Recommended Writing Books

 

Practical guides

Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write: How to Get a Contract and Advance Before Writing Your Book by Elizabeth Lyon
In my opinion, the single best book on writing a nonfiction book proposal.

The complete idiot's guide to getting published (2nd edition) by Sheree Bykofsky and Jennifer Basye Sander
A high-powered New York literary agent shares her secrets. Essential for novice and experienced writer alike.

Write the perfect book proposal: ten that sold and why by Deborah Levine Herman and Jeff Herman
Experienced agent walks you through the "how tos" of a book proposal. Highly recommended.

Sol Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. Best-selling author and master editor explains why some books keep you turning the pages -- and why some fizzle out early.

Jump Start Your Book Sales: A Jump Start Your Book Sales: A Money-Making Guide for Authors, Independent Publishers and Small Presses by Marilyn Ross and Tom Ross
Publishers rarely offer writers enough publicity. These days, you must be your own publicist. Before you pay for PR consulting, read this book.

The Writers Market from Wrtiers Digest
The Bible for serious professional writers.

Writing the blockbuster novel by Albert Zuckerman. A formula for best-sellers from one who's been there.

Writing the breakout novel by Donald Maass and Anne Perry. Another take on best-selling novels by an agent and an author.

Self-help and inspiration for creatives

Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer. by Bruce Holland Rogers. What it's really lke to be a writer, every day. An unconventional answer to the "Should you quit your job" question, plus cool insights into affirmations, romance and altered states.

The Artist's Way : A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. by Julia Cameron. A classic. A workbook, not a "read-only." Follow this program and change your life.

Walking in this World: The Practical Art of Creativity by Julia Cameron. Already done the Artist's Way? Move on to Walking. Some overlap with the Artist's Way but some wonderful new ideas too.

Write it Down, Make it Happen, by Henriette Anne Klauser, Ph.D. Helpful for goal-setting and follow-through. Realistic and sensible.

How much joy can you stand? A creative guide to facing your fears and making your dreams come true. by Suzanne Falter-Barns. Whether you're creating a novel, a painting or a company, this book can be your guide, coach and mentor.

This time I dance! by Tama Kieves. Harvard-trained lawyer leaves well-paid job for increased satisfaction and creativity. Will be especially helpful to career-changers who are thirty-five and under.

Thunder and Lightning : Cracking Open the Writer's Craft. by Natalie Goldberg. Ignore the bookjacket copy and enjoy this memoir. It won't help you get published but it creates a sense of writing as vocation, without using those words. The audio version is great for a road trip, once you get past the author's accent.

Writing for your career

How to Say It In Your Job Search by Robbie Kaplan. The best I've seen so far: resumes, cover letters, thank yous for the 21st century mid-career professional. A must for the midlife job-seeker.

Don't Send a Resume by Jeffrey J. Fox
Not for everyone. But if you have a successful track record, a gift for problem-solving, and an ability to sell yourself, this book mayhelp you move faster than any other. Read the reviews first.

Ebusiness

Internet Marketing for Less Than $500/ Year by Marcia Yudkin. Indispensable guide for the newbie e-preneur -- and valuable tips for experienced web business owners too.