10 Essential Books for Writers

Authors have their favorite reference or inspirational book that they depend on for help with their craft. At a recent writers’ group meeting, we shared some of the books we use to help with writing. I found the list interesting and hope you can find some tools for yourself in it.

Flip Dictionary When you cannot think of exactly the right word to express your thought, this reference will guide you toward it. Much more than a thesaurus, this book will be an inspiration to you.

The Creative Writer's Phrase-Finder This book of over 350 pages will give wonderful suggestions for spicing up your writing. The ideas for phrasing will get you thinking in new directions.

The Write-Brain Workbook: 366 Exercises to Liberate Your Writing This book gives you a one page writing exercise for each day of the year. It is a wonderful way to “get your juices flowing” in the morning before you start your writing day.

The Writer’s Idea Book This book by a senior editor of Writer’s Digest will get you going when you are blocked. This book is a lifeline for writers.

Now Write!: Fiction WritingExercises from Today's Best Writers and Teachers This collection of personal writing exercises and commentary from some of today's best novelists, short story writers, and writing teachers will give you encouragement and inspiration.

Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School From the faculty of The Gotham Writer’s Workshop, this book teaches the techniques you need for fiction writing.

The Writer's Quotebook: 500 Authors on Creativity, Craft, and the Writing Life William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Doris Lessing, Joyce Carol Oates and more than five hundred published writers tell what the literary life is all about. A fascinating and encouraging read.

Book Proposals That Sell: 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS This book will show you how to capture an editor’s attention and speed up the process of getting your ideas sold.

Sell Your Book on Amazon The essential guide for the self-published author for getting your work out there and making your book sell.

Jump Start Your Book Sales A jam-packed guide to getting your book sold.