The 10 Best Sales Books Elon Musk Is Probably Reading

When you need a leg up in the sales world, the best books about selling are an incredible resource. Nothing inspires, educates, and transforms sellers quite as effectively as a good book. The trouble is – finding the best sales books is easier said than done. 

There are about 9 million options to choose from on Amazon alone, and more are published every day. We’d love to ask billionaire rocket manufacturer Elon Musk to share his top picks with us. 

But, let’s face it, he’s busy being the CEO of countless companies – and honestly, we don’t have is contact details. What we do have is a lot of insights from some of the worlds biggest CEOs and sales gurus. That’s enough for a decent estimation of what Elon might be reading. 

So, if you want to learn how to sell in 2024 (or 2025), supercharge your career, or just discover new sales techniques, read on. We’ll share the top books about selling you should be diving into right now.

Why Read Books About Selling? The Benefits

Before we dive into our carefully curated list, you might be wondering why it makes sense to buy and read the top books about sales in the first place. Can’t you just learn everything you need to know on-the-job, or from your peers? Well – yes and no. 

Sales is one of those fields where even the top dogs in the industry know they need to commit to a process of life-long learning. You never really become the “ultimate salesperson”. You need a growth mindset – which means committing to constant development.

There are plenty of ways you can develop your skills, like using games to build sales skills, or working with a coach. But books are some of the most useful, and accessible tools at your disposal. 

Reading books about how to sell doesn’t just give you new techniques to use, it helps you:

• Stay sharp and relevant: Sales trends are always changing. Just look at the rising impact of AI in the sales world. Reading sales books helps you to keep “current” and up-to-date with what’s happening in the world around you, so you can achieve your goals faster. 
• Collect insights from the pros: At HSE, we believe there’s nothing better than learning from the real-life experiences of successful experts when it comes to developing your skills. That’s why we source the top specialists for our coaching platform. With books, you also get a behind the scenes insight into the real-world experiences of top sellers. 
• Develop hard and soft skills: Sales books can help you develop hard skills. For instances, sales pitch books, sales prospecting books, and sales techniques books are all ideal for building technical skills. However, they can help you build soft skills too – showing you how to generate rapport, communicate with prospects, and lead a team.

The Ultimate List of the Best Sales Books to Read Today

Choosing the “best books about selling” is a bit of a subjective process. The right works for you all depend on the type of skills you want to develop, and the kind of content you enjoy. Our list of the top books about sales is based on recommendations from our world-leading coaches, insights into the popularity of each book, and an evaluation of the genuine value they can offer.

Let’s dive in. 

1. The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes

Chet Holmes created not just a national best seller, but an instant classic when he penned The Ultimate Sales Machine. This book promises to help sellers fine-tune virtually every aspect of their process, by encouraging them to focus on 12 core areas critical success. 

If you’re looking for the best book about selling that doesn’t push you to “jump on new trends”, but instead gives you practical advice for growth, this is the one for you. Holmes will show you how to improve productivity, use your time more efficiently, and master the art of self-improvement. 

This book is a straightforward, one-step-at-a-time guide to becoming the disciplined, creative seller you’ve always wanted to be. It’s often been described as “life changing”, and we think that’s a very fair interpretation of what this book can do for salespeople.

2. SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham

When it comes to best-selling books about sales, few options have achieved the same notoriety as SPIN Selling by Neil Rackman. This is a landmark of sales literature, and one of the top sales training books in the industry – used by companies and sellers worldwide.

If you’re looking for a quick way to develop new hard skills for sales, Rackham offers an excellent starting point. His SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff) model has revolutionized the approach to large-scale selling. 

Throughout this book, you’ll learn how to ask insightful questions to uncover customer pain points, and guide conversations towards effective resolutions. There are plenty of amazing tips for improving sales pipelines, and tons of case studies and real-world examples to learn from. 

3. Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar

Another timeless classic mentioned on many lists outlining the top sales books, Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar is packed with persuasive techniques and memorable anecdotes. It’s one of the most enjoyable books to read on this list, thanks to Ziglar’s storytelling skills. 

