9 Essential Books On Writing And Publishing For Aspiring Wordsmiths
If you're an aspiring writer, you probably know that it can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating business. Putting your thoughts down on paper isn't easy. And even after you manage to craft your story, there's still the matter of getting it out to an audience. Luckily, the nine works listed here can help you overcome any obstacles on your path to publishing, whether you need assistance with the creative process or the business side of things. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Helpful Books for Writers: Our 9 Picks
Things Every Writer Should Have
- A journal where you can keep track of your thoughts & ideas
- Some coffee or tea to get you through late-night bursts of inspiration
- A comfortable keyboard so you don't end up with carpal-tunnel syndrome
- A laptop that's easy to bring along to your local coffee shop
- A height-adjustable desk to help you avoid hurting your lower back
- A foam roller for when you inevitably hurt your lower back anyway
8 Great Movies About Writers
- The Third Man (1949)
- Becoming Jane (2007)
- Trumbo (2015)
- Adaptation (2002)
- Kill Your Darlings (2013)
- Shakespeare in Love (1998)
- Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
- The End of the Tour (2015)
How to Write Descriptively
In Depth
Sitting down and putting words on a page requires discipline, creativity, and the bravery necessary to open yourself up to criticism. All types of writers need help occasionally when it comes to craft, business, and inspiration. Novelists, freelancers, and bloggers alike will find value in the titles included here. In no particular order, here are nine essential books on writing and publishing for aspiring wordsmiths.
First up, at #1, is "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. The author of popular novels like "The Legend of Baggar Vance" wasn't always a huge success. It took him twenty-seven years to get a book published, and he had to work a lot of odd jobs over the years before he made it. To help those struggling like his former self, Pressfield offers his tips to overcoming resistance and persevering on the road to success.
#2 is "Write to Be Published" by Nicola Morgan. The author of over ninety books, Morgan gives readers an inside look at the publishing industry. Those who have dreams of literary success will appreciate her advice about how to polish a novel and what agents and editors are looking for. She shares her honest insights in a concise yet funny way that's sure to inspire.
She shares her honest insights in a concise yet funny way that's sure to inspire.
Next, at #3, is "The Shy Writer Reborn" by C. Hope Clark. Creative types who are used to spending days alone behind a keyboard are often introverts who aren't natural salespeople. But to get readers, you need to sell yourself. If it feels like marketing isn't in your wheelhouse, Clark offers advice on how to get your work out there without completely changing your personality.
#4 is "The Blogger's Survival Guide" by Lexie Lane and Becky McNeer. Whether you're just formatting your website, branching out into social media, or trying to create fresh, quality content, this simple manual offers practical tips for success. Lane and McNeer have both been involved in the creation and ownership of several prosperous websites, so they're able to offer more than platitudes, instead providing real solutions for your web-based business.
#5 is "Hypnotic Writing" by Joe Vitale, which focuses on the art of persuasive copywriting. Vitale, who has a background in marketing and has penned several bestsellers, teaches readers how to generate sales through a simple process with proven success. After its first publication over twenty years ago, this book has been updated with the latest techniques and current examples.
Vitale, who has a background in marketing and has penned several bestsellers, teaches readers how to generate sales through a simple process with proven success.
#6 is "Plan Your Novel Like A Pro" by Beth Barany and Ezra Barany. Plotting out your literary masterpiece can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when you've got other responsibilities taking up your time. This helpful book breaks the process down into 15-20 minute chunks that can fit into any busy schedule. Aspiring authors can get started and learn how to outline a book within just one month with this enthusiastic guide.
#7 on the list is "The Quick and Dirty Guide to Freelance Writing" by Scott Carney, which is aimed at those who seek to earn a living at their craft. With short, efficient chapters, Carney teaches freelancers how to make it in the modern marketplace by placing a value on their work. He insists writers don't need to be broke if they know their worth and treat their career as a business. On top of this insightful advice, Carney shares how he pitches to editors and negotiates his contracts.
#8 is "Bean Counting for Authors" by Christina Mercer, a former accountant. While writers may prefer to look at their books from an artistic perspective, publishing is a business, and not understanding how it works can cost you. From sales to taxes to retirement savings, Mercer covers a lot of ground in this short read. Those who struggle with math and bookkeeping will find great value in her advice.
Those who struggle with math and bookkeeping will find great value in her advice.
Lastly, at #9 is "The Truth of Memoir" by Kerry Cohen. Telling your own story can be tricky. Nonfiction involves telling the truth, and reality isn't always pretty. Cohen, the author of several memoirs, discusses the complexities of sharing your life without hurting others, damaging relationships, or telling secrets that are best kept quiet. Readers will also gain access to practice exercises, and hear from over twenty other voices on the subject through essays included in the text.
