10 Must Have Books For Any Writer: From Making Money to Improving Your Writing

This is my own ten must have books for any writer who want to make it in this business. I've got a lot of books in my own personal library, but I am going to be writing about what books any writer needs. Now this isn't an exhaustive list, but a list of books I take out of the shelf more than others. I use them for my business and that is where I focus my efforts on both in terms of money and of building my business.

Some have improved my writing, and some have opened my eyes to the publishing industry and others have helped my create more money through my writing. It may even help me publish a best selling book. It is a business of learning and a business where the ones who don't have the understanding of the business will not get published or make money.

So, without any more delay here are the ten must have books I believe all writers need to have one their bookshelves: (By this I mean buy them and not check them out from the library, and, most important read them as well. I use them all the and would be paying a lot of library fines otherwise.... so it is a good business practice, to have some book on writing on hand.)

Elements of Style by Strunk and White:

This is a must, I think this little book had done more to improve my writing than any other book. It is a basic style book, but also a grammar book, and just an all around intelligent book. I also see so many people say they have it, or I forgot to mention it on my hubs. Mentioned.  This is a must for any one who want to build up their business, and become mroe professional in their writing.

Writers Market:

I list this next as it is a valuable resource for me. Not only does it contain a lot of publishers information at the front there is a great section on query letters or freelance work and the rates ( or fees, or money) you should charge. The other thing about this book is the ease of having on large book with a lot of names and information packed in. The index is worth the size of the book, as it lists agents and the types of books they take, to the publishers and their imprints. I myself have the Writer's Market deluxe edition, partly because it is all inclusive. if you are serious about becoming a writer, this is a must.

The First Five Pages:

This is somewhat of a surprise for most, as Noah Lukeman's book isn't what one would call a big hit, but it takes a look at what an agent looks for, from the point of view of an editor and agent. He goes into detail why in the first five pages there is hundreds of reasons why your books was rejected: adverbs, adjectives. Not good. run on sentences: out. No cliches, and make the character interesting!. Any of Lukeman's books are a must read, but this is a must buy as it tells the secrets of the publishing business.

Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus:

Don't have both of these? Get them. Trust me, you'll use them. A lot of the time. Okay all of the time. Just go to amazon now and buy it. Why not the other brands? My Webster's Dictionary is big and heavy and has nearly a million words and the basic meaning to each word. The Thesaurus is even mightier. I list both together since you can't have one without the other. If I had the money I would get the Oxford English Dictionary, except that would take about three feet of my shelf (This is the ultimate dictionary, also known as the OED) so Webster's it is.

Beginner Writer Answer Book:

This covers the basics, and yes I still use it probably every day. It contains all the question I'm to afraid to ask my editor. A small and simple book, but it gives a lot of basic information and everyone, including long time writers need to relearn the basics. You can get the series as a digital download, but I'm not into that I want a book in my hands!

Eats Shoots and Leaves:

You want grammar? This is the book for you. You want funny? Again the book for you. Will is compliment Elements of Style? You bet. I've highlighted and underlined and dogeared this one.

On Writing Well:

If you never consider writing non-fiction you'll still want this book. It asks the hard questions about how to write better, but also how to be a better writer. A strong writer? this book will make you stronger.

Writing for Emotional Impact:

Allow a bit of an open mind on this one, as this is written mostly for people who write screen plays, but it certainly helped me understand the whys of what people need in a writer. Can Connect to the reader? This will help you along. Word of caution: this goes into details about some popular movies so if you like to suspend belief while seeing a movie, you might not want to read parts of the chapters which break down certain movies.

Writer's Idea Book:

Stuck? Need a break from what you're working on but don't want to stop writing? This is a must book.

Last but not least...

National Geographic Map Books and History Map Books:

I write non-fiction as well as fiction, and believe me, people will know you don't know a place, or an area. Use maps and travel books to help describe a place you've seen in pictures or a place in the past.

There you have it my ten, of course I have more but these are the ones I look to, not in any particular order... except the first one. It tops my list. I dno't know of anyone who would argue that point. If you want more on the ten must haves for a writer you can find it here.