So, as one might expect, swing trading is not a skill you can pick up on the streets. Instead, you need to develop a successful trading strategy, know how long you want to keep your position, what the best trading days are to open and close positions, and what the best tradable asset is for you to use as a swing trader. You’ll find all of these pieces of information in swing trading books.
In this article, we recommend the best swing trading books as of 2024 and beyond.
12 Top Swing Trading Books in 2024
The following 12 books are our picks for the books that should help any individual investor get the knowledge and tools to start swing trading, and hopefully, a professional trader.
Top 12 Swing Trading Books by HowToTrade
- How To Swing Trade
- Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income
- The Master Swing Trader
- The Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading
- Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market
- In Depth Guide to Price Action Trading
- Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits
- Swing Trading as a Part Time Job
- Mastering the Trade: Proven Techniques for Profiting From Intraday and Swing Trading Setups
- Trading: Technical Analysis Masterclass – A Beginner’s Guide
- Swing Trading with Options: How to Trade Big Trends for Big Profits.
- Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders
1. How To Swing Trade
Author: Andrew Aziz and Brian Pezim
“How to Swing Trade” by Andrew Aziz and Brian Pezim is arguably the most popular book about swing trading ever written.
This comprehensive book provides readers with pretty much everything needed to understand the swing trading approach and how to swing trade successfully. This beginner guide for swing traders covers the basic principles of swing trading strategy, money management tools, different methods and techniques, and live examples that explain to the reader how to swing trade.
In short, this is clearly one of the best swing trading books for beginners who want to make their first step in the trading career and focus on swing trading.
Price: $18.95
Best for beginner traders who want to learn how to swing trade
Amazon score: 4.6
Why did we choose this book?
This book was fantastic. It is well-written and easy to understand. He covers every detail needed to become a successful swing trader.
2. Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income
Author: Jeff McMillan
Another excellent swing trading book for beginners is… Swing Trading for Beginners. This book, written by Jeff McMillan, suggests seven rules that must be followed to succeed as a swing trader.
It also takes a deep dive into the most vital step novice traders must take before starting trading. For example, it suggests the best brokerage accounts for swing traders, the initial amount required to open an account, the right entry level for a swing trading position, how to search for top traders to follow on social media platforms, and unique swing trading strategies and techniques.
Note that the book also has an additional guide for cryptocurrency and forex trading.
Price: $13.99
Best to learn swing trading risk management tools
Amazon score: 4.0
Why did we choose this book?
This book gave some very good information on how to do this type of trading and strategies you can use to find and make good trades.
3. The Master Swing Trader: Tools and Techniques to Profit from Outstanding Short-Term Trading Opportunities
Author: Alan Farley
“The Master Swing Trader,” written by Alan Farley, is possibly the most recommended book for those who want to learn how to swing trade. This book is ideal for beginners but also for those who have some experience in the trading world.
The book explains how to analyze the market by reading charts, using chart patterns, and understanding market sentiment. Farley also uses plenty of trading examples and trading techniques to show readers how to make profits from short-term trading opportunities.
In fact, within the 443 pages of the book, there are more than 200 charts that illustrate techniques and practical tips to use in swing trading.
Price: $16.29-$50.34
Best for intermediate and advanced experienced traders
Amazon score: 4.0
Why did we choose this book?
Alan Farley’s book is aimed at the trader who knows the basics but has yet to put it all together in a way that works for him or her self. The book presents many strategies but its real strength lies not only in the specifics but also in the philosophy it conveys.
4. The Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading
Author: Steve Burns and Holly Burns
Steve Burn has put together two other top-rated books on trading – the Ultimate Guide on Technical Analysis and the Ultimate Guide to Candlestick Chart Patterns.
Additionally, Burns is the author of seventeen books about trading and the stock market. And this book, the Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading, is another excellent book by Burns that covers all aspects of swing trading.
In the book, the author reveals some of his techniques and strategies, including setting the correct risk-reward ratio for swing trades, creating a trading plan, and knowing the psychology of swing trading. At just 124 pages, this is a detailed and comprehensive book for all trading levels.
