Here is a list of books about writing for writers.  Purchase them at your local bookstore or by searching online.  They are listed in alphabetical order.

A Decent Proposal.   How to sell your book to an Australian publisher or literary agent, Rhonda Whitton and Sheila Hollingworth – introduces the techniques required to develop a convincing book proposal.

On Writing, Stephen King – the craft of writing

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. How to edit yourself into print, Renni Browne and Dave King – excellent advice, tips and practice exercises on editing fiction.

Steering the Craft, a 21st Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story, Ursula Le Guin – handbook on the craft of writing.

Techniques of the Selling Writer, Dwight V. Swain – provides solid instruction for people who want to write and sell fiction. It gives the background, insights, and specific procedures needed by all beginning writers. Learn how to group words into copy that moves, movement into scenes, and scenes into stories; how to develop characters, how to revise and polish, and finally, how to sell the product.

The Elements of Style, William Strunk – a style manual that offers practical advice on improving writing skills. Throughout, the emphasis is on promoting a plain English style.

The First Five Pages: A Writers Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile, Noah Lukeman – It’s the job of the writer to produce a manuscript that immediately stands out among the vast competition. And those outstanding qualities have to be apparent from the first five pages.

Writing and Selling Your Novel, Jack M. Bickham – focuses on the craft of writing and making your book good enough to sell

Image: Guggenheim, New York