The best 22 Writing books

Told from the personal perspective of author Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird is a guide toward becoming a better writer and improving your life along the way. Lamott’s distinctive approach, honesty and personal anecdotes make this book a must for writers or anyone who wants to become one.

Wired for Story (2012) takes findings from modern brain science to explain why exactly certain stories suck us in, while others leave us bored and disengaged. By using some fundamental techniques drawn from understanding what makes us tick, writers can craft more compelling stories.

Everybody Writes (2014) gives you invaluable advice on how to create great content, from using correct grammar to crafting engaging posts, tweets and emails. With just a handful of simple rules, these blinks will help you gain a better understanding of how to use the right words to keep customers coming back for more.

Daily Rituals (2013) is an entertaining and illuminating collection of the daily routines of great minds and artists. Including the work habits of people such as Jane Austen, Ludwig van Beethoven and Pablo Picasso, it offers insights into the best ways to maximize efficiency and prevent writer’s block, as well as tips on how to get by in the creative world.

Reading Like a Writer (2006) shows us how to read literary masterpieces with open eyes. These blinks explain the patterns of writing that make fiction memorable, powerful and authentic, helping us slow down our reading and find more enjoyable experiences in every book.

The Sense of Style (2014) offers a refreshing and relevant guide to writing potent, readable texts of all kinds. Instead of extolling the same confusing and sometimes counter-intuitive rules found in traditional style guides, The Sense of Style offers simple tricks and heuristics guaranteed to improve your writing.

Do I Make Myself Clear? (2017) offers a much-needed look at why clear and concise messages are, now more than ever, so important. There is an overwhelming abundance of content these days, and yet finding the truth has never been more difficult. Politicians and marketing executives use deliberately misleading words that obscure the truth and leave us confused and distrustful. Other times, bad writing simply leaves us scratching our heads. If we hope to better understand the facts, we need more people who can deliver clear and meaningful writing.

Writing That Works (1981) is the definitive guide to business writing. These blinks are full of advice on how to write clear, compelling and succinct business communications, covering everything from quarterly reports to presentations, emails and even resumes.

Persuasive Copywriting (2019) is a valuable guide to the world of copywriting, with tips on how to get the attention and keep the interest of customers, as well as generate those all-important sales for your client. Author Andy Maslen takes time-tested techniques that have proven reliable for generations and shows how these are being successfully applied in an online world that’s increasingly focused on content marketing.

Written in History (2018) takes a look at some of the world’s most important letters. From love letters revealing the intimate sides of Mozart and Stalin to political statements which altered the course of history, these blinks guide you through the personal thoughts of many renowned figures of the past. As you’ll see, letters give us insight into historical events as well as remind us what it means to be human.

Write Your Book in a Flash (2018) provides a comprehensive roadmap to writing non-fiction business books. By following its clear system, you can create a quality book quickly and effectively, to showcase that you’re a leader in your field.

On Writing Well (1976) by William Zinsser is an indispensable guide to the art and craft of nonfiction writing. Adapted from Zinsser’s writing course at Yale University, this handbook introduces the principles of good writing in a warm, accessible way. What’s more, it’s packed with tips, tricks, and tools for polishing prose to perfection.

Communicate with Mastery (2020) is a practical guide for senior leaders wishing to improve their communication skills. It provides actionable advice and useful strategies to become an influential speaker and a compelling writer.

How to Take Smart Notes (2017) is exactly that – an explanation of how and why to take smart notes. It explains how this simple, little-known, and often misunderstood technique can aid your thinking, writing, and learning. With the help of smart notes, you may never face the horror of a blank page again.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1948) is a seminal work of comparative mythology. It reveals that foundational myths from around the world share similar structures and themes, which trace back to some of our earliest stories and continue to hold a strong power over us today. 

Business Writing Tips (2023) condenses years of personal experience into practical tips for better business or nonfiction writing. With its stress on writing as a learnable skill, it provides actionable guidance to overcome common challenges and help you become a more confident, persuasive communicator. 

Smart Brevity (2022) offers a guide to effective communication in an age of information overload. It emphasizes the importance of conveying ideas succinctly and clearly and provides practical strategies to streamline communication across various platforms, from emails and meetings to presentations and social media.

The Storyteller (2021) captures Dave Grohl’s journey through the highs and lows of a life in rock music, from his formative years in the punk scene to superstardom with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Grohl shares candid stories of fame, music, and fatherhood, offering a window into the life of one of rock’s most enduring figures. Through his personal anecdotes, Grohl reveals the passion and perseverance behind his legendary career.

"The Elements of Style" is a classic guide to writing well. Written by William Strunk Jr. and later revised by E.B. White, it offers timeless advice on grammar, style, and composition. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their writing skills and communicate more effectively.

5,000 Writing Prompts by Bryn Donovan is a treasure trove of inspiration for writers of all levels. Packed with unique and thought-provoking prompts, this book will help you overcome writer's block and unleash your creativity. Whether you're working on a novel, short story, or simply want to improve your writing skills, this book is a must-have companion for any aspiring writer.

The Pleasures of the Damned is a collection of Charles Bukowski's poems selected from his extensive body of work. With raw and unapologetic honesty, Bukowski explores the gritty realities of life, love, and the human condition. This book offers a glimpse into the mind of a prolific and influential poet who dared to challenge societal norms and speak his truth.

You Get So Alone at Times That it Just Makes Sense by Charles Bukowski is a collection of raw and unapologetic poetry that delves into the loneliness, struggles, and occasional moments of clarity in the author's life. With his trademark gritty and honest style, Bukowski explores themes of love, death, and the human condition, leaving a profound impact on the reader.