what is the first thing you can do to improve your writing?
read. a lot.
You are reading: Best books on writing
Read anything and everything you can find and you’ll become a better writer.
Read your favorite genre, whether it’s historical fiction, creative non-fiction, or personal essays. read books that are similar to what you like to write. and surround yourself with writing paraphernalia, including great books on writing.
The headings below will help you with all aspects of your writing, from learning how to write better to finding inspiration and figuring out where to present your ideas. We’ve even included some books on how to make money writing.
These are some of the best books on writing.
books on how to become a better writer
1. “on writing” by stephen king
Part memoir, part guide, this Stephen King classic will appeal to even those who shy away from his famous horror stories. In this book, King discusses how he became the writer we know today, plus he shares the basic writing tools every writer needs.
2. “bird by bird” by anne lamott
“bird by bird” is an essential part of any writer’s toolbox. In this work, Lamott shares his craft with readers, including anecdotes that tie the pieces together in great writing. If he needs help finding his voice and his passion, Lamott’s advice is sure to spark his creativity.
3. “writers market” edited by robert lee brewer
The “Writer’s Market” helps aspiring writers get published. Their listings contain hundreds of pages of suggested markets for nonfiction writers as well as those who want to sell short stories, including details on how to submit your work. Because this guide is updated regularly, you’ll always have the most up-to-date information on how to publish and get paid for your writing.
4. “on writing well” by william zinsser
Although this classic book is geared toward nonfiction writers, Zinsser explores many forms of writing, from interviews and stories about people to writing about travel. In addition to writing tips on consistency, voice, editing, and more, it also includes the basics of the craft that can help you grow as a writer in any genre.
5. “the elements of style” by william strunk, jr. and e.b. white
For years, writing teachers have assigned “the elements of style” to their students to teach them grammar, structural rules of writing, and principles of composition. Brushing up on the basics from time to time is critical to continually developing your skills, and this book contains simple truths every writer should know.
6. “the associated press style book” by the associated press
ap style is known by many as the “go to” style of writing for journalists and public relations professionals. the associated news style book contains over 3,000 entries detailing rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and the use of words and numbers to help you master news writing.
(note: this stylebook is updated annually, so always be sure to purchase and study the most recent version!
7. “how to write bestselling fiction” by dean koontz
While many books on this list are geared toward nonfiction writers, this one is for those who dream of their own stories to tell. If anyone is qualified to tell people how to write best-selling fiction, it’s his prolific author Dean Koontz, who has sold more than 450 million copies of his books. This book was written in 1981 and is out of print, so if you buy it online you are paying for a collector’s item. but the book has timeless and valuable insights for writers who manage to get their hands on a copy. (Consider checking your local library!). after four decades, it remains one of the best books on fiction writing.
8. “writing the bones” by natalie goldberg
goldberg’s insightful book examines the craft of writing, including how to start brainstorming, the importance of learning to listen, the vital role verbs play in writing, and even how to find an inspiring place to write. No matter what stage you’re in with writing, this inspiring read will give you the encouragement you need to keep going.
9. “plot & structure” by james scott bell
Written for fiction writers, this book covers everything from story structure models and methods to a variety of techniques to help you create great stories from start to finish. You’ll even find tips on how to create plot diagrams, plus tools for overcoming various plot problems that may arise.
10. “writing stories” by courttia newland and tania hershman
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Split into three comprehensive parts, this book examines the craft of short stories and teaches writers how to do it successfully. explores nature and history in this way, providing useful tips from notable short story writers and how to delve deeper into your characters. Plus, if you’re struggling with writer’s block, Newland and Hershman’s book can help too.
11. “I Should Be Writing: A Writers Workshop” by Mur Lafferty
for writers who should be writing, ahem, all of us, this book is like your personal writing workshop condensed into a flexible cover journal. Lafferty shares writing exercises to help the power of your writing flourish, plus writer’s prompts, tips on refining your creative process, and honing your craft. Above all, she will learn to ignore her inner stalker from writing.
