2013)
- Pages: 272 pages
3. How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling
How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger is a sales classic. This book is essential for anyone whose job is to sell. From realtors, to those on Etsy, this book helps increase sales of any kind. Bettger chronicles how he went from a failing salesman to a country estate owner in a little over 10 years. Drawing from personal experience helps Bettger relate to the readers, and encourage them to find their own success.
The book has six fool proofs principles that help sales people reach their own goals in the field. This book is simple, straight forward, and a classic sales book that has and will continue to flow through the salescommunity.
- Authors: Frank Bettger (Author)
- Publisher: Touchstone; 1st Fireside ed Edition (April 9, 1992)
- Pages: 192 pages
4. Little Red Book of Selling
Sales books are rarely fun and exciting. They are informative, straight to the point, and include plenty of strategies and examples for success. The Little Red Book of Selling by Jerry Gitomer is meant to be fun. The book is exciting, easy to read, and short. Gitomer helps readers succeed in sales, but also assured them that it is okay to make mistakes. At times, the book can be gimmicky.
Most of all, though, it’s a refreshing take on sales. It’s a book that is fashioned to make readers want to keep reading. The book has “12.5 principles for sales success.” These principles are easy to follow. They introduce readers to the sales world in a easy-going and creative way. One of these principles is “if you can make them laugh, you can make them buy!” Gitomer implements this in his own book with a great attitude, and humor that will please allkinds of readers.
- Authors: Jeffrey Gitomer (Author)
- Publisher: Bard Press; 1st Edition (September 25, 2004)
- Pages: 220 pages
5. New Sales. Simplified
News Sales Simplified is an excellent sales book that uses a direct formula to increase sales, and close deals. This book provides tips for sales, and informs on readers what to avoid when working a sales job. It can feel redundant at times, but every bit of information in this book is important.
The author, Mike Weinberg, writes with humor. Reading this book feels more like a chat with a well-informed friends, rather than a pointless lecture from a professor. However, it could shorter. It feels like it drags on at times. Overall, this is a great sales book, and most sales people can benefit from reading it.
- Authors: Mike Weinberg (Author)
- Publisher: AMACOM; 51482nd Edition (September 4, 2012)
- Pages: 240 pages
6. Book Yourself Solid
Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port is an actual in-depth instructional guide for starting, and following through with your business. It includes over 200 marketing strategies, useful techniques, and plenty of ways to build relationships with customers. This book is ahead of its 2006 publish date.
Amongst his sales techniques, Port includes marketing strategies for social media. He surely didn’t mean for these to be used on instagram and Tik Tok when he wrote the book, but the lessons from this book can be applied to them. Port is a great conversationalist. It’s easy to read this book without getting bored. This instructional guide is very useful to salespeople. The second half is a bit dull, but overall, this sales book is successful.
- Authors: Michael Port (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 2nd Edition (December 21, 2010)
- Pages: 368 pages
7. SPIN Selling
Spin Selling by Neil Rackham is exactly what it says it is. This book is perfect for those who are managing a sales team, or are involved in spin selling. The book stifles through sales calls to determine what openers and closing techniques work. Rackham has included research from over 35,000 sales call in this book.
This book is really short, which could be a pro or a con based on the person. It’s great that this book could be finished in one sitting, but some readers will be left wanting more. Its length also begs the question of “is it worth it?” Is it better to invest in a book that has more in-depth information? This book does include valid points and is based completely on research. It’s a great sales book, no matter its page count.
- Authors: Neil Rackham (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill ; 1st Edition (May 1, 1988)
- Pages: 197 pages
8. Words that Sell
Words that Sell by Richard Bayan is a book with over 6,000 words and phrases that will guarantee results in the sales field. This is a sales book that’s essentially full of synonyms that will help readers spruce up their sales pitch. Tired of the word “authentic”? Try using the word “appealing.” The words in this book have different categories, too. Readers need not worry where to use a word, the book will tell you. These words will rouse the creative writer in everyone.
This book is a definite crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a glamorized dictionary. Synonyms for words can be found with a quick google search. This book is, without a doubt, very creative and interesting. However, it’s a bit outdated.
- Authors: Richard Bayan (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 2nd Edition (April 5, 2006)
- Pages: 160 pages
9. The Psychology of Selling
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy is a sales training book that implements sales techniques to guarantee results. The book provides detailed explanations of how to make every sale count. This book is beneficial to both beginner sales people and those who are experienced.
