The Best Books for Writers about Writing

Books to read to become a better writer

We have put together a list of what we consider the best books about writing and the creative writing process. This selection of works includes both practical guides on storytelling techniques as well as inspiring reflections on the writing life. We have selected each book in this list for its ability to enrich your understanding of writing and to fuel your creativity. Whether you’re working on a novel, a memoir, or writing a collection of short stories, we believe these books are great companions to help you improve your writing craft and find your voice.

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How to Write Short Stories and Get Them Published by Ashley Lister

A practical guide for writers of all levels who want to excel in short story writing. This book covers the entire process, from generating ideas to editing and submitting stories for publication, providing advice to make stories more compelling and marketable.

This is a ‘how to book’ that cuts out the bull, giving practical and feasible advice on short story writing and publishing. The style is easy going and readable, lacking only in conceit. A must have for anyone serious about publishing their short stories.
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Book cover: How to Write Short Stories and Get Them Published by by Ashley Lister

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury’s inspirational essays on the joy and discipline of writing. He delves into his own writing process, revealing the mindset and passion that drive creativity, and encourages writers to embrace writing as an exhilarating and fulfilling pursuit.

The essays contained within can be used as a sort of “shot in the arm” when procrastination beckons or when the mood to write just isn’t on you. Helpful for writers everywhere who struggle with being consistent or writing with purpose. Always remember that the first thing a writer must be is EXCITED!
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Book cover: Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King by Stephen King

Part autobiography, part writing manual, King offers an honest look at his personal journey as a writer, along with practical advice on the craft. He covers everything from grammar to style and shares valuable lessons for developing storytelling skills.

This is a must for any creative writing student, or King fan. It’s an insight into the mind of a modern day literary genius. Absolutely can recommend!
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Book cover: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

The Writing Life: Writers On How They Think And Work by Marie Arana

A compilation of reflections and advice from renowned writers who discuss their unique approaches to writing, challenges they’ve faced, and personal philosophies. This book provides insight into the diverse ways writers approach the creative process.

I like reading about the habits and workings of other writers. I think in many cases it gives a context to the ones who produce books that we love. Also it helps those who are writing to have heart about their own habits.
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Book cover: The Writing Life: Writers On How They Think And Work by Marie Arana

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Printby Rennie Browne and Dave King

A toolkit for fiction writers aiming to refine their work through self-editing. It includes practical techniques for improving dialogue, point of view, and pacing, with exercises and examples to help writers develop a polished, professional manuscript.

Refreshing, a book that actually helps. The book shows examples that work and contrasts them with how the passages could have been written (weaker). It is a show not tell book. Wish I’d found it a few years ago!
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Book cover: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Rennie Browne and Dave King

Write. Publish. Repeat.: The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

A comprehensive guide to self-publishing, offering advice on writing, publishing, and marketing. The authors share proven strategies for building an audience and achieving financial success as an independent author, even without relying on luck.

What an incredible book. It’s jam packed with practical advice and tips on how to make it as an indie author, but the main thing I noticed as I read it was how the authors’ words gave me hope and optimism for the future and now I’m thinking in a whole new way about how to write and market my books. A must have for anyone at any stage of the self publishing process. There aren’t enough stars to rate this book.
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Book cover: Write. Publish. Repeat.: The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron

Cron explores the neuroscience behind storytelling, providing insights to help writers understand what makes readers care about a story. She introduces techniques for creating deeper emotional connections with characters and crafting a compelling narrative.

I love this book, lights, camera and action rolled into a ‘how to write an engaging story’. The use of a real book being developed through the ‘story’ brings the process to life in a specific way I have never seen in a non-fiction book. I will use this process to write my next manuscript.
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Book cover: Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron

Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin

Le Guin provides a masterclass in storytelling with exercises designed to sharpen a writer’s style and voice. Her book encourages writers to experiment with language and explore the nuances of storytelling, making it a valuable resource for all storytellers.

A wonderful book. It’s probably not the best choice for someone starting out, but, as the author says herself in the introduction, if you already have some good writing experience, it’s wonderful to help you improve your skills, get out of writer’s block, or fix a problem in one of your texts by doing the various exercises. Great fun and really useful.
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Book cover: Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin

Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler

This book adapts Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey framework for writers, providing a roadmap for structuring stories with mythic resonance. Vogler discusses the archetypal characters and stages of a story, making it ideal for screenwriters and novelists alike.

