Writing can feel like magic, but it is also a skill that needs to be learned, practised, and refined. Whether you are crafting a novel, exploring non-fiction, or simply looking to improve your storytelling, the right books can make all the difference.
But with so many writing guides out there, where do you start? To help, I have put together a list of some of the best books for writers, all highly recommended by authors across the UK and the US. These books offer practical advice, creative inspiration, and a few much-needed reality checks.
Getting motivated and beating self-doubt
Before you can write a great book, you have to actually write. If you’re struggling with procrastination, creative blocks, or imposter syndrome, these books will help you push through.
1. The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy? Pressfield calls this “Resistance” and argues that every creative person faces it. This book is part motivational guide, part battle cry. If you need a push to sit down and write, this is it.
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2. The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron
Many writers swear by this book for unlocking creativity. Cameron’s famous “morning pages” exercise involves writing three pages of free-flowing thoughts every morning and has helped countless writers break through mental blocks.
3. Shut Up and Write the Book – Jenna Moreci
If you prefer your writing advice with a side of tough love, this is the book for you. Moreci breaks the process down into clear, manageable steps, covering everything from idea to final edit with straightforward advice and plenty of humour.
4. On Writing – Stephen King
Part memoir, part writing guide, King shares his personal journey and hard-earned wisdom. It’s packed with practical advice, including his famous tip: “The adverb is not your friend.”
5. Bird by Bird – Anne Lamott
If writing feels overwhelming, Lamott’s approach will be a relief. She reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect—we just have to take it one step at a time, “bird by bird.”
Mastering storytelling and structure
Once you’re writing regularly, the next step is learning to craft a compelling story. These books break down structure, plot, and character development in ways that make sense.
6. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel – Jessica Brody
Originally a screenwriting method, “Save the Cat!” teaches a simple, effective way to structure a novel. If plotting has always felt like a mystery to you, this book will be a game-changer.
7. The Writer’s Journey – Christopher Vogler
Based on Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” this book explains why certain stories resonate so powerfully. It’s especially useful for fantasy, adventure, and epic storytelling.
8. Story – Robert McKee
McKee is the go-to expert on storytelling for Hollywood, but his insights apply to novelists too. This book is dense but incredibly useful for anyone who wants to write gripping, emotionally resonant stories.
9. Plot & Structure – James Scott Bell
A clear, practical guide to building strong plots. Bell breaks down story structure with easy-to-follow techniques, brainstorming exercises, and troubleshooting advice for common plotting issues.
10. The Emotional Craft of Fiction – Donald Maass
Good stories make us feel something. Maass explains how to create emotional depth so that readers connect with your characters on a deeper level.
Improving your writing style
Even the best story ideas can fall flat if they aren’t written well. These books will help you write with clarity, style, and confidence.
11. Steering the Craft – Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin, one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time, offers practical exercises to sharpen your prose. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, this book will make you a stronger writer.
12. On Writing Well – William Zinsser
If you write non-fiction, such as memoirs, essays, or journalism, this is essential reading. Zinsser teaches you how to write clearly and engagingly, with plenty of real-world examples.
13. The Sense of Style – Steven Pinker
A modern alternative to The Elements of Style, this book explains why some writing is engaging and some isn’t. If you want to write in a way that truly connects with readers, this is for you.
14. The Elements of Style – William Strunk Jr
This tiny book has been a must-read for writers for decades. Some of its rules are a bit old-fashioned, but its advice on clarity and conciseness is still valuable.
15. Writing Down the Bones – Natalie Goldberg
Part writing guide, part creativity workbook, Goldberg encourages writers to let go of perfectionism and write more freely. As someone who suffers from perfectionism, this is a great book to spark creativity.
Editing, publishing, and the writing life
Once your draft is done, the real work begins. These books will help you polish your manuscript, navigate the publishing process, and sustain your creative career.
16. Self-Editing for Self-Publishers – Richard Bradburn
Many writers make the mistake of thinking they don’t need editing. This book teaches you how to critically assess your own work and fix common writing mistakes before sending it to a literary agent.
17. The Business of Being a Writer – Jane Friedman
Writing is an art, but it’s also a business. This book provides essential guidance on turning your craft into a sustainable career, covering everything from publishing options to building a platform and diversifying income streams.
18. Still Writing – Dani Shapiro
Part memoir, part meditation on the writing life, this book offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights from a bestselling author and teacher of writing.
19. The Science of Storytelling – Will Storr
Blending psychology, neuroscience, and myth, this book explores why stories resonate with us and how writers can use these principles to craft more compelling narratives.
20. Story Genius – Lisa Cron
A step-by-step guide to developing a novel from the ground up, this book uses cognitive storytelling principles to help writers build a solid story structure before they start drafting.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, guidance on storytelling, or practical advice on editing and publishing, these books offer invaluable lessons for writers at every stage of their journey. From structuring your novel to building a sustainable writing career, each title provides tools to help you develop your craft and bring your stories to life.
All of these books can be found in my bookshop here, where you can explore and purchase them while supporting independent bookshops.
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