If you are a writer or aspire to be one, this page is for you. The books below were not randomly selected. Each one (and often each person) has had a tremendous impact on me and my journey as a writer. Each book is right for a slightly different stop on the writer's journey. Each person is an expert who offers the support and guidance that we all need along the way.
(While I only recommend books I love, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A girl's gotta eat.)
Natalie Goldberg is the guide that every person who dreams of being a writer needs. I don't know if I would have become an author if I hadn't found these books. Her work encourages writers to trust their instincts, let go of self-doubt, and write with raw honesty and energy. This is where you fan your creative spark into a raging fire of ideas.
Writing Down the Bones introduces the concept of “writing practice,” a freeing, meditative approach that helps writers quiet their inner critic and find their authentic voice. It’s a modern classic, filled with short chapters that are both inspirational and practical.
Wild Mind builds on those ideas, inviting writers to go deeper into the wild, unpredictable nature of the creative process. With warmth and humor, Goldberg gives writers permission to be messy, bold, and fully present.
If you are struggling with perfectionism or finding your voice, these are the books for you. Fantastic gifts for that teen aspiring to be a writer.
Learn more at: Nataliegoldberg.com
Lisa Cron is the tell-it-like-it-is story coach that every writer needs. While I can't say reading these books made me happy (understanding the mistakes one is making stings), I can say that my novels are a thousand time better because I followed Lisa's advice. Lisa bridges the gap between brain science and storytelling. Her work helps writers understand not just how stories work — but why they work, and why our brains are wired to crave them.
In Wired for Story, she explains how to hook readers on the first page by tapping into their hardwired need for story. Story Genius builds on that foundation, offering a step-by-step method for crafting emotionally resonant stories from the inside out.
If you are drafting your first novel or revising one that isn't quite working, these are the books for you. Together, they are game-changers for writers who want to create stories that truly connect. Ignore her advice at your own peril.
Learn more at: wiredforstory.com
Every writer needs someone to talk them down from the ledge once in a while and Tiffany Yates Martin is that person for a lot of us. Her website has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best sites for writers by Writer's Digest and her weekly blog/newsletter is one of three I never miss.
As an editor Tiffany has decades of experience helping authors shape their stories without sacrificing their voice. I had the pleasure of working with her on Feral Creatures of Suburbia and it was a wonderful experience.
Her books are must-haves for writers looking to grow their craft. In Intuitive Editing, she offers a clear, practical guide to revising your work while keeping your creative spark alive. The Intuitive Author zooms out to help you reconnect with your instincts as a storyteller.
Together, these books offer a balanced blend of craft, mindset, and encouragement for every stage of the writing journey.
Learn more at: FoxPrintEditorial.com
I'm only being slightly hyperbolic when I say, Jane Friedman saved my life. After almost two hundred agent rejections, I was about to give up on my book House on Fire but then I read these words in one of Jane's newsletters: WILL YOU SHUT DOWN AND STOP OR WILL YOU GRAPPLE WITH THE CHALLENGE AND GROW. Needless to say I didn't shut down.
Jane is one of the most trusted voices in publishing. In addition to clear, no-nonsense advice, she offers regular (and very affordable) classes for writers at all stages of their careers. With decades of experience, she specializes in helping authors navigate the business side of writing.
Her book The Business of Being a Writer is a must-read for anyone serious about turning writing into a sustainable career. It offers practical, honest insight into how the publishing world really works. Her Great Courses class, How to Publish Your Book, demystifies the entire publishing process, whether you're going indie or pursuing a traditional deal. Jane's newsletter is another one I never miss.
THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER
Learn more at: janefriedman.com
Arielle Eckstut is one half of The Book Doctors, a dynamic duo known for demystifying the publishing world and helping writers navigate the path to publication. With experience as an agent, author, and industry insider, Arielle brings both tough love and practical wisdom to the table.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, co-authored with David Henry Sterry, offers an all-in-one roadmap covering everything from perfecting your pitch to building your platform, finding an agent, and understanding today’s hybrid and self-publishing options. The tone is encouraging, realistic, and full of real-world advice from people who’ve helped launch hundreds of books.
Whether you’re just starting or already querying, this book is a publishing toolkit you’ll want by your side. This along with Jane Friedman's class How to Publish Your Book is literally everything a writer needs to understand the process of getting their book out into the world. I had the pleasure of working with Arielle on House on Fire. Her guidance made a good book better.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED
Learn more at: TheBookDoctors.com
Lynne Truss couldn't have known her book about punctuation was going to hit the bestseller lists — but it did, and it’s hilarious. Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation is part grammar guide, part love letter to the English language, and part comedic rant. With wit and exasperation, Truss champions the importance of apostrophes, commas, and all the little marks that make writing readable (and occasionally ridiculous).
This is the shortest, clearest and funniest guide to punctuation you'll ever read. One I refer to regularly when my tenuous relationship with commas is exposed.
Though Lynne is probably the most well-known (and successful) member of the punctuation police, she's also the author of numerous works of fiction and I loved this quote on her website about her career, "When people asked me to write things, I said yes." Sage advice.
Learn more at: LynneTruss.com