There is a lesson in it for everyone. It’s has fairly straight-forward lessons that anyone could use. It’s understandable, but it lacks examples. The books is very informational, but it would benefit from including more research to examples of experience from the field. Tracy tells you the what to do, but now how to do it. This book has some great tips, and is still an interesting read.
- Authors: Brian Tracy (Author)
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson; 1st Edition (July 18, 2006)
- Pages: 240 pages
10. Secrets of Closing the Sale
Zig Ziglar’s book, Zig Ziglar’s Secret of Closing the Sale , seems like it’s exclusively for, well, salespeople. But it’s not. This book is beneficial to salespeople and every day workers alike. Ziglar discusses the idea that people have to sell both their idea and themselves to be successful. He includes his own closings (over 100 of them), and the questions to close with.
Ziglar is a masterful storyteller. He draws in all kinds of people, and has a world of experience to share. He also includes the five reasons people refuse a deal, and mistakes sales people make. Ziglar has been called “the salesman of salesmen” and this book goes to show the statement rings true. This book has advice for everyone, even those who aren’t in sales.
- Authors: Zig Ziglar (Author)
- Publisher: Revell; Updated Edition (September 1, 2004)
- Pages: 432 pages
11. The Only Sales Guide You’ll Ever Need
The Only Sales Guide You’ll Ever Need by Anthony Iannarino makes a bold statement in its title. It states that it is, in fact, the only sales guide you’ll ever need. And here’s why. Through the book Iannarino advises how to establish sales through his research and experience. What’s most intriguing about Iannarino is that he never intended to be a salesperson, he wanted to be a rock n’ roll star. After that fizzled out, he starting pursuing sales.
In this book, he includes his insights to over 25 years of sales. The book is easy to read, and reads as a step by step plan. Whether it’s “the only sales guide you’ll ever need,” is a matter of opinion.” What matters is that it reads well, provides hearty examples, and is informative.
- Authors: Anthony Iannarino (Author), Mike Weinberg (Foreword)
- Publisher: Portfolio (October 11, 2016)
- Pages: 240 pages
12. The Sales Acceleration Formula
Implementing data is a worthwhile step in sales. The Sales Acceleration Formula by Mark Roberts helps do just this. Roberts explains how to initiate startups, and organize sales. This book does a wonderful job of explaining the science of sales. It includes every day examples regarding sales start ups, and applying techniques to the field. It is not so straight-forward. It require readers to think about how they can use Roberts’ advice, and apply it to their own work.
This book is relatable, and reads smoothly. This book is particularly beneficial for anyone who is involved with inside selling and sales teams. This book will help people create the best and most efficient sales team, while maintaining organization and their own techniques.
- Authors: Mark Roberge (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 1st Edition (February 24, 2015)
- Pages: 224 pages
13. The New Strategic Selling
The New Strategic Selling by Robert B. Miller and Stephen E. Heiman with Tad Tuleja is a modern edition of the same bestseller that was released in 1985. Given that the “modern edition” was released in 2005, it is a bit outdated now, too. The information is important, but it doesn’t include anything that couldn’t be found in countless other sales book. The book is 448 pages long, so it goes on for awhile.
This book is great for beginners because it covers all the basics of sales. It’s also great at breaking down complex strategies into ways that are easy to comprehend to implement. One of this books best qualities is how it discusses time management. However, there are many other sales books that would be more beneficial. Kudos to the authors for redoing a classic sales book, but it may be time for them to introduce the next edition.
- Authors: Robert B. Miller (Author, Contributor), Stephen E. Heiman (Author), Tad Tuleja (Author), J. W. Marriott Jr. (Contributor)
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Revised Edition (April 20, 2005)
- Pages: 448 pages
14. Cracking the Sales Management Code
Some say sales are an art. Some say sales are science. Cracking the Sales Management Code by Jason Jordan with Michelle Vazzana says sales include both. The quote itself says, “sales may be an art, but sales management is a science.” The book includes the five fundamental sales processes that can help close deals. These processes can cater to a salesperson’s strengths to achieve personal success.
This book is particularly important for people who partake in sales management and sales operations. It helps salespeople people determine what metrics they can manage, and which ones they’ll have a difficult time with. This books has lots of little lessons that are easy to follow, and are great for sales managers.
- Authors: Jason Jordan (Author), Michelle Vazzana (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 1st Edition (October 11, 2011)
- Pages: 272 pages
15. Agile Selling
The act of being agile is essential in both sports and sales. Agile Selling by Jill Konrath helps salespeople become more flexible in the workplace and the ever-changing pace of their jobs. Sales required employees to learn new information quickly and efficiently. Sometimes managing tasks can be stressful.