12. “Getting into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors” by brandilyn collins
Best-selling, award-winning novelist of 30 books Brandilyn Collins created this detailed guide to help writers understand the psychology of their characters. so you will know how to express it in your stories and bring your characters to life. Because it’s based on popular acting methods that have been used professionally for decades, reading this book will teach you techniques and concepts that will change the way you look at writing.
13. “Desktop Publishing for Fiction Writers” by Renni Browne and Dave King
When you can’t hire a professional editor to make sure your manuscript is ready for print, pick up this book to learn how to edit it yourself for print. Written by two professional editors, “Desktop Publishing for Fiction Writers” teaches editing techniques like dialogue, exposition, point of view, and more so you can turn your work-in-progress into published novels and short stories.
Books on overcoming the struggles of writing
14. “the writing life” of annie dillard
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “An American Childhood” shares words of wisdom in this practical book that discusses the pitfalls of writing. she writes about how it is sometimes necessary to destroy paragraphs, sentences, and words in order to reform them into something even better. she also shares tips all writers need to remember, like this: be more diligent and less self-critical.
15. “the path of the artist” by julia cameron
From time to time, all writers suffer from burnout or writer’s block, and Julia Cameron understands that. Her book focuses on the craft of writing and training yourself to be even more creative.
offers valuable techniques, like starting each morning with a freewriting exercise and exploring one topic you find fascinating each week. His tips for gaining self-confidence to reinvigorate your creativity could help any type of writer.
16. “Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer” by Bruce Holland Rogers
“word work” is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the core elements of the writing process. Whether you want to overcome procrastination, find happiness in writing, or even beat writer’s block, this roadmap is full of useful exercises to help you reach your goals. it also covers how to handle rejection and success.
17. “A Writer’s Guide to Persistence” by jordan rosenfeld
This book focuses on how to be a happy and successful writer throughout your career. It covers everything from finding joy as a writer to avoiding burnout and the all-important challenge of balancing writing with a busy life. It also discusses how to hone his craft, get in touch with his creative flow, review his work, find criticism, and learn to be resilient.
18. “art warfare: break the blocks and win your inner creative battles” by steven pressfield
Published in 2012, this book helps writers and creators of all kinds overcome the biggest obstacle of all: our inner naysayers. Amazon’s description says that this book is “tough love…for yourself,” so if something inside you is holding you back from your greatest achievements, this is the right book to choose.
ps: if you’re a fan of steven pressfield, be sure to check out selfpublishing.com’s podcast interview with the author! you’ll love it!
19. “steal like an artist” by austin kleon
“Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative” will help you understand that nothing is original. To discover your true artistic side and build a more creative life, read this book to be inspired by Kleon’s transformative principles about the power of embracing influence. Instead of writing what you know, this reading will give you the courage to write what you want and be imaginative in your work.
books about writing as an art form
20. “the life of writing: writers on how they think and work” edited by marie arana
This book contains columns from a decade of the Washington Post’s “Writing Life” column, with contributors as diverse as Jimmy Carter, Joyce Carol Oates, and Carl Sagan. Each essay is paired with biographical information about each author, helping readers learn more about these skilled contributors and their timeless insights into the craft of writing.
21. “the paris review interviews”
A remarkable magazine, The Paris Review offers 16 in-depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the world of literature, from novelists to playwrights and poets. If you want to know how superstars like Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Kurt Vonnegut, Toni Morrison, and more wrote their esteemed works, check out this book to learn from their revelations.
22. “art & fear: observations on the dangers (and rewards) of artistic creation” by david bayles & ted orlando
This book reflects on the artistic side of being a writer. Making art is no easy task, and Bayles and Orlando, both artists, explore the challenges of making art and the various obstacles that can turn people off along the way. originally published in 1994, “art & fear” is now an underground classic, offering valuable advice on what it means to create.