In this book, Ziglar breaks down the art of closing deals into simple principles any salesperson can master. You’ll learn how to overcome objections, build rapport, and negotiate your way to a win. You might even discover new ways to boost your confidence too. 

This is a fantastic book for any salesperson, new or old, who wants to achieve rapid growth. Pro tip, if you want more insights from Zig Ziglar, check out See You at the Top too. That’s another great book that highlights the power of “giving” for salespeople.

4.  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Ask most veteran sellers what the “best sales book” they’ve ever read is, and they’ll probably mention this one by Dale Carnegie. It’s a classic for a reason. How to Win Friends and Influence People, is a must-read for anyone who wants to develop emotional intelligence and people skills.

Remember, sales is all about building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and inspiring trust. You’ll learn how to do all of that and more with Carnegie’s piece of classic literature. He shows readers how to foster genuine connections in a way turbocharges win rates. 

You’ll discover how to relate to people more effectively, how to make people like you, and even the fundamental techniques you can use to sway people to your way of thinking. If you’re new to sales, this is the perfect starting book to give you an edge over the competition.

5. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Are you an aspiring salesperson wondering “Is sales right for me?” Then give The Greatest Salesman in the World a read. It’s one of the most unique sales leadership books on this list, combining motivational wisdom with a captivating narrative. 

As you move through the pages, you’ll follow the journey of a humble camel boy (Hafid) as he learns the principles of good salesmanship through ancient scrolls. Each of these scrolls imparts a valuable lesson on the reader, sharing insights into the benefits of self-belief, integrity, and perseverance. 

More than just a book, this piece is a guide to the philosophy behind the life of a salesperson. It’s inspirational, engaging, and packed with lessons you’ll need as you grow throughout your career. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to read – even if you’re an absolute beginner.

6. Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer

Widely regarded one of the best books about selling ever written, The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer is a straightforward guide to understanding why people actually buy things from salespeople. Gitomer believes the only thing that really matters in sales is understanding what motivates and pushes buyers into action. 

Within this playful book, you’ll learn more about how buyers think, and how you can convince them to do things (like buy your products and services), using authenticity and trust. If you generally hate reading, then Gitomer’s simple and humorous narrative style is sure to appeal to you. 

Plus, by the time you’ve finished this book, you won’t just know how to close deals more effectively. You’ll have learned how to become truly customer-focused. That gives you the tools you need to really stand out in the modern sales landscape.

7. Selling to Big Companies by Jill Konrath

Ready to go big in the world of sales? Start with Jill Konrath’s Selling to Big Companies. This is one of the top books about selling tailored to the needs of salespeople who want to break into large accounts, and increase their revenue. 

You’ll gain step-by-step strategies you can use to position yourself as a valuable resource, partner, and mentor to your target audience. At the same time, you’ll learn about the steps you need to take to streamline complex sales cycles when you’re working on larger deals. 

This is the ultimate book for anyone who wants to move away from being a relentless “product pusher”, and start developing valuable relationships with clients. We particularly recommend reading it if you’re getting involved in the B2B sales world. 

8. Solution Selling by Michael T. Bosworth

Ideal for those interested in sales negotiation books, Solution Selling demystifies the process of selling complicated products and overcoming objections. It’s a blueprint you can use to mold yourself into a dedicated problem solver for your customers. 

If you’re tired of books about selling that constantly focus on earning bigger numbers and “pushing” customers into action, this is the book for you. You’ll discover how connect emotionally with customers, get to the bottom of their pain points and objections, and turn more “no’s” into “yesses”. 

We’d recommend this book to anyone in their sales journey, whether you’re just getting started, or you’re managing an entire team of salespeople. The more you learn about customer psychology with Bosworth’s guide, the more you’ll be able to strengthen your position in the sales landscape. 

9. The New Strategic Selling by Robert B. Miller & Stephen E. Heiman

The New Strategic Selling is one of our favorite sales management books, and one of the top pieces we recommend to executives and business leaders. Miller and Heiman encourage their readers to reject manipulative tactics, and focus on making selling a collaborative, mutually beneficial process.

They show salespeople how they can use practical strategies to forge stronger relationships with clients, and turn existing customers into champions. Even if you work in a particularly complicated environment, or target a lot of large accounts, this book will help you increase your wins. 