Konrath includes a number of strategies on how to stay ahead of your schedule, and prepare yourself for new challenges in sales. She emphasizes how readers should try to learn quickly. This sales book is great for beginners. For those who have been in sales for longer than two years, it may be redundant. Konrath includes lots of great, straight-forward points in this book, but they’re all very simple. This book is best for someone just entering sales.
- Authors: Jill Konrath (Author)
- Publisher: Portfolio; Reprint Edition (July 7, 2015)
- Pages: 272 pages
16. The Science of Selling
Sales is a science. Our brains naturally make their own buying decisions. The choice to spend one’s last five dollars on Girl Scout cookies is dependent on the brain’s choice. This is one of many ways science is used in sales. The Science of Selling by David Hoffeld explores just this. The book combines psychology, behavioral economics and neuroscience to determine how to earn more sales. This sales books is unlike any other. It combines two fun topics, and makes readers think of why they buy what they buy.
Psychological research is an important aspect of sales, and one that can help forward one’s career. This book is easy to read, creative, and exciting for sales professionals and shoppers alike. This book helps salespeople understand why customers say “no,” and teaches them how to get them to say “yes!”
- Authors: David Hoffeld (Author)
- Publisher: TarcherPerigee (November 15, 2016)
- Pages: 288 pages
17. DISCOVER Questions Get You Connected
Questions are the foundation of learning a new skill. Discover: Questions Get You Connected by Deb Calvert discovers the importance of questions, and how they can help increase sales. The book contains extensive research on sales calls that range over 15 years. The book is not the easiest read. It contains difficult sentences that, at times, feel a bit wordy.
Nevertheless, it has loads of quality information. Calvert guides readers on how to ask ordinary questions, as well as more detailed questions. She guides them on how to ask about data and consequences in sales. The best way to become an expert on a subject is to ask questions. This is an important lesson, and one many other sales’ books overlook. Through questions, salespeople will learn to build relationships with people they trust.
- Authors: Deb Calvert (Author), Renee Calvert (Author)
- Publisher: People First Productivity Solutions (September 15, 2013)
- Pages: 266 pages
18. Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success
Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success by Colleen Stanley is all about connecting with customers. It stresses the importance of being tuned in with one’s emotions during a sale.
In this book, Stanley explains how to better control your emotional impulses. She also helps improve question and listening skills. This books is sure to help salespeople gain interpersonal skills. The books teaches readers how to use empathy and respect to increase relationships and gain sales. This book is great for salespeople, but introverts may benefit from it, too. It does a great job of explaining people skills, and establishing long term relationships.
- Authors: Colleen Stanley (Author)
- Publisher: AMACOM; First Edition (November 1, 2012)
- Pages: 224 pages
19. More Sales, Less Time
More Sales, Less Time by Jill Konrath is yet another book in which Konrath emphasizes how essential speed is in sales. A lot of this book is drawn from the author’s own experience. Konrath discusses how she went from living a stress busy life to a successful woman who is great at time management. Konrath even refers to herself as “Jill the Time Master.”
The book does a great job on exploring how to get sales done in a short amount of time. The book works as a sort of personal guide. The beginning starts slowly, but the second half makes up for it. This books is more modern, too. It was published in 2016, so it introduces fresh, new ideas.
- Authors: Jill Konrath (Author)
- Publisher: Portfolio (December 6, 2016)
- Pages: 256 pages
20. Inbound Selling
Inbound Selling by Brian Signorelli is all about “changing the way you sell to match how people buy.” This books explores the decline in sales reps over the years, and how salespeople need to re-examine how they think to keep up with the change. This books is essentially a step by step guide on becoming inbound sellers. The book is easy to follow. It approaches the evolution of sales in a modern way.
This books was published in 2018, so it has up to date thoughts on the world of sales. This books helps with locking down sales, and also organizing them. Signorelli does his best to draw on his own experience to help readers grow with inbound selling, and not get lost in the crowd. This books reads really well.
- Authors: Brian Signorelli (Author)
- Publisher: Wiley; 1st Edition (April 24, 2018)
- Pages: 288 pages
Choosing the Best Sales Books
Sales professionals take their craft seriously. Once they’ve done well enough, they can use theirknowledge to advise others by writing it down in a book. These are only a select 20 ofthousands of sales books. The best way to get started on something new is to learn, learn,learn. Books are the base of knowledge. Get into sales by reading a few of these. One of themis sure to help.