Price: $15.99
Best for all traders who want to swing trade
Amazon score: 4.5
Why did we choose this book?
Thoroughly covers all aspects of swing trading – market environment, trade management, swing systems and strategies, position sizing and trading psychology. Well worth the read, a valuable price action education.
5. Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market: Technical and Fundamental Strategies to Profit from Market Moves
Author: Kathy Lien
If you plan to focus on FX currency trading, “Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market” is for you. As the name suggests, this book covers two forms of trading – day trading and swing trading in the forex market.
Ideally, in my opinion, it is crucial to learn the difference between the two strategies and even combine them. Best of all, the author suggests several proven strategies to make profits in stock trading or forex market.
Besides the basic information, Lien also gives readers clear instructions and illustrations to trade the financial markets, including simple in-depth explanations for different types of strategies.
In a word, Kathy Lien’s book is one of the most popular trading books that cover all aspects of day and swing trading and provides readers with all the information needed to set up an account and understand market dynamics.
Price: $35.62
Best for a combination of day and swing trading
Amazon score: 4.1
Why did we choose this book?
This book is a must for serious traders. If you want to learn how to understand the market and how to trade like a pro, you must read this book. Kathy describes both fundamental and technical approaches to strengthen your understanding of the FX market. I strongly recommend it.
6. In Depth Guide to Price Action Trading: Powerful Swing Trading Strategy for Consistent Profits
Author: Laurentiu Damir
“In-Depth Guide to Price Action Trading“, written by Laurentiu Damir, is a highly simple-to-read and practical guide for swing traders.
Unlike many other trading books, in this book, the author suggests one swing trading strategy that traders need to keep in mind and follow. Rather than using complicated technical analysis tools and trading techniques, Damir argues that the most important rule in swing trading is maintaining a proper risk-reward ratio.
Besides that, the author emphasizes one more vital factor to consider when swing trade – using chart patterns and Fibonacci support and resistance levels to identify ideal entry and exit levels. In a nutshell, this book is short and precise, giving the fundamental rules and guidelines to use swing trading correctly.
Price: $19.9
Best for intermediate and advanced traders
Amazon score: 4.3
Why did we choose this book?
Overall the book has opened my eyes to more of what I did not know that I didn’t know. I’m sure any level trader can take something positive away from this read, especially someone just starting out.
7. Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits
Author: Jon D. Markman
“Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits,” written by Jon D. Markman, shows readers how to approach swing trading like a business, using risk management tools and a responsible trading strategy.
The book essentially addresses the most crucial tool to use in swing trading – cutting risk and using proper risk management tools to hold positions for several days to weeks. Therefore, it is an ideal book for busy people who want extra income from swing trading and hold positions without being glued to the screen.
Price: $13.29
Best for people who want to get an extra income from swing trading
Amazon score: 4.2
Why did we choose this book?
In clear and simple language, Markman makes technical analysis usable for the novice while also providing tips and insights that will benefit experienced traders.
8. Swing Trading as a Part Time Job
Author: Brett Brown
Much like the previous book, Swing Trading as a Part-Time Job is an excellent guide for those who have another position and want to get an additional income from swing trading.
This book gives you a set of rules and valuable information for swing trading, including risk management tools, chart patterns, reading economic news, and knowing how to interpret technical analysis indicators.
Best of all, the author has a simple way of explaining all the topics. Brown simplifies all the trading jargon, making it easy for non-professional traders to understand how to analyze the markets and open positions for several days.
Price: $14.97
Best for beginners who want to integrate trading as a part-time job
Amazon score: 3.7
Why did we choose this book?
This book was amazing, insightful, and extremely well written, containing essential in-depth market perspectives that are simplified to be easily understood by non-professional analysts. Definitely a great choice whether you have little experience trading or you’re trading for a living.
