Reference Books for Writers

I’m firmly convincedthat all writers and editors should have their own library of resource and reference books. For all its strengths, the Internet doesn’t always have the most thorough answer at the moment you need it. And if you have no connection, a low-tech reference book is easily your best resource.

The left sidebar here at The Editor’s Blog is filled with links for some of my favorite reference materials. I recommend each of these for both writers and editors. (The right sidebar may contain additional writing resources that I feature when I find a book I think others will enjoy.)

There are different kinds of writing resources, including reference books for grammar & punctuation, style aids, and books filled with tips on how to start writing or encouragement to keep writing. All are valid resources, depending on your need.

While you may not check out a particular book until you need a specific answer to a writing problem, I suggest that you read one or two writing books—on craft or encouragement or grammar rules—each year. Going to a source for a specific need gets the job done. But these books are filled with so much more, it seems a shame when their wealth of knowledge sits on a shelf, ignored.

Read a grammar/punctuation book every year. You’ll learn something new. I guarantee it.

If you need practice with a particular skill or writing area, pull out one of Julia Cameron’s books and go through the writing exercises in it.

Invest in a good dictionary or two or three. No, we can’t all afford the full Oxford English Dictionary. But the Shorter OED is well worth the money if correct word usage is integral for your career.

If you’ve lost the fire for storytelling, grab a book from one of your favorite authors and immerse yourself in a fictional world to relight the flame.

♦ ♦ ♦

From my recommendations—

Grammatically Correct by Anne Stillman. My absolute favorite grammar & punctuation resource. I try to read this cover to cover every two years. It’s easy to follow, the examples are clear, and it covers nearly every question I’ve ever had on punctuation and grammar.

New Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors. This one sits on my desk next to my Chicago Manual of Style. I use it for spelling (one word, two words, or hyphenated word) more than for definitions.

How to Grow a Novel by Sol Stein. This one has writing tips, but when I read it, I’m reminded of what I love about writing. I use How to Grow a Novel to charge my writing batteries.

Chicago Manual of Style.  If you’re writing for anyone who uses this as their style foundation, you need it too. Actually, you just need it because it’s got information every writer needs and examples that are clear. (I actually use the 14th edition, but the 15th is the current edition. I’ve heard the type is smaller in the 15th edition, though I’ve not actually seen this.)

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King. Every writer should be editing his own work. Although publishers still have copy editors and others who help clean up your manuscript, writers owe those who’ll read their work the best manuscript they can produce. Self-Writing for Fiction Writers (as well as How to Be Your Own Best Editorby Barry Tarshis) can give you an edge, show you the areas you need to edit or rewrite before submitting.

How Not to Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark & Sandra Newman. Funny, sometimes biting, advice on what not to do if you want to be published. This is one you’ll even quote to friends who aren’t writers. The advice is solid and the read enjoyable.

Beginnings, Middles & Ends by Nancy Kress. One of my favorites from the Writer’s Digest series, The Elements of Fiction Writing. If you’re a beginner, this one’s an excellent starting point. If you’ve been writing for years, use this as a refresher.

One of my bookshelves… 

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Tags: references for writers, writing resources

Posted in Recommendations