23. “a sense of style: the thinking person’s guide to writing in the 21st century” by steven pinker
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steven pinker offers a new version of some of the classic writing manuals. Within “a sense of style”, he analyzes examples of modern prose, pointing out fantastic writing styles from those he considers horrible. To help you improve, Pinker also provides tips for improving mediocre work.
24. “zen in the art of writing” by ray bradbury
ray bradbury, author of “fahrenheit 451,” compiled this book of essays that portray his passion for the craft. was published in the ’90s, but this collection still offers sage advice for aspiring and practicing writers.
25. “the lonely voice: a study of the short story” by frank o’connor
World-renowned Irish author Frank O’Connor tackles the tale in this favorite book on writing. Short stories are challenging, but O’Connor shares tips and tactics that can help any writer begin to feel more confident about mastering the art of the short story and creating their own short stories. According to many readers and writers, this is one of the best books on how to write short stories.
26. “consider this” by chuck palahniuk
In this memoir reading, palahniuk reflects on the art of storytelling through tips he shares on what makes writing and sharing stories powerful. between anecdotes and decades of postcards from his time on the road, you’ll find a love story to the world of fiction combined with concrete examples of strong storytelling.
27. “the emotional craft of fiction” by donald maass
Readers shouldn’t just read your story; they have to feel it too: that’s what makes fiction strong, according to “The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface.” A former literary agent, Maass breaks down story elements to show you how to write fiction that creates an emotional experience for your readers.
books on how to make money writing
28. “published.: the proven path from blank page to 10,000 copies sold” by chandler bolt
published. equips readers with the key to unlocking the story that has been burning within them, calling them to share its wisdom with the world. published. turns writers into authors. then shows authors how to scale their impact, influence, and revenue from their books. get a copy today!
29. “Legal Manual for Desktop Publishers: The Step-by-Step Guide to the Legal Aspects of Desktop Publishing” by Helen Sedwick
Attorney and self-published author Helen Sedwick uses her 30+ years of legal experience to help aspiring self-publishers explore the business side of writing. This first-of-its-kind guide covers everything from starting a business to spotting scams and helping keep writers at their desks and out of court.
30. “how to make a living from your writing” by joanna penn
Joanna Penn’s “How To Make A Living Writing” and its companion workbook can help any writer examine their current writing situation and make a plan for the future. Penn breaks down her multiple sources of income and shares the breakdown of her six-figure writing income, which includes book sales, affiliate marketing commissions, a number of courses she offers, and speaking fees.
31. “Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success” by kelly james-enger
Divided into five sections, james-enger’s book dives into critical topics like when it makes sense to ignore per-word rates, how to ask for more money, how to set goals, and even how to fire problem clients. This book is valuable reading if he wishes to develop a sustainable career as a full-time freelance writer.
32. “scratch: writers, money and the art of making a living” edited by manjula martin
In his new anthology, Martin includes a series of essays and interviews with well-known literary icons such as Roxanne Gay, Cheryl Strayed, Jennifer Weiner, and Jonathan Franzen discussing the intersection between writing and money.
33. “everyone writes” by ann handley
This content creation book, “Everybody Writes: Your Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content,” highlights that anyone with a website or social media channels is a writer.
focuses on how to write quality copy that drives business and helps you find and retain customers. Plus, it includes writing tips, content help, grammar rules, and much more. Despite the growing world of hashtags and abbreviations, writing is more important now than ever.
34. “the emerging novelist: how to create novels that stand out and sell” by donald maass
This must-have reference for novel writers provides innovative and practical information on how to turn your writing into compelling, marketable fiction that stands out. With over 70 exercises to help you assess his writing and lessons from Maass’s 30+ years in publishing, you’re sure to walk away with the knowledge and strategies to become a successful career author.
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This is an updated version of a previously published story. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they are useful to our readers.
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