The 10 best writing books ever
We bring you an ‘unofficial roster’ of the books on writing—from the practical
to the inspirational—that should make it onto your shelves
—By Jim Broderick, from the 120th anniversary edition of The Writer magazine
 Contemporary writers live in a golden age of writing instruction. From Web sites to informal writers groups, MFA programs to writing conferences, anyone who wishes to practice the literary arts can embark on the writer’s journey, confident that help is just a click, phone call or application form away.
And of course, there are the books. Dozens of new titles seem to fill the writing/publishing section of bookstores and libraries every month, promising assistance in every phase of writing. Recently published writing books vie for attention with a bevy of time-honored writing guides, many of which carry endorsements and cover blurbs from some established author assuring “this is the only writing book you’ll ever need.”
The sheer number of titles of books about writing has created a new and vexing problem for the neophyte writer: Which books will really help you become a better writer?
Over time, a sort of unofficial roster of useful or inspiring writing books has emerged from the ever-expanding stacks. Often these books gained traction by first being passed from struggling writer to struggling writer, then through writing groups and academic programs, usually culminating with inclusion in some “best books for writers” list on the Internet, where the global community of writers can discover their value.
And while no single book about the art of writing can claim to be the “best” ever published, many writers have come to cherish the advice, hand holding or inspiration found in certain writing books. Every writer needs a creative jump-start, or even just a quick refresher in the use of the semicolon, from time to time. The following list contains books that will do that and a little more. Each of these titles has found a following not only because it preaches good writing, but also because the author practices it. The books on this list contain passages of profound originality, lasting beauty and crystalline clarity. They stand on their own as great books, not just great writing books.
From the time of Aristotle to our own, writers have sought out those who can reveal the source of literature’s power to surprise and to move. The following 10 books offer an initiation into the ritual of writerly magic. (Click the cover image to continue reading in PDF form.)
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