Writing a book can be overwhelming for first-time authors, and many quit before they ever get to publishing. But that’s because they didn’t have the top books on how to write a book at their disposal.
With the right tips, inspiration, and guidance, anyone can write a book – and you can too.
You probably have lots of questions:
- How do you write a book step by step?
- What should writing a book include?
- What is the best book writing software?
- Is it hard to get published?
Well, our list of the best books on how to write a book covers all those topics and more – so you can feel confident in your journey to becoming a bestselling author.
So let’s get started!
This Guide to Books On How to Write A Book Will Cover:
13 Top Books on How to Write a Book
Here are the 13 best books on how to write a book:
1. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
On Writing is one of the absolute top books on how to write a book. You will find it on pretty much every list there is. And for good reason. Stephen King is a master at his craft.
This book is part master class, part memoir, and all gold for authors. It’s a practical guide with really valuable advice from one of the best authors of our time.
2. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Bird by Bird is the gold standard of writing guides. It’s honest, warm, and often humorous, and it tackles common problems in the writing process, like dealing with writer’s block, finding your voice, and overcoming perfectionism.
This is one of the best books on how to write a book for new and seasoned writers alike.
3. I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop by Mur Lafferty
I Should Be Writing has been a podcast for years, but the best information in the podcast was finally compiled and turned into this fabulous book. It’s aptly called a “writer’s workshop,” and contains blends of exercises and lessons for aspiring writers.
If you’re trying to learn how to start writing a book, this is the book to get you through it.
4. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
Zen in the Art of Writing takes a philosophical approach to writing novels. This book helps you to stay in the right mindframe for writing so you don’t burn out or lose the plot in your writing journey.
Of course, this book isn’t just about inspiration – it also offers original ideas on developing your own voice and writing style.
5. The Kick-Ass Writer: 1001 Ways to Write Great Fiction, Get Published, and Earn Your Audience by Chuck Wendig
The Kick-Ass Writer is as fun as it is educational. It’s not only one of the best books on how to write a book, it’s also extremely helpful in learning how to publish that book once you finish your manuscript.
This book covers traditional publishing, so if you are hoping to self-publish your book, this might not be the one for you.
6. The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
In John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story, you’ll learn how to build the perfect hero’s journey or three-act structure before you even start writing.
It will help you to make a successful book outline, and an even more successful novel.
7. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art isn’t exclusively about writing, but there’s a reason I included it in the best books on how to write a book. This book addresses the inner resistance and challenges that all creative individuals face, making it highly relevant for writers.
Reading this book will help you to overcome any struggles you are having with your creativity.
8. Telling Lies for Fun & Profit by Lawrence Block
Lawrence Block is an incredibly successful mystery author, and there is a lot we can learn from him. Telling Lies for Fun & Profit is a collection of his essays from Writer’s Digest where he shares writing advice from how to start a novel to how to overcome writer’s block.
This is the perfect book to read if you want to learn how to write a fiction book.
9. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
Writing Down the Bones is one of the best books on how to write a book. It is easy to read because the chapters are so short and sweet, but they are full of useful information.
Goldberg lays out precisely what works for her when writing a book, and can help you determine your writing routine and goals.
10. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser
On Writing Well is a classic for a reason. It offers up the fundamental principles of writing in a very clear manner, and is one of the best books on how to write a book that is nonfiction.
Whether you want to talk about science, sport, art, business, or even your own life, this book will give you sound advice on crafting a bestseller.
11. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Everyone needs a refresher on grammar now and then, and The Elements of Style is THE grammar bible. If you want to write well, it’s an essential book to keep in your arsenal.
Not only does this style manual teach you all you need to know about grammar, it also offers practical advice on improving your writing skills, sprucing up your sentences, and communicating more effectively.
12. Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin
Steering the Craft gives you all the writing basics you could want, from sentence construction, to point of view, to sound and rhythm. Couple this with illustrative examples and Le Guin’s witty commentary and you have a truly winning book on how to write a book.
13. Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear, Distraction and Other Dilemmas in the Writer’s Life by Bonnie Friedman
Writing Past Dark is all about conquering the fears and doubts that stop you from reaching your full potential as an author. It tackles envy, self-defeating habits, the dreaded distraction, and more.
Friedman offers actionable insights on how to tackle the trickiest obstacles writers face.
Want More Help With Writing Your Book?
Sometimes, reading books on how to write a book isn’t quite enough to coach you through the process. Whether you need more questions answered, need assistance with book marketing, or just need someone to hold you accountable with your writing schedule, that’s what our team is here for!
At Self-Publishing School, we’ve helped over 7,000 authors to write, edit, and publish their dream books – and we’d love to help you too! Just reach out to our team today to get started.
