7 Best Books on Sales and Negotiation You Can’t Afford to Miss

Have you ever wondered what truly separates top-tier salespeople from the rest? It often comes down to a powerful mix of mindset, strategy, and a dedication to continuous learning. 

In fact, a recent study by Qwilr revealed that approximately 70% of salespeople lack formal training, highlighting a significant gap in skill development within the industry. This underscores just how vital self-driven learning and continuous education are to staying competitive in sales.

If you're looking to sharpen your negotiation skills, increase conversions, or simply fine-tune your approach, the right books can make a world of difference. That's why we've rounded up a list of the seven best books on sales and negotiation that we bet you’ll wish you had read sooner.

Key Benefits of Reading Sales and Negotiation Books

Reading books on sales and negotiation equips you with the skills to handle a wide range of situations, from closing deals to managing tough conversations. These books offer proven strategies, psychological insights, and practical tactics that can boost your success.

• Improves Communication Skills: Learn to articulate your value proposition clearly and persuasively.
• Better Problem-Solving: Develop techniques to address objections and overcome barriers effectively.
• Increases Confidence: Gain the knowledge to approach negotiations with a strategic and confident mindset.
• Improves Emotional Intelligence: Understand how emotions affect negotiations and use empathy for better outcomes.
• Stronger Relationships: Build trust and rapport, turning one-time negotiations into long-term partnerships.

By honing these skills, you’ll be better prepared to handle a variety of negotiations and sales situations with ease. Let’s explore the best books on sales and negotiation that can truly upgrade your approach.

Here is the list of 7: Best Books on Sales and Negotiation

To help you level up your sales game, we’ve handpicked seven standout reads that offer actionable insights and proven strategies. Each book brings a unique perspective on how to sell smarter and negotiate with confidence.

Also read: Tactics and Strategies for Successful Sales Negotiation

1. Negotiating at Work: Turn Small Wins into Big Gains

When it comes to advancing your career, success isn’t only about acing interviews or annual reviews. One of the best books on sales and negotiation for professionals who want to grow from the inside out. 

In fact, everyday interactions hold powerful opportunities—if you know how to navigate them. 

This book reframes negotiation as a continuous process, encouraging professionals to speak up in day-to-day situations—whether it's requesting flexibility or advocating for a new role—to steadily shape their path forward.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $27.79 (Hardcover), $26.39 (Kindle edition)

2. The First Move: A Negotiator’s Companion

When negotiations don’t go as planned, it's often a result of insufficient preparation. In The First Move, Brandeis University professor Lempereur and ESSEC Business School professor Colson provide practical strategies to move beyond instinct, placing a strong focus on the importance of building relationships. 

A must-read among the best books on sales and negotiation for strategic thinkers.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $39.93 (Hardcover), $36.03 (Kindle edition)

3. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

The key lies in using emotional intelligence and empathy to navigate interpersonal dynamics, manage challenging conversations, and achieve mutually beneficial results. 

As the team at The Black Swan Group wisely notes, “We spend most of our days at work negotiating for something. Knowing the most successful, crisis-tested approaches to the process will ensure the conversation more frequently goes your way.”

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $26.12 (Hardcover), $4.70 (Paperback)

4. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most

A standout among the best books on sales and negotiation for anyone managing client or team dynamics. 

When negotiations become tense, retreating or reacting impulsively is common. In their groundbreaking book, experts from the Harvard Negotiation Project—Stone, Patton, and Heen—share strategies for initiating tough conversations that can restore both relationships and negotiations. 

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $5.19 (Paperback), $2.38 (Kindle edition)

5. Dealmaking: The New Strategy of Negotiauctions

One of the more technical yet rewarding reads on our best books on sales and negotiation list. While most negotiation advice centers on our counterparts, what about handling competitors? 

To navigate the complexities of negotiations and auctions, Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School professor Subramanian offers valuable insights and best practices for dealing with these challenges effectively.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $16.10 (Kindle edition), $2.05 (Paperback)

6. Getting to Yes with Yourself—and Other Worthy Opponents

This unique self-reflective guide earns its spot on the best books on sales and negotiation list for those who believe personal growth powers professional success. 

In Getting to Yes with Yourself, Ury, cofounder of the Program on Negotiation, shows how to overcome these internal barriers, paving the way for stronger relationships and better agreements.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $16.62 (Paperback), $3.16 (Kindle)

7. The Power of Noticing: What the Best Leaders See

Negotiations often falter when we miss critical details that could make all the difference. Harvard Business School professor Bazerman highlights how we can overcome the tendency to focus too narrowly on immediate issues, offering strategies for more effective and comprehensive negotiation approaches.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: Approx. $15.41 (Paperback), $5.58 (Kindle edition)

Also read: Best SaaS Sales Books

Conclusion

In the end, despite the rise of AI and data-driven approaches in sales, the human element remains key. Genuine connections and personalized solutions are still what buyers crave most. 

The best books on sales and negotiation blend timeless strategies with modern insights, offering powerful tools to improve your skills and build stronger relationships. 

By applying these strategies consistently, you’ll be better prepared to deal with the challenges of sales and negotiations and achieve long-term success.

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