Seven Must-Have Writing Books

By Sandra Graves

1) On Writing
by Stephen King

You get the best of two worlds with this book: a look at Stephen King and how he became the legend he is today, and helpful advice and indispensable tools for all writers aspiring to be great storytellers. Not only will you read wonderful tales from his childhood, you'll also learn about writing at the same time. His approach is honest, funny, direct, and not worth missing. This is absolutely the best book on the writing craft that is out there. You'll be sure to read this one at least a half dozen times.

2) The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success
by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell

If you're not one to follow the rules, then this is the perfect book on learning how to get your work accepted by magazines. The authors' advice is inspirational and humorous at times, and their tips for breaking in are not just fluff, but ones they've used and tested. They talk in a conversational tone, making you feel like you're being talked to rather than talked down to. This is the first book any aspiring freelancer should read.

3) Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye
by Katherine Sands

If you plan to get a literary agent to help you get that sought after book deal, then this book will show you what and what not to do. With helpful advice by a diverse group of agents, you'll find yourself highlighting and noting pages as you read through this book. Use this book with "Your Novel Proposal: From Creation to Contract" and you'll be on your way to catching a literary agent's interest, who in turn will take your proposal to sell your manuscript to a publisher.

4) The Chicago Manual of Style
by University of Chicago Press Staff

This is the perfect reference book to answer all those nagging style questions. This classic book goes into great detail about every aspect of grammar and usage, and is easily searchable. This latest edition goes into everything you need to know about electronic publications, so if you have an older version of this book, it may be time to retire it for the 15th edition. Every writer and editor should have a copy of this on her bookshelf.

5) Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English, Second Edition
by Patricia T. O'Connor

The only grammar book you'll ever need and it's a fun and easy read from start to finish. The newest edition has a section on e-mail; just because you're writing an informal e-mail message, that's no excuse to get sloppy. You can easily read this book in a few hours, and keep in on your desk for a quick reference.

6) Your Novel Proposal: From Creation to Contract
by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook

Getting ready to submit your manuscript to an agent or publisher? Don't take that step without checking out this book. Full of helpful advice, tips, and sample query letters; this book will answer all your questions on how to submit a book proposal.

7) The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White, Roger Angell

Noted as the best style book available. This handy little book should be in every writer's book bag.

Sandra Graves is a freelance writer, copy editor, author, photographer, and licensed real estate agent. She is also the publisher of Writer's Resource Guide, an online site that helps writers get organized and get writing. Visit http://www.writersresourceguide.com for more information.

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