Building on the work of Joseph Campbell in ‘The Hero With A Thousand Faces’, Vogler takes the analysis on to explore how we use those mythic storytelling structures in screenwriting and novel writing today. An essential piece of reading for anyone improving their screenwriting craft and one that is very clear and easy to read. A must-read for screenwriters.
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Book cover: Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler

The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner

Written by a seasoned editor, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process and insights into what editors look for in manuscripts. Lerner’s advice helps writers navigate the path to publication and improve their craft.

This book was extremely informative, and I think it gave me a little bit of a view inside the publishing world. I am writing my first novel, so I’m hoping the information was as pertinent and practical as it seemed.
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Book cover: The Forest for the Trees - An Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner

Naked, Drunk, and Writing: Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay by Adair Lara

A guide to writing personal essays and memoirs that captivate readers. Lara encourages writers to reveal their true selves on the page, offering exercises and advice on crafting honest, engaging, and relatable stories from personal experiences.

I love this book. I’ve been writing for years but wanted a refresher that wasn’t the usual do this, do that kind of book. The author puts her knowledge into a format that makes sense and has been a great reference for me. My favorite book on writing personal essays.
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Book cover: Naked, Drunk, and Writing - Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay by Adair Lara

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction by William Zinsser

A classic manual on writing with clarity and purpose, this book covers everything from style to structure. Zinsser emphasizes simplicity and encourages writers to eliminate clutter, making it essential for nonfiction writers in all fields.

Amazing read. Fresh and lively. so much to take on board, but you have to read with your full attention. The gems are hidden through the book. So, keep a watchful eyes to discover the hidden treasure.
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Book cover: On Writing Well - The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction by William Zinsser

Word Work: Surviving and Thriving As a Writer by Bruce Rogers

Practical advice on the lifestyle of writing, from overcoming procrastination to managing financial pressures. Rogers provides strategies for maintaining productivity and staying motivated, ideal for writers navigating the challenges of a writing career.

Well crafted, extended essay on structuring one’s life as a writer, with advice and tools for dealing with such elements as rejection, success, work planning, and coordinating with your life-partner. A book that was a pleasure to read through cover to cover, and to reread sections as a reference/inspiration.
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Book cover: Word Work - Surviving and Thriving As a Writer by Bruce Rogers

The Kick-Ass Writer: 1001 Ways To Write Great Fiction, Get Published, And Earn Your Audience by Chuck Wendig

An energetic collection of writing tips and insights, covering all aspects of the writing journey. Wendig’s advice is direct, humorous, and actionable, making it a valuable resource for aspiring and seasoned writers alike.

Excellent value for money – the info packed in here would easily expand into more books. Chuck Wendig’s enthusiasm for writing jumps from the page. His trademark irreverent humour ensures the contents are extremely memorable. Recommended for novice through to veteran. Educational, entertaining, inspiring.
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Book cover: The Kick-Ass Writer - 1001 Ways To Write Great Fiction, Get Published, And Earn Your Audience by Chuck Wendig

Writing into the Dark: How to Write a Novel without an Outline by Dean Wesley Smith

Smith encourages writers to trust their instincts and let stories unfold organically. His approach focuses on writing without outlines, allowing the narrative to develop naturally, making it ideal for writers looking to break from structured approaches.

The online writing community is full of opinions that feel demoralizing and this book feels freeing.
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Book cover: Writing into the Dark - How to Write a Novel without an Outline by Dean Wesley Smith

Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

A comprehensive guide to writing content that engages and informs. Handley’s book covers everything from grammar to creating a compelling brand voice, making it invaluable for anyone involved in content creation and marketing.

So helpful for every type of writer. Especially useful if you’re in the editing stage of a book. I like that it’s easy to dip in and out of depending on what you’re writing at the time.
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Book cover: Everybody Writes - Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley

Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann

A collection of letters offering thoughtful advice on the art of writing and navigating the writing life. McCann’s guidance covers inspiration, resilience, and the importance of empathy in storytelling, making it a heartfelt guide for writers at all stages.

This book is a must read for anyone aspiring to serious writing. The bulk of it is words of high wisdom from multiple well known writers. Each vignette is a treasure.
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Book cover: Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann

Aspects of the Novel by E.M. Forster

An insightful exploration of the elements of novel writing, including plot, character, and theme. Forster’s classic work examines the creative decisions that shape a novel, providing a foundation for understanding novel structure and storytelling.