It’s the perfect guide to how you can use real human connections to carve a path for success in the sales space, separating yourself from eons of pushy salespeople. Plus, there are plenty of practical tips and guides on account management too. 

10. How to Say It by Geoffrey James

Last, but far from least, we come to How to Say It – a genuine sales bible all about the nuances of B2B selling. If you want a book about selling that can show you how to translate complicated sales pitches into meaningful messages that resonate with customers, start here. 

Ideal for salespeople who need help communicating effectively with other companies, James’ book teaches readers what it really means to excel in an arena defined by long and complicated sales cycles, hefty buyer committees, and complex objections. 

You’ll discover how to upgrade your prospecting efforts, validate leads more effectively, and nurture ongoing relationships that lead to higher conversions. 

Key Takeaways from the Top Sales Books

All of the top books about selling we mentioned above have their own messages to share with readers. But are a few themes that emerge when you start to compare all of these narratives, in the search for the top book sales professionals can use to grow. 

Over and over, the top sales books remind sellers to:

• Solve, rather than sell: Don’t be the pushy salesperson. Be the partner that understands your customers problems and goals. Become a problem-solver, guide, and guru for your customer, and they’ll reward you with their trust (and their money). 
• Use psychology: Sales decisions are rarely 100% logical – even in the B2B landscape. Buyers make decisions with their hearts, then justify them with logic. If you’re not connecting emotionally, you’re not going to get anywhere. Get into your buyer’s heads, and their hearts before you try getting into their wallets.
• Draw on winning frameworks: Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Powerhouse sales methods, like SPIN selling or Solution selling are popular for a reason. They offer a step-by-step strategy you can follow to win more deals, and streamline sales cycles. 
• Persistence is key: All of the best books on closing sales and increasing revenue remind us that sales success is a marathon journey, not a sprint. Set realistic goals, handle rejections like a pro, and keep pushing forward. 
• Master influence: To be a successful salesperson you need to exude the right attitude. It’s not just about showing confidence. It’s about using a combination of persuasive techniques, emotional intelligence, and the right language to influence your buyer. 

How to Choose the Best Sales Books For You

So which of the best sales books should you start with? That all depends on a few key factors, such as what you want to learn, the skills you already have, and your experience in sales. Here are a few quick tips to help you narrow down your options:

• Know your goal: Are you looking for books on closing sales to help you win more, or sales negotiation books to improve conversations with customers? Do you want to master a new technique like SPIN selling, or just discover how to manage a sales team. Decide now.
• Consider your experience: Where are you in your sales journey? If you’re new, then the best sales book for you might be something designed for an entry-level salesperson, like the Little Red Book of Selling. If you’re already pretty experienced, you might want something more specialist, like How to Say It for B2B sales. 
• Define your narrative preferences: Every sales book has its own style. Some are packed with frameworks and examples, like The Ultimate Sales Machine whereas some feature more storytelling, like The Greatest Salesman in the World. Know what kind of content resonates best with you before you dive in. 
• Consider your clientele: Selling to high-end B2B companies? Grab a copy of Selling to Big Companies by Jill Konrath. Focusing on smaller-scale B2C sales? Start with something simple like How to Win Friends and Influence People. 
• Get advice: Speak to mentors, coaches, and other salespeople and ask them for their list of the best books about selling. They might mention some of the titles we’ve included here, or share new top picks. Ask them why they love these books, and how they think they’ll help you become a better salesperson.

Most importantly – keep building your library. Don’t just read one of the top books about selling and call it a day. Keep growing and expanding with new best-selling books. Your career will thank you.

Build Your Own Sales Library

The top books about selling are a fantastic resource for any salesperson, whether you’re new to the game, or you’ve been selling for decades. There are hundreds, even thousands of incredible books out there, all packed with field-tested tactics and scientifically proven advice. 

We’ve shared just ten of our favorite books about selling here, but don’t let that restrict you. Do your own research and start building your own library. 

Whether you’re learning to close with precision, building deep client relationships, or crafting pitches that turn heads, these books are your fast track to better deals and bigger wins.


Rebekah Carter

Profile on HSE

Linkedin