Successful storytelling requires not only a narrative. Publishing your book requires that you follow certain guidelines and standards. These guidelines have inspired great writers and authors in the past.

So you have this story in mind and you want to put it into writing. That’s just the start of every writer’s journey towards publishing their book. Of course, there are many different reasons why a writer decides to publish a book. Whether it’s retelling the life of a person, preserving a memory, or simply sharing a thought, every writer wants to publish a well-written book. Below are 5 books that we think can help future writers produce a manuscript worth publishing.

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

For an aspiring writer, there is nothing better than a great inspirational read. The Writing Life is a guidebook by award-winning author Annie Dillard. What makes this book so valuable is that it contains Dillard’s observations about the writer’s process. Readers are introduced to the certain realities of a writer’s life, from habits formed to writing styles. Dillard treats writing like manual labor (mining or woodcarving). She also shares her journey as a writer. Dillard highlights some of the challenges she encountered and the joys that writing brought to her life. A must-read for those who are about to embark on a great literary journey.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

Since 1918, William Strunk Jr.’s The Elements of Style has helped millions of readers, writers, and teachers. The book is considered the definitive text and classic manual on the principles of the English language. The Elements of Style features 18 main topics that deal with basic rules of composition, form, words, and expressions often misused, as well as commonly misspelled words. In 1959, American writer Elwyn Brooks White revised the book (Strunk & White). For aspiring authors, this handbook is a great tool in writing great sentences and paragraphs. 

Fundamental Keyboarding Skills by Denise Rolanda Chambers

Typing your manuscript is a great advantage, especially if you plan on self-publishing your book. By doing so, you can ensure the quality of your manuscript. It’s a reality that many authors do not care so much about the importance of presenting a well-formatted draft. Denise Rolanda Chamber’s Fundamental Keyboarding Skills assists writers and authors in honing their keyboarding skills. Many do not notice the fact that there is beauty in formatting your arranging every element in the manuscript. Fundamental Keyboarding Skills promises to teach writers everything there is to know about typing and formatting from margins, hand placement of keys, typing right, spacing, and many more.  

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Our list would not be complete if we did not include this gem. Bird by Bird by bestselling novelist Anne Lamott has inspired millions of readers and writers since 1995. Bird by Bird offers its readers a collection of wisdom both from great writers, including her own rich experience as well. Lamott shares her own experience, recalling her early years, her choices, failures, and hard-earned victories as a writer. Just like Anne Dilliard’s The Writing Life, Lamott’s Bird by Bird is a personal work and yet it minces no words describing the details of a writer’s life. A truly delightful read, a timeless classic.

Write Right! A Desktop Digest of Punctuation, Grammar, and Style by Jan Venolia

Imagine William Strunk Jr.’s Element of Style but a bit lighter and funnier. It also contains amusing illustrations that drive home certain points. Write Right! By Jan Venolia is a writing guide designed for modern-day scribes. Just like Strunk Jr. & E.B. white classic, the book deals with punctuations, grammar, and writing style. It is a vast resource of tips, reminders, and ideas for writers of different levels. Above all, the book takes readers to the whole writing process (parts of speech, correct sentence construction, etc.) A fun and effective way to sharpening one’s writing skills.

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