Recommended Books for Writers
We've taken recommendations from the writers who have participated on TheNextBigWriter and developed a list of recommended books for writers. Some will help you hone your grammar, others will help you with your plot and character devleopment, and still others will help you find an agent or the perfect publisher.
Recommended Books for Writers
Book |
Description |
More |
| Stephen King's book On Writing is widely considered by many to be a great primer for a fiction writer. King explains how he ascended the ranks of the publishing world and offers practical tips on such things as coming up with a compelling story, outlining (he doesn't do it), getting an agent, and promoting your book. It will entertain, motivate, and educate you. | Discuss On Writing | |
| Robert McKee's STORY is popular with screenplay writers but anyone interested in storytelling can benefit from it. It's a hefty tome and our writers recommend that you read it while writing a novel. As one of our members stated: "It will take 6 mo to a year [to read], but you'll be enriched as a writer." | Discuss STORY | |
| Members on TheNextBigWriter state that Lajos Egri's The Art of Dramatic Writing is important for writers who like to think about characters, true dialogue and meaningful passages..." | Discuss The Art of Dramatic Writing | |
| Terry Brooks, the best-selling fantasy author offers a book that is a bit light on writing advice but provides detailed insight into the writing life. | Discuss Sometimes the Magic Works | |
| Looking for an agent or a publisher? Writer's Market is the definitive guide of literary agents, publishers, small presses, and more. Every year they come out with an updated listing with publishing thousands of agents and publishers. | Discuss Writer's Market | |
| It's only 105 pages but The Elements of Style is considered the classic resource on grammar and punctuation. Pithy and to the points, it belongs on the desktop of every writer. | Discuss the Elements of Style | |
| If you're thinking of self-publishing your book be sure to check out Dan Poytner's Self-Publishing Manual. The book is a complete course in writing, publishing, marketing, promoting and distributing books. It takes you step-by-step from idea, through manuscript, printing, promotion and sales. | Discuss The Self-Publishing Manual |
