Want your writing skills to shine? You need expert help. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of great books about writing that can guide you on your publishing journey. Unlike the textbooks your teacher handed out in middle school, these books aren’t dry and boring. They’re entertaining and filled with insights and inspiration from seasoned authors who walked the path of authorship before you.
Which book should you pick up first? You’re about to find out.
Great Books about Writing Fiction
The first stop on the hunt for great books about writing is Fictiontown. Here, you can find all sorts of great books that help you hone your craft. Added bonus: Much that you learn here transfers to other types of writing.
Two great books about writing fiction you should check out are:
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Part memoir and part masterclass, this wonderful book offers a candid look at King’s struggles and triumphs as he found his way into the world of writing. He shares practical advice alongside personal anecdotes that remind you that every writer faces challenges.
- Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. Prefer to write your book by the seat of your pants? Then Ray Bradbury is your man. His lovely book is the ultimate writing book for pantsers. Unlike many writers, Bradbury stops writing when the writing gets tough, and he encourages you to do the same. Odd, but it may be worth a try!
For the Nonfiction Writers Out There
Next, let’s consider a couple books that nonfiction writers should have on their shelves. Great books about writing nonfiction include:
- Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives—Including Your Own by AJ Harper. You want your book to change lives and minds. This book can help you craft a book that does just that. Follow the built-in exercises to squeeze every bit of use from this well-crafted book.
- The Truth of Memoir: How to Write About Yourself and Others with Honesty, Emotion, and Integrity by Kerry Cohen. This one is aimed at a more specific audience than the other books listed, but it’s a fantastic read. Memoirs have unique facets that require precision and thought, and this book covers them all. By the time you finish reading, you will have a stronger sense of what belongs in your memoir and what is best left on the cutting-room floor.
Great Books for All Writers
No matter what genre you prefer, you can read and enjoy any of the books above. Want some more great books about writing? Here are some that touch on the craft of writing and help improve your style no matter what type of book you’re writing.
- Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. Written in a warm, conversational style, Bird by Bird reads like a chat with an old friend over coffee. She emphasizes the importance of going one step at a time—something that helps any writer when facing a big, blank page.
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. A classic must-read, this time-tested book distills essential rules of grammar and composition into clear guidelines that can elevate your writing.
- Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer. This immediately practical book is as readable as its title is hilarious. If you’ve ever wanted to get inside the head of a long-time, respected editorial pro, grab this book!
If you’re ready to stretch your writing muscles, grab one (or all) of these great books about writing, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let the wisdom of your fellow writers inspire your next masterpiece.