Top 6 Books on Memorable Storytelling (Find Compelling Business Narratives)

You’re wrong if you think storytelling is for grandparents, tutors, nursery employees and other similar categories of people. I’ve been in the marketing industry for nearly two decades now and I can guarantee that storytelling is even more important in terms of sales and advertising.

Obviously, when I first started, I was all about reading guides, finding new techniques and solutions to sell. But what triggered me the most was a quote from an Eastern European movie I saw.

The hand that doesn’t tell a story gets no penny.

That’s when I realized that storytelling is more of an element of sales and marketing. And you don’t have to be a genius to see it. Take a look at the ads you see on TV.

Some of them are emotional and can trigger you to do this or that. Some others give you good vibes. But then, there is also the boring one that no one wants to see, just a random character explaining how their digestive problems have improved after taking a particular supplement.

But enough, I'm not here to teach you what marketing means. Instead, let me take you through some of the best books on storytelling for business. Forget everything you know about marketing, these books will change your perception of selling and marketing something to an audience. Let's go!

What Are The Top Books on Storytelling?

The Ultimate Guide to Memorable Storytelling, by Dwight Nigel Darby (2024)

This is one of the most recent books I’ve read on storytelling in marketing. I know, just because it’s new, it doesn’t mean it’s good. But coming from an author with experience in the industry, that was the first thing that convinced me.

Another good thing is the fact that it covers some of the most recent techniques and ideas in storytelling. As we all know, the world changes all the time. New generations will no longer be excited by the stories that were popular 20 years ago, so we have to adapt.

This book captures this essence in the best possible way. It takes storytelling to another level, especially in today’s world. There’s data everywhere. There are videos, marketing materials, ads, featured content, you name it. It’s everywhere.

Dwight Nigel Darby’s book teaches you how to craft compelling narratives in an age of technology and covers aspects like AI and VR, among many others. It’s about transforming things. And since storytelling has never been more challenging, learning to adjust is a must.

From my point of view, this book is both about storytelling solutions in today’s age and the tools we need in order to adapt. Definitely a must read!

The Storytelling Animal, by Jonathan Gottschall (2012)

Talking about adjustments and changes, I think this is a classic. Now, don’t get me wrong, you won’t get very specific tips and tricks on how to do this and that. It’s not a guide about certain storytelling techniques and solutions to stand out. Instead, it’s a book that helps you understand storytelling.

So, we all know people are wired when it comes to stories. Why is that? This is the main question. The author showcases the theory of storytelling and targets a sensitive topic. Can stories actually help us navigate problems in our social lives? Are they training us?

Based on different research studies, the author reveals the concept of a storytelling animal. For example, the more you get absorbed in a story (be it a book, a movie or just someone’s story), the more it can affect your behavior. And this goes in different directions.

On the other hand, it’s also worth considering the dark side of different stories. Many villains in history had great stories and that’s why they succeeded. To a certain point, of course, but you get the point. However, apart from this side, stories have a positive approach.

Understanding how storytelling for business can change someone is paramount to succeeding in this industry.

The Anatomy of Story, by John Truby (2008)

John Truby is a heavy name in the film industry, mainly because of his capabilities to underline the depth of a story. He’s so good that his students have managed to win awards with their stories, whether you think about Shrek or perhaps Scream. This is his first book and reveals how he does it.

It’s very straightforward and reveals every secret to writing something appealing. It could be anything. A marketing campaign, a movie script or perhaps an article. Based on many lessons from his classes, the book has influences from traditional mythology, as well as modern philosophy.

All these around one element. The story.

The author's methods will reveal the best ways to create multifaceted stories and narratives. They're practical and seem to focus on things that actually move people. That's one of the secrets. And what moves people is emotional growth, not to mention morals.

This is the type of book that will teach you how to dig deep and explore different values or views in order to develop that perfect story. While these standards are aimed at the movie industry, the truth is they can apply to everyone who needs a story, from novelists and memoirists to marketers and advertisers.

The Storyteller's Secret, by Carmine Gallo (2016)

To understand the power of this book, you need to know about the subject. And the intro to this book showcases a few things that most people will never understand.

A speech that could get Japan to host the Olympics, an immigrant with no education who became one of the most successful producers in the world or perhaps someone with a fear of public speaking who became one of the best orators in sports. It sounds crazy, but what’s the catch?

Exactly. They had some amazing stories. Whether you’re interested in becoming a marketer, a teacher or just a sales expert, your story is that special element that can make all the difference in the world. A good story can trigger emotions and that’s what made it clear for me.

It can inspire, persuade and stimulate change. It triggers that call to action.

This book teaches you how to develop that unique story. There are 50 lessons you’ll go through, each of them from a valuable leader. There are 50 stories about life and vision, but also a deep analysis for each of them.

There’s something valuable to learn out there, something that I can now adapt and use for all kinds of situations and projects.

Wired for Story, by Lisa Cron (2012)

Wired for Story relies on cognitive function. It basically tells you upfront how to create a topic that will simply ignite feelings and emotions in readers. Have you ever wondered how to hook readers from the first sentence? That’s what storytelling for business is about and that’s what this book teaches you.

Now, to be perfectly honest with you, I was aware of some of the techniques in this book. Marketing wasn’t a new thing for me, as I was already working in the industry. But this doesn’t mean the book is aimed at newbies only. No, anyone can learn something useful.

Most of the advice you’ll find online is about writing well and for readers. No one mentions what it takes to compile a great story. This is where most people fail. No matter how good your idea is, how prolific the dialogues are or how authentic the metaphors become, nothing beats a good story.

A good story triggers the dopamine, so that should be your main focus. This book isn’t about ideas or techniques, but it’s actually based on neuroscience research. It’s a revolutionary way to stimulate the brain, with a solid focus in every single chapter.

Contagious, by Jonah Berger (2013)

Contagious is a book about becoming contagious, simple. It’s not a book on storytelling for business purposes, but a book on becoming viral and popular. This covers multiple aspects, so it’s also suitable for advertisers, influencers, social media personalities and so on.

Now, you probably ask yourself every now and then, what makes something popular? What causes some things to be more popular than others? Why do some things go viral? Written by a marketing professor with experience in the field, this book showcases the answers to such questions.

While most people who go viral never actually plan it, the truth is there’s some secret science behind these social transmissions. There are six different principles in the book, each of them thoroughly explained with specific and actionable techniques to help things spread.

You’ll find out how to design a message, how to compile an ad or how to write content that people are actually happy to share. It makes no difference if you’re a writer, a manager or a marketing specialist, this book applies to anyone who wants to go contagious.

Final Thoughts

Bottom line, I can probably go on with quite a few more titles regarding storytelling for business. There are lots of good books out there, but I strongly believe these six titles could be the foundation of a glowing career in marketing or advertising.