Great, book needed for uni studies, good for those who are interested in writing as I needed this for my creative writing part of my English Degree.
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Book cover: Aspects of the Novel by E.M. Forster

Writing to Deadline: The Journalist at Work by Donald M. Murray

A practical guide for journalists and writers working under pressure. Murray provides advice on managing time, developing ideas, and meeting deadlines, offering insights into the fast-paced world of journalism.

Mr. Murray fills this book with great insight. Sharing wisdom from his work and interviews with other journalist makes this book a “must have” for any journalist, especially new ones. Inspiring!
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Book cover: Writing to Deadline - The Journalist at Work by Donald M. Murray

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Goldberg’s exercises and meditations encourage writers to embrace their unique voices and approach writing as a creative, freeing process. Her book is filled with inspiration and practical advice for writers of all levels.

A journey of love, learning about writing, about life, about people, about yourself. Inspiring, thought provoking, if you truly pay attention you will not only become a writer but a new and improved version of yourself.
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Book cover: Writing Down the Bones - Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Lifelong Writing Habit: The Secret to Writing Every Day: Write Faster, Write Smarter by Chris Fox

A guide to developing a consistent writing practice, with strategies for overcoming obstacles and writing efficiently. Fox’s book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make writing a daily habit.

Fantastic easy to follow advice set out in simple steps to help make that all important writing time stick and become a daily habit.
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Book cover: Lifelong Writing Habit: The Secret to Writing Every Day: Write Faster, Write Smarter

The Art of Subtext: Beyond Plot by Charles Baxter

Baxter explores the importance of subtext in storytelling, showing how subtle elements can add depth and complexity to fiction. His book is a guide to mastering the unspoken and creating a richer reading experience.

An essential book for anyone seeking to live beyond the surfaces of texts, and even life. I would buy it again.
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Book cover: The Art of Subtext - Beyond Plot by Charles Baxter

The Art of Description: World into Word by Mark Doty

Doty offers a poetic approach to description, helping writers create vivid imagery that brings the world of their story to life. His insights are useful for writers looking to enhance their descriptive skills.

A highly intelligently written, academic, thought-provoking, intellectual critique on descriptive writing in poetry and prose. All in all a commendable addition to literary criticism by Mark Doty.
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Book cover: The Art of Description - World into Word by Mark Doty

The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer’s Journey by Joanna Penn

A guide to developing resilience and staying motivated throughout the writing process. Penn provides strategies for managing self-doubt and embracing the challenges of a writing career.

Very worthwhile book that tells you all the things other books don’t mention, but that deep down you know are waiting to be asked!
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Book cover: The Successful Author Mindset - A Handbook for Surviving the Writer’s Journey by Joanna Penn

How Fiction Works by James Wood

An analysis of the mechanics of fiction, including character development, narrative voice, and style. Wood’s book provides insights into the artistry behind great storytelling.

Whether you are learning to write or whether you are already a writer, this book will show the little things that make certain works of fiction the masterpieces that they are considered today. A great read. I wish there was more of it.
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Book cover: How Fiction Works by James Wood

Into The Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them by John Yorke

Yorke explores storytelling structures, examining why certain story patterns resonate with audiences. His book provides a theoretical framework for understanding and crafting compelling narratives.

Recommended for anyone who is into screenwriting. Must Read!
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Book cover: Into The Woods - How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them by John Yorke

The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories by Christopher Booker

A study of universal story archetypes, Booker’s book examines the recurring plots that underpin all storytelling, providing writers with an understanding of timeless narrative structures.

Really helpful reading for anyone who’s interested in comparative literature. I’ve read all the seven plots, but not sure what the rest of the book will be about!
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Book cover: The Seven Basic Plots - Why We Tell Stories by Christopher Booker

The Art of Writing Fiction by Andrew Cowan

A comprehensive guide to the craft of fiction, covering essential elements like plot, character, and theme. Cowan’s book is ideal for writers looking to deepen their understanding of the art and science of fiction writing.

A good guide to the practical matter of writing a short story or novel. Well structured with practical exercises that mistly work for a lone writer.
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Book cover: The Art of Writing Fiction by Andrew Cowan
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