9. Mastering the Trade: Proven Techniques for Profiting From Intraday and Swing Trading Setups
Author: John Carter
“Mastering the Trade” by John F. Carter equips intermediate swing traders with a strategic toolkit. Beyond basic chart patterns, Carter delves into market mechanics, explaining concepts like order flow and market depth. And with these tools, you learn to make informed decisions based on the underlying reasons for price movements.
Technical analysis remains central, with the book dissecting various chart patterns, indicators, and trading tools. Carter emphasizes his preferred $TICK indicator, but some reviewers felt a broader discussion on strategy development would be beneficial.
Recognizing the mental challenges of trading, the book offers guidance on building a winning mindset and managing emotions. “The single most important ingredient for successful trading is a sound mental game,” Carter writes.
Price: $16-$67
Best for tips and techniques about swing trading technical analysis
Amazon score: 4.6
Why did we choose this book?
“The book simplifies complex concepts, making them accessible for beginners while offering valuable strategies for seasoned traders,” an Amazon reviewer aptly puts it.
10. Trading: Technical Analysis Masterclass – A Beginner’s Guide
Author: Rolf Schlotmann and Moritz Czubatinski
“Trading: Technical Analysis Masterclass” by Schlotmann and Czubatinski offers a clear introduction to technical analysis for aspiring traders. Focusing on price charts and chart patterns, the book provides a foundation for understanding market behavior.
Geared towards beginners, the book starts with the essentials: candlestick charts and common chart patterns like head and shoulders. The authors emphasize the importance of price action, stating that “price movements reflect the interplay between buyers and sellers.” This philosophy translates into actionable strategies – the book explores key technical indicators like moving averages and the RSI, guiding readers on interpreting them to confirm trends and identify potential entry and exit points for trades.
Price: $8
Best for learning swing trading technical analysis
Amazon score: 4.5
Why did we choose this book?
“Really short and sweet description of all important indicators in easy to understand for beginners,” an Amazon reviewer.
11. Swing Trading with Options: How to Trade Big Trends for Big Profits.
Author: Ivaylo Ivanov
Swing traders looking to boost their returns with options trading might find themselves drawn to “Swing Trading with Options: How to Trade Big Trends for Big Profits.” The book teaches you how to identify strong trends and then leverage options to magnify your gains.
In addition to teaching you the peculiarities options, this book describes specific strategies with which you can approach the market, including how to use weekly options for swing trading, manage your risk, and potential trade entry and exit opportunities.
Finally, the book doesn’t ignore the mental side of the game, making it one of the best swing trading books out there.
Price: $10-$40
Best for options traders looking to swing trade
Amazon score: 4.2
Why did we choose this book?
A reader put it this way: “Ivaylo shows his ability to explain complex problems in a simple manner. If you’re a novice and even an intermediate option trader, this book will show you a very valuable approach so you can build a profitable system learning how to identify nice entries.’
12. Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders
Author: Jack D. Schwager
“Market Wizards” by Jack D. Schwager bypasses the typical “get rich quick” approach. Instead, it offers insightful interviews with legendary, successful traders, revealing the diversity of their philosophies and psychologies.
Readers meet trend-following giants like Richard Dennis and market timers like Bruce Kovner (some of the richest traders in the world), demonstrating there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The book delves deeper, emphasizing the crucial role of psychology in trading success. Discipline, risk management, and emotional control are recurring themes, reminding readers that mastering the mental game is paramount.
“Market Wizards” isn’t a prescriptive trading manual, and some may miss concrete entry/exit trading signals. However, for serious traders seeking a foundation built on the wisdom of masters, this book offers invaluable insights to navigate the ever-changing markets.
Price: $15 – $34
Best to get insights into the beauty of the swing trading (and trading generally)
Amazon score: 4.7
Why did we choose this book?
“This book (and the series) demonstrates that money can be made from a wide variety of trading/investing styles: men who are pure fundamentalists that don’t even look at charts to pure technicians and many forms in between are interviewed here.” That’s how an Amazon reviewer (perfectly, in our opinion) puts it.
