Here’s a list of my most recommended ‘how to’ books. These are all book that I have bought and used, or continue to use.
Many of these I used when I started my career. The books I use most frequently at the moment are starred.
Short Stories
How to Write and Sell Short Stories (Secrets to Success)
Writing novels
The Idea *
How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling
Writing the Breakout Novel: Winning Advice from a Top Agent and His Best-selling Client
Characters & Viewpoint (Elements of Writing Fiction )
Editing
The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition
Screenwriting (I use these to help structure and strengthen my novels rather than for actual screenwriting)
*
The Story Book: A Writer’s Guide to Story Development, Principles, Problem-solving and Marketing *
Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting (Methuen Film)
Agents and the publishing process
From Pitch to Publication: Everything You Need to Know to Get Your Novel Published
Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook
General books on writing
Monkeys with Typewriters: How to Write Fiction and Unlock the Secret Power of Stories
Into The Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
Solutions for Writers: Practical Craft Techniques for Fiction and Non-fiction