What are the Benefits and Limitations of Swing Trading?
Pros
- It can be combined with another position as a part-time job – no need to be glued to the computer screen
- If appropriately used, swing trading may produce higher returns than scalp and day trading
- Usually, it is far more interesting than other strategies as it involves fundamental analysis and a good sense of reading the market
- Your capital is not locked too long on one trading position – a swing trader can go in and out of a position very quickly
Cons
- Traders are exposed to unexpected events that occur during overnight and weekend
- There is a high margin requirement for swing traders than what is required for day traders
- Some brokerage firms require an overnight interest rate for holding a position overnight
The Best Swing Trading Books by Category
Here, we categorize the best swing trading books by the categories where they shine the most. These categorizations include the best book for:
- Beginners
- Risk management
- Intermediate to advanced traders
- All traders
- Swing trading as a side income
- Technical analysis, and
- Some special books that are very important but don’t quite fit into any of the categories above.
| Book | Author | Price | Amazon Rating |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Books for Beginners | |||
| How To Swing Trade | Andrew Aziz and Brian Pezim | $18.95 | 4.6 |
| Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income | Jeff McMillan | $13.99 | 4.1 |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Books for Risk Management | |||
| Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income | Jeff McMillan | $13.99 | 4.1 |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Book for Intermediate to Advanced Traders | |||
| The Master Swing Trader: Tools and Techniques to Profit from Outstanding Short-Term Trading Opportunities | Alan Farley | $16.29-$50.34 | 4.0 |
| In Depth Guide to Price Action Trading: Powerful Swing Trading Strategy for Consistent Profits | Laurentiu Damir | $19.9 | 4.3 |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Books for All Traders | |||
| The Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading | Steve Burns and Holly Burns | $15.99 | 4.3 |
| Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market: Technical and Fundamental Strategies to Profit from Market Moves | Kathy Lien | $39 – $47 | 4.3 |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Books for Swing Trading as a Side Income | |||
| Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits | Jon D. Markman | $10 – $40 | 4.2 |
| Swing Trading as a Part Time Job | Brett Brown | $24 | 3.7 |
| Category: The Best Swing Trading Technical Analysis Books | |||
| Mastering the Trade: Proven Techniques for Profiting From Intraday and Swing Trading Setups | John Carter | $16-$67 | 4.6 |
| Trading: Technical Analysis Masterclass – A Beginner’s Guide | Rolf Schlotmann and Moritz Czubatinski | $8 | 4.5 |
| Category: Special Mentions | |||
| Swing Trading with Options: How to Trade Big Trends for Big Profits. | Ivaylo Ivanov | $10-$40 | 4.2 |
| Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders | Jack D. Schwager | $15 – $34 | 4.7 |
What is Swing Trading?
Swing trading is a trading style in which traders try to hold and capture gains by holding positions for one to five days (although some say that a swing trade may last several weeks).
As a medium-term trading strategy, swing trading stands between day trading and position trading strategies. Typically, swing trading is a trading position that lasts more than one trading session but not longer than a week or two.
Ideally, swing traders try to capture a significant price movement using technical and fundamental analysis. For that matter, one essential tool in swing trading is proper risk management and, more importantly, a risk-reward ratio.
Final Thoughts
In summary, swing trading is not an easy trading technique to master. Some believe that swing trading is a risky trading strategy that can lead to quick losses. The reason is that it is somewhere between scalping or day trading and position strategy that involves a relatively low level of risk.
Nonetheless, swing trading is the ideal strategy for many people as it can be easily integrated into the lives of any person. So, if you are interested in learning this trading technique, we suggest you start by reading one of our recommended swing trading books above.
Risk Disclosure: The information provided in this article is not intended to give financial advice, recommend investments, guarantee profits, or shield you from losses. Our content is only for informational purposes and to help you understand the risks and complexity of these markets by providing objective analysis. Before trading, carefully consider your experience, financial goals, and risk tolerance. Trading involves significant potential for financial loss and isn't suitable for everyone.
